A Comprehensive Look at RoHS

Our business here at Etratech is in electronics manufacturing, but one of our great concerns is sustainability and the environment. In an industry like ours, it can sometimes be difficult to keep those priorities at the forefront of one’s mind. Luckily, there are sets of rules and regulations to ensure that safe and responsible manufacturing practices are developed and followed. You’ve read a lot in our blog so far about the latest news in RoHS and WEEE, but what’s the background behind all of it?

This infographic  showcases an easily digestible history of RoHS, the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive. The world’s biggest manufacturing nations are all signed on with some version of the directive: The U.S., China, South Korea, the European Union, and, in 2012, India. Looking back, you might remember that it’s only fairly recently that we were aware of the dangers of substances like mercury and lead – before that, they were found in places like domestic paint, drinking water, and even children’s books. The RoHS, enacted in 2003, was part of a long process that began in 1988, when recognition of those dangers reached a critical mass.

Keep reading our posts for more information about the evolving role of RoHS in worldwide manufacturing!