RoHS

What RoHS regulates

The basis is Directive 2011/65/EU, which was extended in 2015 to include four plasticizers. In Germany it is implemented through the Elektro- und Elektronikgeräte-Stoff-Verordnung (the German ordinance on substances in electrical and electronic equipment). Conformity is part of the CE marking.

Substance	Maximum value in homogeneous material
Lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium	0,1 %
Cadmium	0,01 %
Brominated flame retardants PBB and PBDE	0,1 %
Plasticizers DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP	0,1 %

Time-limited exemptions exist for certain applications. The legal status corresponds to the status as of: 10/2026.

RoHS and old devices

RoHS applies to placing on the market. For used devices, what generally matters is when a device was first placed on the market in the EU. For disposal, something else counts: older devices may contain substances that are restricted today. They are therefore treated in certified facilities, and components containing hazardous substances are separated out. The framework for this is set by the ElektroG. This entry does not replace legal advice.

Second IT handles safety-critical materials such as batteries properly and returns valuable materials to the raw materials cycle. More on the professional IT disposal and on the certified waste management company in the guide Certified waste management company and ElektroG.

Frequently asked questions about RoHS

What does RoHS stand for?

For "Restriction of Hazardous Substances", i.e. the restriction of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.

Which substances does RoHS restrict?

Ten substances: lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, the flame retardants PBB and PBDE, and the plasticizers DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP.

What is the difference between RoHS and WEEE?

RoHS regulates which substances may be contained in new devices. The WEEE Directive regulates the collection and disposal of old devices.

Does RoHS also apply to used devices?

RoHS applies to placing on the market. For used devices, what generally matters is when the device was first placed on the market in the EU. For disposal, something else counts: older devices may contain substances that are restricted today and are therefore treated in certified facilities.

Which limit values does the RoHS Directive set?

For lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, PBB, PBDE, and the four plasticizers, a maximum value of 0.1% in homogeneous material applies. For cadmium it is 0.01%. Time-limited exemptions exist for certain applications.