EU-RoHS: Open Scope and new substance restrictions as of 22 July 2019

Phthalates become restricted substances:

The scope of the EU RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU) will change once again as of 22 July 2019. As implemented by amending Directive 2015/863, four new substances will be added to the list of restricted substances and their use to a maximum concentration of 0,1% in homogeneous material: .

• Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)
• Butylbenzylphthalate (BBP)
• Dibutylphthalate (DBP)
• Diisobutylphthalate (DIBP)

All electrical and electronic equipment under the scope of the RoHS Directive have to comply with the substance restrictions of 10 instead of the initial six substances, if placed on the market for the first time after 21 July 2019.

New industry sectors affected for the first time:

In addition, the so-called “open scope” will apply as of 22 July 2019. This implies that all electrical and electronic equipment – which means equipment that is dependent on electric current or electromagnetic fields for at least one intended function – will be covered by the Directive’s scope (exclusions remain unchanged). Products that didn’t initially fall under one of the 10 categories, such as clothing, furniture and cables not dedicated to a specific category of equipment, will also have to comply with the substance restrictions as of the aforementioned date.

We would be happy to answer your queries regarding compliance to the RoHS Directive and compliance issues under the EU RoHS.

Please contact us at contact@1cc-consulting.com