ALPHARETTA, GA — The EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) landscape is being significantly modified in 2019. After more than a dozen years of only six substances, four new substances are being added to one of the most widely known environmental compliance laws in the world.

The Delegated Directive (EU) 2015/863 amends Annex II of the RoHS 2 Directive 2011/65/EU by adding four new substances (phthalates) for restriction: bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP). The four phthalates will bring the total number of RoHS substances for most Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) to 10, effective July 22, 2019.

The 2015 amendment allows a grace period for compliance, which is quickly drawing to a close. Restrictions on the new substances will apply for most EEE product placed on the EU market from July 22, 2019 and onward. However, for medical devices, including in vitro medical devices, and monitoring and control instruments, including industrial monitoring and control instruments, the restrictions become effective July 22, 2021.

Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA) members are already seeing many customer requests for RoHS status including all 10 RoHS substances and should expect the volume of requests to increase. While certain manufacturers are currently making RoHS (EU) 2015/863 statements available via websites and e-mail, there is much more to do in a short period of time to adequately prepare for this very impactful change.

ECIA members should log in to MyECIA for resources related to this legislation and a checklist of next steps.

The ECIA is made up of the leading electronic component manufacturers, their manufacturer representatives and authorized distributors. ECIA members share a common goal of promoting and improving the business environment for the authorized sale of electronic components. ECIA members develop industry guidelines and technical standards, as well as generate critical business intelligence.