Restriction Of Hazardous Substances in Electrical & Electronic Equipment Directive

What Is The Purpose Of This Directive?

The aim of this directive is to restrict the use of substances in electrical & electronic equipment and the protection of the environment & human health.

Basically restricting the use of certain hazardous substances in new equipment.

What Are Some Of The Restrictions?

From the 1st of July 2006 – any new electrical or electronic equipment must not contain:

•  Lead
•  Mercury
•  Cadmium
•  Hexavalent Chromium
•  Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB’s)
•  Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE’s)

Are There Any Exceptions?

There are some exceptions. This is permitted if there is no possible substitution or if the negative environmental or health impacts caused by substitution are likely to outweigh the human and environmental benefits. 

Mercury in certain types of fluorescent tubes for example.

Those that are exempt will be reviewed every four years.