RoHS, or Restriction of Hazardous Substances, is a European standard for preventing the use of hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment. These standards are set forth to protect public health and the environment and the first use of the RoHS symbol was used on March 1, 2007.

RoHS classified substances

Currently, there are ten substances classified under RoHS:

  • BBP (Butyl Benzyl Phthalate)
  • Cadmium
  • DBP (Dibutyl Phthalate)
  • DEHP (Bis (2-Ethylhexl) Phthalate)
  • DIBP (Diisobutyl Phthalate)
  • Hexavalent Chromium
  • Lead
  • Mercury
  • PBB (Polybrominated biphenyls)
  • PBDE (Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers)

United States RoHS-like restrictions

Any company that manufactures or sells electrical or electronic products must be RoHS compliant if they want to do business in countries with RoHS restrictions. Currently, in the U.S., only the following states have RoHS-like restrictions.

  • California
  • Colorado
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Minnesota
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • Rhode Island
  • Wisconsin

Acronyms, Business terms, Electronics terms, Hardware terms

Most states without RoHS-like restrictions only limit the use of cadmium, lead, and mercury.

  • Computer disposal, donation, and recycle information.