RoHS

The RoHS (Restriction on use of certain Hazardous Substances) Directive for electrical and electronic equipent states that by July 1, 2006 most equipment sold in the EU must be essentially free of six substances: lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) or polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).

Lead-free (RoHS compliant) Electronic Components

Lead-free Process Compatibility

Hazardous Substances & RoHS Directive


Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is RoHS?


  • What are the Hazardous Substances restricted by RoHS?


  • Where are Hazardous substances used?


  • What is the difference between RoHS compliant versus lead-free?


  • Will part numbers of components that are in compliance with RoHS change?


  • Can one use lead components or parts with No-Lead solder?


  • Can RoHS lead-free components be used with Lead(Pb)-based solder systems (backward compatibilty)?


  • What are some of the key issues when it comes to Leaded and Lead-Free solder?



    • What is RoHS?
    RoHS stands for "Restriction of Hazardous Substances". It is the European Union (EU) directive that restricts the use of six hazardous substances in electronic components shipped into Europe. The directive will take effect on July 1, 2006.

    What are the Hazardous Substances restricted by RoHS?
    The RoHS directive requires that manufacturers be able to demonstrate minimal levels of the following identified substances:

    These substances are a risk to human health. They are a health hazard when disposed of and to those who dispose them.

    Where are Hazardous substances used?
    Lead - Solders, active and passive components, terminations, printed circuit board coatings, glass.
    Cadmium - Electroplating, plastic materials, sensors, NiCd batteries.
    Mercury - Batteries, switches, sensors, relays, fluorescent lamps, etc.
    Hexavalent Chromium - Chrome, coatings.
    PBB-PBDE - Flame retardants.

    What is the difference between RoHS compliant versus lead-free?
    Lead-free is usually interpreted as having no lead components.
    RoHS restricts the use of lead to < 0.1% wt. of homogeneous substance.
    There are exemptions for high temperature internal solder, lead in glass in electronic components, etc.

    Will part numbers of components that are in compliance with RoHS change?
    In general, no. We have no plans to change part numbers. Unique part numbers will only be created for those parts that will have a change in specification as a result of the lead-free and/or RoHS compliance.

    Can one use lead components or parts with No-Lead solder?
    No. This would violate RoHS. See "Lead Process Compatibility Chart" at the bottom of the page.

    Can one use RoHS lead-free components with Lead (Pb)-based solder systems (backward compatibilty)?
    In general, yes, but please see "Lead Process Compatibility Chart" at the bottom of the page.

    What are some of the key issues when it comes to Leaded and Lead-Free solder?
    Two major areas of concern are:

    1. Compatibility (see chart below)
    2. Reflow temperatures
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