EU to Propose 4 New RoHS Substance Restrictions Evaluation

TAUNUSSTEIN, Germany - Oct. 29, 2013 - PRLog -- The methodology draft manual (1) was developed by the Austrian Umweltbundesamt and relies basically on three major pillars to assess restricted substance candidates. The European Commission selected four substances for a public consultation, namely the flame retardant Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) and the phthalates Bis (2-ehtylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) as well as Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) which have already been included as priority substances in the recital part of RoHS 2.

Restriction Process for Hazardous Substances in EEE

Substance restriction proposals may be introduced by the European Commission or EU Member States. The new methodology draft manual identifies three major parts for inclusion of substance in RoHS 2, Annex II:

- Part I: Identification of substances used in Electric and Electronic Equipment (EEE) which may have negative impacts on human health, the environment or resource efficiency during Waste EEE management according to RoHS Article 6 (1) a, b, and c)

- Part II: Pre-assessment: Prioritization of substances used in EEE, which may most likely have negative impacts on human health, the environment or resource efficiency during WEEE management according to RoHS Article 6 (1) a, b, and c)

- Part III: Detailed assessment of high priority substances with the view to a potential restriction under RoHS2

All parts include detailed chapters which consider important aspects to make the appropriate decision and further detail the rationales for substance restriction. The process flow is indicated infigure 1within the latest SafeGuards bulletin (http://newsletter.sgs.com/eNewsletterPro/uploadedimages/0...).

First Assessment Set of New Restricted Substances

A 4th public consultation on the assessment of selected substances was initiated to evaluate the first set of substances HBCDD, DEHP, BBP and DBP to be potentially included in RoHS 2, Annex II. The period of this public consultation is set to end mid-November and includes a 3rd stakeholder meeting on the assessment of selected substances scheduled for 28 October 2013.

The public consultation will be completed on 20 December 2013 with the publication of the final report on the developed methodology for identification and assessment of substances. Additionally the conclusion of the identification and assessment as well as draft recommendations for inclusion of substances in the list of restricted substances of RoHS 2 will be presented.

References:

(1) European Commission – RoHS in EEE/News (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/rohs_eee/review/new...) and

- Draft Manual of Methodology for Identification and Assessment of Substances for Inclusion in the List of Restricted Substances (Annex II) under the RoHS2 Directive (http://www.umweltbundesamt.at/fileadmin/site/umweltthemen...)

About SGS Global RoHS Services

The global footprint of SGS will support you in product compliance with global RoHS (http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Electrical-and-Electronics/Audio-Video-and-Household-Appliances/RoHS.aspx )(EU, China, Korea, US, etc.), REACH/SVHC, textiles or hard-goods, CPSIA or other toy regulations and many more consumer product related requirements like packaging materials or battery requirements. Regardless if you are in need of chemical testing or services in the fields of inspection, certification, compliance assurance, outsourcing, training or auditing SGS is dedicated to satisfy your needs. Providing service to help your products to be fit for the market requirements of the future – whatever the legal frameworks might be.

Feel free to contact the SGS RoHS experts for further information.

Contact details:

SGS Consumer Testing Services
Dr. Udo Krischke
Global Technical Manager
Restricted Substances Testing Services
SGS Germany GmbH
Im Maisel 14
65232 Taunusstein
Germany

t: +49 6128 - 744 235
Email: cts.media@sgs.com
Website: http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Electrical-and-Electronics.aspx

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 75 000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1 500 offices and laboratories around the world.