RoHS stands for the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment. The UK RoHS Regulations came into force on 1 July 2006.

RoHS restricts the use of mercury, lead,hexavalent chromium, cadmium and a range of flame retardants notably polybrominated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers.

There are a number of exemptions for the use of the hazardous substances for specific technical

uses where alternatives do not presently exist. There are also permissible maximum concentration values which allow for any trace presence.

    Each European Union member state will adopt its own enforcement and implementation policies using the directive as a guide.