February 5, 2014: Final report of RoHS 2 restricted substances study – 71 priority substance areas identified

The final report delivered to the EU Commission by Umweltbundesamt on the study to review substances for potential RoHS restrictions identified and ranked a priority list of 4 substance groups, 56 substances and 11 elements. These 71 entries were assigned to eight priority levels based on hazard categories and waste management criteria.

Eight substances were identified in the highest priority category of which four were subject to detailed technical assessments and were ultimately recommended for restriction. The substances recommended for restriction are the brominated flame retardant Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) and the three Phthalates (DEHP, BBP and DBP). The other four substances in the highest priority category were the Phthalate DIBP, the chlorinated flame retardant tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate, the brominated flame retardent 2,3-dibromo-1-propanol, and Dibromoneopentyl-glycol.

Four substances were identified in the second highest priority category, comprising:

  • antimony trioxide
  • diethyl phthalate (DEP)
  • Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and
  • medium-chain chlorinated paraffins

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is dear to many electronics manufacturers because of its common use in FR4 printed circuit board material and its listing as a priority substance has been particularly controversial.

Polyvinylchloride (PVC) (CAS# 9002-86-2) is the lone substance in the third priority group. PVC is not considered to be particularly hazardous in its plastic form during the use phase of a product; however, it poses environmental challenges during waste management.

The fourth, fifth, and sixth highest priority groups include five, four, and two substances respectively:
Fourth priority group:

  • the Be-(compounds): beryllium metal and beryllium oxide (BeO)
  • the Ni-compounds: nickel sulphate and nickel sulfamate (=Nickel bis sulfamidate) and
  • Indium phosphide

Fifth Priority group:

  • di-arsenic pentoxide;
  • di-arsenic trioxide;
  • cobalt dichloride; and
  • cobalt sulfate.

Sixth Priority group:

  • cobalt metal;
  • nonylphenol.

The substances identified in the top several priorities are likely to undergo more detailed assessment for possible restriction in future RoHS reviews of Annex II (Restricted Substances). EEE manufacturers and suppliers should be monitoring the use of these substances in their products.

The report is available from the consultant’s website.