Two steps to RoHS compliance

On 1st July 2006 the limits for lead, cadmium, mercury, chrome (VI) and defined flame retarding brominates (PBB, PBDE) in accordance with ElektroG (Elektro- und Elektronikgerategesetz) for Germany/EU RoHS Directive came into force. Manufacturers and companies who place electrical products on the market must, in future, prove that their electrical products are RoHS conformant, or at least that they have taken reasonable precautions to ensure conformity. The wet chemical analysis of complex electrical products is a challenge for many manufacturers.

To analyse each single homogenous material to the strict interpretation of the directive, is often impractical and not economically viable.

On the other hand, a rough analysis will not satisfy the requirements of the directive.

The outcome of this is the need to analyse complex products in two steps.

The first step is to obtain a 'picture' of the electrical product by XRF screening.

Then, following the XRF screening, uncertain results should be verified by wet chemical testing.

Both steps are described in the EN62321 draft (accordant: IEC62321, Ed 1 / CDV): XRF-Screening to get a general survey (X-ray fluorescence) specific wet chemical analyse method for verification (methods: ICP, AAS, GC-MS, UV-VIS) The combination of the specific advantages of the XRF screening and the wet chemical method allows us to analyse complex products economically and within the legal requirements.

These two steps cover the requirements of the EU RoHS Directive.

Furthermore, you can use in-house testing via XRF screening for:verification of inventory; verification of manufacturing process; and verification of raw materials.