Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Policy
In February 2003, the European Union adopted the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, which restricts the use of specific hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment. The directive, effective from July 1, 2006, limits the use of Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Hexavalent Chromium (CrVI), and PBB/PBDE flame retardants.
Lead, in particular, has been a prominent material in electronics components, and the term “Lead-Free” has become synonymous with RoHS compliance.
Transition to Lead-Free Electronics:
- Before the RoHS directive, the semiconductor industry was already working on lead-free assemblies, components, and devices for specific market applications.
- The RoHS legislation has accelerated the global shift towards lead-free electronics.
Component Identification and Compliance:
- Identifying Pb-free materials in electrical and electronic equipment is crucial for assembly, recycling, repair, and rework processes.
- Currently, there is no uniform standard for identifying Pb-free components. Some manufacturers use new ordering codes to indicate RoHS compliance, while others use temporary designators during the transition phase. A few IC manufacturers have chosen not to modify their component ordering codes.
Lead-Free Reference Database:
- To assist our customers during this transition, we have compiled a “Lead-Free” reference database. This database includes major component manufacturers and their corresponding Lead-Free part information.
This policy outlines our commitment to meeting RoHS requirements and provides resources for identifying compliant components during the ongoing transition to lead-free electronics.