New EU legislation
comes into force in July 2006 which relates to the disposal
of electrical/electronic waste and the elimination of
substances defined as hazardous from all products sold
within the EU. The two new European directives will
introduce new environmental responsibilities for manufacturers,
importers, retailers and distributors of electronic
and electrical equipment and components.
RoHS (Restriction of certain hazardous substances in
electrical equipment) which will take effect from July
1st 2006 and WEEE (Waste electrical and electronic equipment)
which will start on August 1st 2006. After which time
it will be illegal to sell or dispose of equipment containing
more than the maximum agreed level of these substances
within the EU.
RoHS
The RoHS directive will ban the placing of new electrical
equipment which contains more than the maximum level
of certain chemicals into the EU market. The chemicals
in question have been defined as lead, cadmium, mercury,
hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) and
polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDD) flame retardants.
However there are a number of exempted applications
for these substances such as some military applications,
medical devices and monitoring and control instruments.
If you are unsure you should seek advice.
Registered in Cardiff No:2433322. Registered address: Ridgeway Components Ltd, Unit 5, Prosperity Way, Middlewich, Cheshire CW10 0GD
