RoHS General | RoHS Exemptions | Lead-free Soldering | WEEE | Other

What if I need to repair electronic equipment that was placed on the EU market before the RoHS effective date?

I've heard manufacturing capability date may not be the same as product availability. What does this mean?

Are any of the manufacturers issuing a master listing of old to new part numbers that can be used to create revised BOMs?

Q: What if I need to repair electronic equipment that was placed on the EU market before the RoHS effective date?
A: Repairs to electrical and electronic equipment that was placed on the market before the RoHS effective date of July 1, 2006 are allowable under the legislation. Since equipment that was originally produced with lead-bearing parts must be maintained and/or repaired with lead-bearing parts, spare components and parts for this equipment is exempt from the RoHS legislation In addition, replacement components that expand the capacity or otherwise upgrade electronic equipment placed on the market before the RoHS effective date are also exempt.

Q: I've heard manufacturing capability date may not be the same as product availability. What does this mean?
A: A manufacturer may have a capability date indicating they are able to make a RoHS compliant device. There may, however, be a long lead time associated with the device. For example, if a capability date was January 2006 and the lead time was 16 weeks, the availability date might be April 2006.

Q: Are any of the manufacturers issuing a master listing of old to new part numbers that can be used to create revised BOMs?
A: There is no master listing. Component selection services, such as Arrow's Global Explorer, can assist in this process. It is important to remember that in some cases, there will be no part number change. Part Change Notifications (PCNs) will also aid in this process.