RoHS3 or RoHS2: Does it Make a Difference?

Here is an Enviropass video on this question, with a transcript below. Are RoHS 2 and 3 the same? Is RoHS3 the latest version of RoHS? We come across these questions all the time. This short video is here to help you clarify this point.

In the first part, we focus on the difference between European Union RoHS2, the recast version, and RoHS3, which we often see in literature, from suppliers or other third parties. Should we accept only RoHS version 3 certificates of compliance? We’ll see it is not necessarily the case.

In the second part, we will address the meaning of the RoHS acronym.

Transcript of the Video - RoHS3 or 2?

RoHS2 or RoHS3?

RoHS is under directive 2011/65/EU, and we’re still under RoHS2. Sometimes, you see in the literature what we’re talking about RoHS3, but in reality, we are under RoHS2. RoHS three refers to one of the main amendments which is the amendment 2015/863, but in reality, this is RoHS2, RoHS recast.

There are actually two versions. The first version was in 2002. This version is over and has been replaced by the directive 2011/65/EU. And there have been 40ish amendments since 2011. The biggest amendment is the one of 2015, but be aware that there are another 40ish amendments, so that this regulation evolves. It’s not static.

What does RoHS Mean?

The directive of 2011/65/EU is called: Directive on the restriction of the use of certain other substances in electrical and electronic equipment. So, that’s where you see the acronym of RoHS, or:

‘Restriction‘, the ‘R‘,
‘Of certain hazardous‘, so ‘of’ is for the ‘o‘,
‘Hazardous‘ for the ‘H‘,
‘Substances‘ for the ‘S‘ of R-o-H-S.

Questions on EU RoHS, or other RoHS regulations worldwide, like China RoHS? Ask your Enviropass expert!