RoHS > RoHS FAQS: RoHS Frequently Asked Questions

RoHS Information

Intertek provides global expertise and resources to help clients meet RoHS/WEEE compliance. Intertek independent laboratory testing detects restricted and hazardous substances in raw materials and final products.

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What are RoHS homogeneous materials and components?

Homogeneous material in RoHS terms means a component or material that cannot be mechanically disjointed into different materials by unscrewing, cutting, crushing, grinding, abrasive processes and similar procedures.

RoHS homogeneous material is defined as the component or material to be measured for maximum allowable concentration values of the restricted substances determined by EU RoSH regulations.

RoHS regulations require a maximum concentration value of up to 0.1% by weight in homogenous materials for lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, PBB and PBDE, and a maximum value of 0.01% by weight in homogenous materials for cadmium.

Homogeneous is defined as “of uniform composition throughout”. If this definition is finalized, a semiconductor may not be classified as homogeneous, as it is composed of different homogeneous elements such as lead, silicon, gold, frames, wires, etc. which must individually comply with the requirements of the RoHS Directive. These values are subject to EC Environment Council ratification.

Who must comply with the RoHS directive?

The producer manufactures and sells electrical and electronic equipment under his own brand. The producer resells under his own brand equipment produced by other suppliers. A reseller is not regarded as a producer if the brand of the actual producer appears on the equipment or imports or exports electrical and electronic equipment on a professional basis into a Member State.

When production is sub-contracted to a contract manufacturing (CEM) organisation, it is not likely the CEM will hold producer responsibility if the brand name of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) appears on the product. The OEM would be responsible as their brand name appears on the finished equipment.

Where can I get help with RoHS compliance?

RoHS and restricted subtances experts at Intertek are available to answer your questions concerning RoHS compliance, on a global basis. Intertek RoHS consultants work with our clients to ensure that raw materials, components and assembled products do not contain restricted subtances above RoHS Directive permitted levels.