Today, the European Commission has launched a public consultation on the review of EU rules restricting the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS Directive). The review of the current rules will contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal, Circular Economy Action Plan and the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. The consultation is open for feedback for a 12-week period, until 2 June 2022.
Through this public consultation, the Commission invites citizens and interested parties to express views to help to identify any changes needed, and assess the impacts of such changes, for the Directive to meet its objectives in the most effective and efficient way. These changes should be in line with the latest technical and scientific developments and be coherent with other EU legislation addressing electronic and electrical equipment and chemical substances.
Background
The RoHS Directive restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, in particular with regard to related waste management challenges and workers’ protection. Harmonised rules enable cleaner material cycles, contribute to the circular economy in a highly globalised sector and help to protect human health and the environment.
As a first step in this consultation process, the Commission published a Call for Evidence, describing the problems to be tackled, objectives to be met by the review, and possible policy options.
For more information
Details
- Publication date
- 10 March 2022
- Author
- Directorate-General for Environment
