Meeting RoHS requirements is confusing at best. Currently, RoHS bans the presence of 6 substances,: Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6+), Polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) and Polybrominated diphenylether (PBDE). As of 18 August 2005, the European Union (EU) amended the RoHS document with maximum concentration values (MCVs) of 1000 ppm for 5 of the substances; Pb, Hg, Cr6+, PBB & PBDE and 100 ppm for the 6th substance; Cd at the homogenous level. Other documents within the EU and member states have defined MCVs, but there is not total agreement between EU Directives and the member states on the maximum threshold values. With the delay of defined RoHS thresholds, other regions of the world are defining MCVs, but without universal agreement. Companies in the electrical and electronics equipment (EEE) industry are subsequently incorporating their understanding of MCVs into company specifications and requiring the suppliers to meet them. What are the existing EU Directive requirements? How do they apply and what thresholds should be used for electrical and electronic products? This paper will discuss the RoHS 6 substances, thresholds as stated in the EU, common company defined threshold differences and the issues they cause. It is not all inclusive since laws and directives are constantly changing, evolving or being released.
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