Scoop: Advanced notification of RoHS2 content

UK: We are all waiting with interest for the revised scope of the RoHS (Restriction of certain Hazardous Substances) Directive in the EU.

The wait is almost over with announcements expected during the first week of December.

While it has been widely reported for quite some time that Categories 8 (Medical Devices) and 9 (Monitoring and Control Instruments) are expected to fall within scope, how else will these revised directives impact your business?

Well, as I understand it, Categories 8 and 9 will be included although there is still some debate around the supporting exemptions.

However, in terms of workload to your business, here comes the crunch!

It is anticipated that 8 of the current exemptions will be annulled and, of the 5 potentially new exemptions under review, 1 is likely to be included. Finally, 5 new restricted substances are expected to supplement the current list.

Implementation dates will be announced next month with Categories 8 and 9 expected by 2012 at the earliest, restricted substances at the same time or slightly earlier, subject to European Parliament elections, with exemptions, that are part of a separate review by the Oko Institute, expected to be implemented during 2010.

At the same time as the RoHS announcement there will be an update on the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive. The two are expected to be separated with the indicative product list moving from the WEEE Directive over to the RoHS, Article 95 single market, directive.

The author is Customer Support Manager, Legislation and Environmental Affairs, Premier Farnell.