Regulatory Compliance > WEEE / RoHS

New requirements for manufacturing of new electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), and disposal of waste EEE, have been set out in EU Directives in recent years. The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive imposes requirements on manufacturers, distributors and retailers of WEEE with regard to recycling and recovery of waste, and also set targets for recycling and recovery levels.

The related Directive on Restriction of certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in EEE is now in force in UK law, and is enforced by the National Weights and Measures Laboratory. Under this legislation, restrictions are imposed on levels of certain hazardous substances (including certain flame retardants and heavy metals) used in EEE manufacturing. Manufacturers need to consider substitution of hazardous substances.

There are parallels with the COSHH legislation (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), in force in the UK for many years now, which also relates to restriction of hazardous substances in manufacturing with particular regard to operator exposure and risk.

Images:
Paul Quinton
Brad Mering