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Rob Spiegel

EU seeks comments for RoHS revision

A recent article in Circuits Assembly notes that the European Commission (EC) of the European Union will review measures in the RoHS directive. The goal is to take into account scientific evidence. The deadline for comments is May 22. In the announcement, the EC noted that Article 6 of the RoHS directive calls for a review of the directive’s measures, taking into account, as necessary, new scientific evidence, in particular with regard to the inclusion of two additional categories of equipment in the scope of RoHS – medical devices and control instruments.

The EC asks for studies and evaluations that will permit the commission to analyze the full costs or benefits of provisions and potential changes in the operation of the directive. The commission also wants to know about any additional topics that should be considered. The commission, however, does not want to receive position papers.

In the review process, the commission will also investigate other hazardous substances or materials used in electrical and electronic equipment. The commission and look at how those substances and materials are managed and whether they have a negative impact on the environment or human health.