Intensified enforcement for RoHS 2.0 in Europe

The number of enforcement actions taken against products that are not compliant with the EU Directive on the restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS2) has increased in the UK. And product withdrawals under the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation of short chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCP) articles are also a focus. Information on these products is now published on Rapex, the EU’s rapid-alert system for dangerous consumer products.

There were 991 enforcement actions in 2014. This contrasts with 284 actions the previous year. Meanwhile, 40% of high-priced toys on the UK market did not comply with RoHS 2.0 or battery restrictions in 2014. Enforcement agencies in Slovenia started withdrawing products such as electrical and electronic equipment, toys and clothing, for RoHS2 non-compliance in 2015. And product withdrawals under the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation of short chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCP) articles commenced in Austria, Sweden and Norway last year. During 2015 products were also removed from the market under REACH restrictions.

C&K Testing reminds businesses should intensify the restriction of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment to deal with stricter enforcement actions. We suggest you to check the conformity with EU RoHS 2.0 according to EN 50581, the method approved by the European Commission.

On 14 November 2015, Official Journal of the European Union published amendment (EU) 2015/2030 to Regulation (EC) No 850/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council on persistent organic pollutants. The SCCPs entry in Annex I is amended and it clarifies articles that contain SCCPs in concentrations lower than 0,15 % by weight are allowed to be placed on the market and used. SCCPs are widely used in baby bathtubs, mobile phone cases, purses and other plastic products. It may also be present in electronic and electrical equipment, employed in lubricants during metal processing, rubber & leather clothing, glue, etc. The concentration of SCCPs is also subject to this limit when the products are exported to the EU.

C&K Testing advises businesses should send their products for testing to check their conformity with RoHS 2.0 and POP Regulation.