RoHS

Restriction of Hazardous Substances

The acronym RoHS (Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment) stands for the European Union’s Directive 2002/95/EG.

Similar restrictions listing forbidden substances, usage limitations and exceptions apply in various other countries such as China, the USA, Japan and South Korea. In the electrical industry the key issue is the general prohibition of lead in electrical and electronic equipment. Thus far there have been a range of exceptions to the element’s restriction; but these are to be eliminated step-by-step with advancing technical standards; and further material bans introduced.

The individual member states of the EU have to adopt the directive in their respective national laws. A corresponding law on electrical and electronic equipment has been duly adopted in Germany. The aims of the regulations are improved personal health and reduced environmental impact; as well as the harmonisation of individual state regulations with a view to removing trade barriers and unfair competition. PFARR Stanztechnik, despite the RoHS, continues to offer both Lead-free and Lead-bearing solders in our range: there is no outright ban in place. All solders are alloyed to individual customer needs. Lead-free solders from Pfarr Stanztechnik were already established as reliable alternatives to Lead-bearing products, offering the same high quality, many years prior to the launch of the regulations.