RoHS

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) is a critical EU directive (2011/65/EU and its amendment 2015/863) that restricts the use of specific hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment. While often associated with consumer electronics, it applies heavily to industrial machinery. For North American manufacturers, this means every sensor, drive, HMI, and cable in your machine must be compliant.

The directive bans ten substances, including lead, mercury, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium, typically found in solders and coatings. Unlike REACH Regulation, which monitors chemicals, RoHS strictly prohibits them above set limits. You cannot legally sign a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) without ensuring all electrical components meet these thresholds.

However, significant exemptions exist for heavy industry. "Large-Scale Stationary Industrial Tools" (LSSIT) and "Large-Scale Fixed Installations" (LSFI) are often excluded from scope. Determining if your machinery qualifies—often based on size (e.g., exceeding standard shipping container dimensions) or weight—is a vital part of your Requirements Assessment to avoid unnecessary re-engineering of legacy equipment.