New RoHS legislation to be introduced in 2013

The scope of the new legislation, called RoHS Recast 2011/65/EU, now covers items dependent on electric currents or electromagnetic fields to fulfil at least one intended function. The responsibility for ensuring these new items comply and meet the CE obligations can sit with the manufacturer, importer or distributor. Depending on where a company sits in the supply chain there will be obligations around the provision of many new documents, including a technical file and declaration of compliance. Components which do not fall within the scope of RoHS will have to be compliant if used in the manufacture of equipment that is in scope. Gary Nevison, head of legislation and compliance at Premier Farnell, said: "One area we are watching keenly is that of semiconductor development kits, the impact of the RoHS Recast 2011/65/EU and, in particular, the implications of the CE mark. "Many manufacturers of development boards make them RoHS compliant but there are several notable exceptions that now need to work on ensuring their products are compliant and, from January, actively provide all the necessary documentation as part of their CE obligations." More information about the new legislation is available from Premier Farnell's element14 community. For a detailed article about e-waste and associated legislation, click here.