In the EU, product compliance does not just stop at performance and waste management. The chemical composition is one regulatory risk factor. If you produce electrical or electronic hardware for the European market, there are some rules.

Restricted substances must be periodically defined and removed during the design phase. Below, we list 10 hazardous substances that warrant special consideration.

Lead (Pb)

This chemical is normally present in:

• Solders
• Cables
• Glass
• Some alloys.

It is restricted because of neurotoxicity and persistence in the environment. Review:

• Solder formulations
• PVC stabilizers
• Brass components.

In some cases, exemptions are not possible. In that case, switch to lead-free solder systems like SAC alloys.

Mercury (Hg)

This chemical was used in the past in:

• Lamps
• Switches
• Relays.

It is very toxic and bioaccumulative. Ensure:

• There are no lighting elements that contain mercury.
• Suppliers certify non-existence in subassemblies.

The LED technology usually removes this risk.

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP)

DEHP is a plasticizer. It is employed in PVC cables and flexible parts. It is limited because it has reproductive toxicity. Review:

• Cable insulation materials
• Flexible seals and gaskets.

When writing purchasing agreements, specify phthalate-free compounds.

Benzyl Butyl Phthalate (BBP)

This is another prohibited plasticizer. It is no longer widespread in electronics. But it might be found in imported elements. Make sure that suppliers fully disclose substances. They should comply with the ROHS concentration limits.

Cadmium (Cd)

This can be contained in:

• Batteries
• Pigments
• Coatings
• Some plastics.

It poses an environmental and cancer risk. Check:

• Rechargeable battery chemistry
• Surface treatments
• Plastic colorants.

Supplier statements should verify compliance levels.

Hexavalent Chromium (Cr⁶⁺)

This one is applied in metal finishing and corrosion-resistant finishes. It is restricted because of its carcinogenic nature. Replace it with:

• Trivalent chromium finishes
• Other corrosion-protection systems.

Carry out material testing where surface treatments are outsourced.

Polybrominated Diphenyls (PBD)

PBB was traditionally employed as a flame retardant in plastics. Legacy designs still might have them. But they are less common nowadays. Ensure:

• Polymer formulations in housings
• Fire-resistant connectors.

Compounders should declare their materials.

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE)

This is another type of flame retardant. It may accumulate in the environment and in human tissue. Replace with:

• Flame-retardant systems that are halogen-free
• Phosphorus-based alternatives.

Consider testing high-risk plastic parts.

Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)

This one may be found in:

• Adhesives
• Inks
• Plastics.

Eliminate risk by:

• Demanding elaborate substance statements
• Auditing of chemical formulations that are considered to be at a high risk.
• Incorporating compliance provisions in the supplier contracts.

Diisobutyl Phthalate (DIBP)

DIBP shares a similarity with DBP. It is restricted in the same manner. It is commonly employed in place of plasticizers. Ensure that substitute materials are in full compliance.

The takeaway

To manufacturers and importers, limited substance management should be integrated into engineering specifications, supplier qualification, and quality assurance. This is necessary to maintain EU market access.

To eradicate these substances systematically:

• Include restricted substance screening within product development gates.
• Demand that suppliers submit full material declarations (FMD).
• Randomly conduct laboratory testing of high-risk components.
• Keep a centralized database on compliance.
• Track regulatory changes and expired exemptions.

Design control at an earlier stage is much cheaper than remediation at the market end.