Which are the exceptions to the RoHS and WEEE directives?
There are a lot of exceptions to the RoHS and WEEE directives. In order to be sure if one or more exceptions apply to the end product or sub product the directive needs to be consulted carefully. In general the military, air and space electronics are exempt. Some Medical devices are also exempt. Alloys with Pb concentration above 85% are equally exempt.
Where can I get up-to-date web information on WEEE and RoHS directives and progress?
Getting up-to-date information is critical to your company’s transition roadmap. A good place is the web and the following website contains updates originating from the TAC (Technical Adaptive Committee) for the RoHS. The website www.dti.gov.uk/sustainability contains copies of the WEEE and RoHS Directives but also the latest minutes of the TAC meetings. Another useful website in reference to the WEEE directive which includes the EU’s perspective is www.europa.eu.int/comm/environment/waste/weee_index.htm.
What are the new IPC-1066 and IPC-1085 Documents and how can they help you in the RoHS-Lead-free transition?
These IPC documents were issued in January 2005. The IPC-1066 is titled “Marking, Symbols and Labels for Identification of Lead-free and Other Reportable Materials in Lead-free Assemblies, Components and Devices” is a document detailing ways to identify components with lead-free finishes, but it can be expanded to board finishes and solder used for assembly. A letter system from e1 to e9 will identify the various lead-free finishes. This document will be used primarily by component manufacturers in the identification and labeling of lead-free components. This document should be used to train procurement, inventory control and production personnel, so as to create an awareness of the component finishes intended to be soldered. The IPC-1065, Material Declaration Handbook details the hundreds of other controlled chemicals restricted in electronic assemblies and also details approved test methods for their detection. It will be useful if a RoHS banned substance must be tested for.
What are the labeling requirements to indicate RoHS product compliance?
The RoHS Directive doesn’t require any specific label to be put on assemblies or box builds. Although some companies have designed their own label and some are using it, by law it is not necessary. Any product entering the European market will be assumed to be RoHS compliant. The same applies to the lead-free logo; it too is not required. Some manufacturers are using their logos to indicate the product is lead-free but this is usually for marketing purposes.
Do I need Material Declarations for my finished product?
A Material Declaration showing compliancy for your product is not required by the EC law. However, if a product entering the European market is intercepted and found to be non-compliant to the RoHS after July 1, 2006, it will be important to demonstrate that a company has done all that is possible in insuring compliancy. Material Declarations or data from each component used in the assembly will then be required. Keeping Material Declarations for each individual item used in a build is important and can show good due diligence has been exercised. A close relationship with suppliers is essential.
What are the main elements required from a Material Declaration Form for my components, boards, wiring, etc.?
The essential elements a Material Declaration must contain are as follows:
Compliancy to European RoHS Directive banned substances,
Free of Polybrominated Biphenyls and Polybrominated Diphenyl ethers flame retardants, can be found in some plastic molding compounds and laminates
Temperature maximum limits for a lead-free soldering process
New Moisture Sensitivity rating for lead-free assembly
The key is to insure banned substances are not present, but also that the parts are lead-free process compatible. Lead-free soldering when using SAC alloys will require hotter thermal profiles. To insure reliability close attention must also be placed on the maximum temperature the part can see but also the impact of moisture.
What is the definition of “lead-free”? Is there an allowable threshold limit?
The EU RoHS directives defines 0.1 wt% (1000ppm) as the threshold for lead per homogeneous material if not intentionally introduced (i.e. each material prior to soldering).This is defined as a limit for each homogenous material, i.e. component lead, lead plating, glass fibres, plastic moulding, solder, pad finish etc. It is NOT defined at 0.1% by mass of the finished product, or circuit board.