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RoHS and WEEE Directives Frequently Asked Questions Rev1.2 June 4, 2006 THE BASICS What is RoHS? Often referred to as the European Lead Free directive, the RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive 2002/95/EC restricts the use of six hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products. All applicable products in the EU (European Union) market after July 1, 2006 must pass RoHS compliance. What is WEEE? WEEE (Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive 2002/96/EC mandates the treatment, recovery, and recycling of electric and electronic equipment (90% ends up in landfills). All applicable products in the EU (European Union) marketed after August 13, 2006 must pass WEEE compliance and carry the “Wheelie Bin ” sticker. How are RoHS and WEEE related? WEEE compliance aims to encourage the design of electronic products with environmentally-safe recycling and recovery in mind. RoHS compliance dovetails into WEEE by reducing the amount of hazardous chemicals used in electronic manufacture. What are the restricted materials mandated under RoHS? The substances mandated under RoHS are lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (CrVI), polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE). What ’s the intent of the mandate? It has been determined that the restricted materials are hazardous to the environment and pollute landfills, and are dangerous in terms of occupational exposure during manufacturing and recycling. Who is affected by the RoHS directives? Any business that sells applicable electronic products, sub-assemblies or components directly to EU countries, or sells to resellers, distributors or integrators that in turn sell products to EU countries, is impacted if they utilize any of the restricted materials. What countries and communities are involved with RoHS and WEEE directives? RoHS 2002/95/EC was originated in the European Parliament, and applies to all countries within the European Union. WEEE 2002/96/EC was also originated in the European Parliament, and also applies to all countries within the European Union. Countries within the European Union include Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom. The directive extends to the European Economic Area (EEA) which also includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Other locations working on their own versions of RoHS include: -RPCEP (Regulation for Pollution Control of Electronic Products), China, goes into effect July 1, 2006 -JGPSSI (Japan Green Procurement Survey Standardization Initiative), Japan, Goes into effect July 1, 2006 - SB20/SB50 (Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003-EWRA), California, USA, Goes into effect January 1, 2007

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