European Parliament backs first reading approval on RoHS recast

Gary Nevison, Premier Farnell, UK

UK: Those who have been following my regular updates on the RoHS recast will be interested to know that the European Parliament has backed the first reading approval on the so called RoHS recast. Environmental ministers are likely to support the deal when they meet in Brussels during December.

RoHS will become an open scope, but not for eight years after the recast enters into force. Restrictions on six substances will be, at that point, extended to all types of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) unless specifically excluded. Exemptions will include fixed industrial machinery, military and photovoltaic solar panels.

There was considerable compromise leading to disappointed Green groups who were looking for bans on further restricted substances such as brominated flame retardants and PVC. There was a mixed reaction from the industry.

A list of 37 substances for priority assessment was dropped as was the proposed restriction on nanosilver and carbon nanotubes.
The new directive will enter into force 20 days after it is published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Member States will have 18 months to transpose into national law.

Meanwhile, the WEEE recast is moving slowly with a second reading approval a possibility next year.