RoHS Testing in the USA

Beginning July 1, 2006 the use of hazardous substances mentioned in the directive cannot be used in electrical and electronic equipment.  The aim of the directive is to reduce health and environmental risks caused by electrical and electronic equipment.  International investigations show that the restricted substances have caused cancer, allergies and other illnesses.

The RoHS directive includes six restricted substances

• Cadmium
• Mercury
• Lead
• Hexavalent chromium
• Brominated flame retardants
  • PBB and PBDE

The RoHS directive is valid for the following products

• Household appliances
• Information technology and telecommunication equipment
• Consumer equipment
• Lighting fittings
• Electrical and Electronic tools
• Toys
• Sports and leisure equipment
• Vending machines

Product development and type testing
Similar components and materials can be tested at the same time.  If hazardous substances are found during testing, each component is tested separately to find the hazardous substance or the material in question.

Quality management of manufacturers and importers
The manufacturer or importer of the final product is the one who is responsible for the compliance with the RoHS directive.  The manufacturer should check the qualiy of materials, components and product being produced by random testing.  Correspondingly, also the importer should perform his own quality control by random testing.

The rest of the world
Outside of Europe there are requirements regarding restrictions of hazardous substances.  Other countries can have additional requirements or differences in approved proportion of hazardous substances.  SGS international network helps you to clarify the requirements.

Product Requirements

• Safety
• EMC
• Energy efficiency
• Recyclability
• Free from hazardous substances
• Environmental conditions
• Compliance to importing country’s requirements