RoHS-what is it?

The European Union issued Directive 2002/95/EC on the restriction and use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. Known as Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), it will be enforced throughout the European community effective 1 July 2006. This new directive is catching on, with countries all over the world recognizing the directive and some incorporating it into their legislation. The aim of this directive is to restrict the use of six substances specifically within all electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) traded in the EL member states. These substances are lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers.