Definition: RoHS

(Reduction Of Hazardous Substances) European Union regulations enforceable on July 1, 2006 that set maximum concentration limits on hazardous materials used in electrical and electronic equipment. The substances are lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE).

Exceptions
Depending on the device being manufactured, there are exceptions. For example, lead in solders used in high-reliability applications for which there is no known substitute. Mercury is permitted in limited quantities in some fluorescent lamps while unrestricted in other types.