What is PCB RoHS 2.0 and RoHS 3.0?
PCB RoHS 2.0 and RoHS 3.0 are two key EU regulations restricting hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products (including printed circuit boards, or PCBs). Here are their core differences:
I. RoHS 2.0 (2011/65/EU)
1. Restricted Substances
o Limits on 6 substances: lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), hexavalent chromium (Cr VI), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)
o Metal materials are tested for the first four substances (Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr VI), while non-metal materials are tested for all six
2. Applicable Products
o Covers 11 categories of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), including household appliances and IT devices
3. Regulatory Requirements
o Integrated into CE certification, requiring CE marking and submission of technical documentation
II. RoHS 3.0 (EU 2015/863)
1. Expanded Substance Restrictions
o Adds four phthalates to the original RoHS 2.0 list: DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP, bringing the total restricted substances to 10
o All restricted substances have a maximum concentration limit of 0.1% (except cadmium at 0.01%)
2. Product Scope
o Expanded to include all EEE, with limited exemptions (e.g., military, aerospace equipment)
3. Effective Dates
o Published in 2015; restrictions on the four phthalates took effect in July 2019
III. Key Differences in PCB Applications
· RoHS 2.0 Compliance for PCBs: Ensure materials are free from the original six restricted substances, focusing on solder (lead) and flame retardants (PBBs/PBDEs)
· RoHS 3.0 Compliance for PCBs: Additional restrictions on plasticizers (e.g., DEHP, DIBP), requiring checks on phthalate content in plastic components (e.g., connectors, coatings)
Summary
Version | Restricted Substances | Key Additions | Effective Date |
RoHS 2.0 | 6 substances | Heavy metals, flame retardants | Effective 2013 |
RoHS 3.0 | 10 substances | Phthalates (plasticizers) | Phthalates from July 2019 |
Note: RoHS 3.0 is an amendment to RoHS 2.0 (via Directive EU 2015/863) and not a standalone regulation
All pcb( rigid, flex, rigid-flex) product made by I-tech comply with RoHS except for the surface finishing of HAL-Lead designed by the customer.
