Feb 18, 2022 – On Feb 2, 2022, the United Kingdom released two important updates to its RoHS legislation. These updates include a renewal of the exemption of mercury to be used in ultrasound imaging systems and also an exemption for certain lead compounds and barium to be used in civil explosive applications.
These updates also will bring UK regulations in line with EU directives in RoHS (Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment) legislation.
Schedule A1 – RoHS Scope
Statutory Statement 1395 (2021) has been laid and concerns categories 8 & 9 being out of scope for Phthalates. This will bring UK regulations in line with EU directives.
The change removes paragraphs (a) and (b) from Schedule A1, introduced in S.I. 1647 of 2020.
The relevant guidance will be revised to reflect this in the coming weeks, and it will be effective from July 1, 2022.
Schedule A2 – RoHS Exemption Updates
- The exemption for Mercury is renewed until 30 June 2026, and is for the use in electric rotating connectors for ultrasound imaging systems. The use of mercury eliminates noise generated by metal-on-metal connectors and supports the peak power requirements by increasing the conductive metal contact area.