Implementation of the new RoHS directive 2011/65/EU has begun

Estonia has been the first off the mark in implementation of the new requirements of the RoHS directive 2011/65/EU into national legislation. As the RoHS (II) directive was published on July 1, 2011, member states have an 18- months time period until January 2, 2013 for the transition.

Estonia has implemented the labeling requirements for electronic and electrical equipment (EEE) including the CE marking in the „Elektri- ja elektroonikaseadmete märgistamise viis ja kord“. Although the changes have been published in the late 2011, the legislation will come into force January 2, 2013.

Other member states are working on the implementation already and further publications are expected soon. If a member state will miss the deadline for January 2, 2013, the requirements of the directive 2011/65 will apply anyway as it has regard to the „Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union“, in particular Article 114.

Currently, companies have to prepare for the requirements for the technical documentation and internal manufacturing control which will be required for the RoHS CE marking. From January 2, all EEE brought on the EU market has to comply with the new RoHS directive, implemented in 27 national legislations in the EU member states.