You may have noticed an uptick in the terms “RoHS” and “REACH” compliant. They seem like technical, foreign terms. In reality, though, they’re there for your protection. Quail Electronics is RoHS and REACH compliant, but that probably doesn’t mean a lot to you unless you know what those terms mean. We’ve included a description of those terms, and why they’re important.
RoHS stands for the Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive. RoHS regulations were developed in the UK to promote environmental and human safety. The goal of the RoHS directive is to protect consumers from substances that have been found to be hazardous. RoHS regulations became official on July 1, 2006. While RoHS regulations were initially only used in the UK, other countries have begun to adopt them.
To be RoHS compliant, devices must be tested for lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls, and polybrominated diphenylthers. Electronic devices must have less than .001% of cadmium and hexavalent chromium, and less than .1% of lead, polybrominated biphenyls, and polybrominated diphenylthers. Also, the electronic device must have 100 ppm or less of mercury. If the electronic devices does not meet these standards, it is illegal to place on the European market.
REACH stands for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals. REACH was put together by the European Parliament and went into effect on June 1, 2007. According to the EU website, the goals of REACH are “to ensure a high level of protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals, the promotion of alternative test methods, the free circulation of substances on the internal market and enhancing competitiveness and innovation.”
It’s ok if that didn’t mean a lot to you. Basically, REACH was implemented to protect people and the environment from some of the dangers of hazardous chemicals, encourage safe testing of electronics, and make sure the free market continues.
To be REACH compliant, manufacturers must check their products to see if they contain any identified hazardous chemicals. If they do, they must have a plan to subsidize the risks, to minimize any effects that consumers may face.
Now that you know how important it is to be RoHS and REACH compliant, aren’t you glad that Quail Electronics is? If you want to see our certification, just click here, or contact a sales representative.
By Clark Cable
Clark has taken extra precautions to protect himself from harmful chemicals. While his friends and family think that walking around in a hazmat suit, spraying disinfectant everywhere he goes is a bit much, he’d much rather be safe than sorry.