Technology
RoHS · Halogen-Free
RoHS restricts the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products. Halogen-Free means that a product or material contains no halogen compounds such as chlorine or bromine.
What is RoHS?
RoHS : Directive on the Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in the electrical and electronic equipment
※ A regulation restricting the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products.
Purpose of RoHS
- Restricting the use of hazardous substances
- Legal provisions covering hazardous substances among UN member states
Enforcement Date of RoHS Regulation
- Applies to the specified hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products from 1 July 2006 (at customs clearance)
Major Contents of RoHS
- From 1 July 2006, electrical and electronic products containing any of six substances — lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, PBB or PBDE — above the permitted values may not be placed on the market.
- Legal provisions covering hazardous substances among UN member states
Allowable Values of Regulated Substances
| Harmful Substance | Concentration Limit |
|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | 1,000 ppm |
| Cadmium (Cd) | 100 ppm |
| Mercury (Hg) | 1,000 ppm |
| Hexavalent Chrome (Cr6+) | 1,000 ppm |
| PBB (Br) | 1,000 ppm |
| PBDE (Br) | 1,000 ppm |
What is RoHS2?
Purpose of RoHS2
- To control the environmental contamination caused by waste from hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products sold in the EU, and to increase rates of recycling and reuse.
- To improve the environment by restricting hazardous substances and requiring the use of substitutes
Enforcement Date of RoHS2 Regulation
Applicable from January 3, 2013 (customs clearance)
- Medical, Instrumentation, and Control Devices: July 22, 2014
- Medical Device for In Vitro Diagnosis: July 22, 2016
- Industrial Instrumentation and Control Devices: July 22, 2017
- The Other Electric and Electronic Products: July 22, 2017
Major Contents of RoHS2
- Extends the scope to all electrical and electronic products, including medical, monitoring and control devices
- Introduces CE marking — manufacturers and EU importers of in-scope products must affix CE marking to finished goods
Allowable Values of Regulated Substances
| Harmful Substance | Concentration Limit |
|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | 1,000 ppm |
| Cadmium (Cd) | 100 ppm |
| Mercury (Hg) | 1,000 ppm |
| Hexavalent Chrome (Cr6+) | 1,000 ppm |
| PBB (Br) | 1,000 ppm |
| PBDE (Br) | 1,000 ppm |
What is Halogen-Free?
Most halogen elements — Br, Cl, F, I and At — are toxic and react readily with alkali metals to form halogen compounds. Regulation therefore focuses mainly on bromine and chlorine, with the remaining elements covered in some cases.
Purpose of Use
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
- BFR (Brominated Flame Retardants)
Parts Used
Most likely to be found in polymer materials for PCBs (TBBP-A), connectors, ICs, PVC, wires, tubes, tape gaskets and optical sheets.
Regulation Guidelines or Company Tendency
- IEC / IEC 61249-2-21
- JPCA / JPCA-ES-01-2003
- PVC regulation in Texas, USA in 2008
- Sony has produced halogen-free PCBs since 2004.
- Samsung and some LG divisions have introduced their own domestic requirements
Allowable Values of Regulated Substances
| Harmful Substance | Concentration Limit |
|---|---|
| Bromine (Br) | 900 mg/kg maximum |
| Chlorine (Cl) | 900 mg/kg maximum |
| Total halogens | 1,500 mg/kg maximum |