RoHS General | Lead-free Soldering | Supply Chain | WEEE | Other

Are there any exceptions to RoHS?

Does the RoHS Directive cover Medical Devices?

Are there any exemptions to the RoHS Directive for Telecom?

Is there a possibility the lead in solder for servers exemption could be disallowed any time before 2010?

Q: Are there any exceptions to RoHS?
A: There are a number of exceptions to RoHS. These include spares or parts for the repair or upgrade of products put on the market before July 1, 2006 Equipment solely for military and national security purposes is excluded as well as medical devices and monitoring and control instruments. The RoHS directive also allows a number of exemptions for specific applications. These exemptions are listed in the original RoHS directive (see the Annex ) while others are still pending approval.

Q: Does the RoHS Directive cover Medical Devices?
A: Medical devices are currently excluded from the RoHS directive. These, and monitoring and control instruments, will be reviewed later this year to determine if they should be included. This review will be completed in 2006 and in the opinion of Paul Goodman at ERA Technologies, will eventually be included in the scope of RoHS although not until at least 2008 and more likely 2010.

Q: Are there any exemptions to the RoHS Directive for Telecom?
A: Telecom equipment is within the scope of the RoHS Directive and so the six restricted substances will not be allowed unless there is an exemption. There is an exemption for lead in solders in telecommunications network infrastructure equipment (but not lead in other materials or the other 5 substances). These products are high reliability professional network equipment and do not include personal computers, telephones, products intended for use by consumers, etc.

Q: Is there a possibility the lead in solder for servers exemption could be disallowed any time before 2010?
A: It is not possible at this time to anticipate any changes to the proposed or current exemptions but this is unlikely.