RoHS labels are everywhere, but what do they mean, and why do you need them? In the world of signs and labels, there are numerous to choose from, but RoHS are a set of guidelines some businesses must adhere to.
Below, we discuss the meaning of RoHS, what a RoHS compliant label is and how they are used to benefit businesses.
What Does RoHS Mean?
RoHS refers to the guidelines regulating the use of hazardous chemicals in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). Hence the letters RoHS stands for the “Restriction of Hazardous Substances”.
A large range of chemicals is forbidden due to their toxicity or hazard to the environment. Noteworthy examples include:
- Lead
- Mercury
- Cadmium
- Hexavalent
- Chromium
- PBDE
- PBB
The RoHS regulations ensure that products are safe for use in European markets, as well as aiding their:
What Labels Are Required For RoHS?
Formerly, products that were RoHS compliant had a RoHS symbol. However, due to EU regulations, RoHS compliance is now implied by the presence of a CE label, so explicitly adding a RoHS symbol is no longer necessary. Some manufacturers still continue to add the RoHS label out of habit, but there is no requirement to do so.
Read: What is the meaning of CE labels?
Exceptions To RoHS Labelling
Although many of the forbidden chemicals are dangerous, there are many cases where these chemicals are essential, or where the dangers of the chemicals are irrelevant. Areas in which RoHS does not apply include:
- Products for use in space.
- Military items
- Large industrial tools
- Permanent solar panel installations
- Transport vehicles
- Research and development equipment
- Medical devices
Discover High-Quality RoHS Labels Today
Now that you know the importance of RoHS labels, you need some high-quality ones. At Label Source, we stock a range of durable RoHS labels for all of your needs.
Sources
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/rohs-compliance-and-guidance
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/rohs_eee/index_en.htm
