Glossary Updates12 new terms added to the glossaries · October 2, 2026, 22:44 CEST
AI TechDocKnowledge

Glossary · Automation fundamentals, platforms and components

RoHS

Also known as: RoHS Directive, Restriction of Hazardous Substances

German: RoHS

RoHS is the EU Directive 2011/65/EU on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. It limits substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, certain brominated flame retardants and, since Delegated Directive (EU) 2015/863, four phthalates, subject to listed exemptions.

  • Automation components
  • Standards

In one sentence

RoHS (Directive 2011/65/EU) restricts lead, mercury, cadmium and other hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment in the EU.

Example

Before placing a new control cabinet on the EU market, the manufacturer collects RoHS declarations from the suppliers of all electronic components.

How it applies

  • Engineering: Component selection must consider restricted substances, and the manufacturer must be able to show compliance, usually through supplier declarations, material data and risk-based testing. Large-scale stationary industrial tools and fixed installations have specific scope provisions; check the directive for the product in question.
  • Compliance: RoHS is one of the directives covered by CE marking for electrical and electronic equipment, and it is referenced in the EU Declaration of Conformity.
  • Documentation: Keep RoHS evidence in the Technical file and update it when components change. Spare parts documentation should indicate whether replacement parts meet the same requirements. Record which exemptions a product relies on.

Exemptions expire and are reviewed; check the current annexes rather than relying on older declarations.

By knowledge.aitechdoc.world · Published September 26, 2026 · Last reviewed

Source: Directive 2011/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (recast)

Definitions follow the cited standards and specifications. Where a source is a copyrighted publication, such as an ISO, IEC or EN standard, the definition is a close paraphrase, not a verbatim quotation, so as not to infringe copyright. We recommend reading the original publication. The sections “How it applies” are editorial commentary by AI TechDoc Blog and are not part of any standard.

Seen a mistake? Send us a note!