Compliance

RoHS stands for "Restriction of Hazardous Substances" and is an EU directive on the restriction of hazardous substances in electronic devices. It sets limits for substances such as lead, mercury and cadmium that are considered harmful to the environment and health. The aim of RoHS is to reduce the environmental impact during the manufacture, use and disposal of electronic equipment. Manufacturers must ensure that their products comply with the guidelines to protect the environment and ensure consumer health. RoHS affects a wide range of products, including electronics and their components.

The directive can also be found at EUR-Lex - 32011L0065 - EN - EUR-Lex (europa.eu)

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) is an EU regulation aimed at improving the protection of human health and the environment from the risks posed by chemical substances. REACH sets requirements for the registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemical substances. Manufacturers, importers and distributors of chemicals are required to provide information on the properties and risks of the substances they manufacture or trade. The aim is to ensure the safe handling of chemicals and to gradually replace hazardous substances. REACH affects a wide range of products, from chemicals and industrial products to consumer products.

Current ECHA candidate list: Candidate List of substances of very high concern for Authorisation - ECHA (europa.eu)

REACH Annex XIV is a part of the European Chemicals Regulation REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals), which regulates the registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals in the European Union. Annex XIV contains a list of substances that have been classified as "substances of very high concern" (SVHCs). These substances may be harmful to humans and the environment due to their properties, such as their carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic effects. Substances listed in Annex XIV may only be used under certain conditions unless an authorization has been granted. Authorization may be necessary to restrict the use of the substance in question or to ensure that certain risks are adequately controlled. The use of Annex XIV substances is strictly monitored and regulated to ensure the protection of humans and the environment.

REACH Annex XVII is also a part of the European Chemicals Regulation REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals), which regulates the registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals in the European Union. Annex XVII contains a list of substances that are subject to special restrictions. These restrictions may relate to the manufacture, placing on the market or use of certain chemicals in order to protect humans and the environment. Annex XVII restrictions may include, for example, limits on certain substances, prohibitions on certain uses, or labeling and packaging requirements. Compliance with Annex XVII restrictions is mandatory for companies that trade, manufacture or use chemicals to ensure the safety and protection of consumers and the environment.

The Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (CMRT) is a standardized questionnaire used by companies to collect information on the use of so-called conflict minerals in their supply chains. Conflict minerals are mineral commodities such as tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold that are mined in conflict zones and can help finance armed conflict. The CMRT helps companies conduct due diligence on conflict minerals and ensure transparency along their supply chain. The questionnaire captures information on suppliers, the origins of minerals, and companies' efforts to implement responsible sourcing policies. Among other things, the CMRT is intended to facilitate the data sharing required for compliance with Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act.

You can find more information at: https://www.responsiblemineralsinitiative.org/reporting-templates/cmrt/

The Extended Minerals Reporting Template (EMRT) is a standardized questionnaire used by companies to collect information on the use of so-called conflict minerals in their supply chains. Conflict minerals are commodities such as cobalt and natural mica that are mined in conflict zones and can help finance armed conflict. The EMRT helps companies conduct due diligence on conflict minerals and ensure transparency along their supply chains. The questionnaire captures information on suppliers, the origins of minerals, and companies' efforts to implement responsible sourcing policies. The scope of the EMRT is currently limited to cobalt and natural mica supply chains.

More information can be found at: https://www.responsiblemineralsinitiative.org/reporting-templates/emrt/ 

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is a U.S. federal law that regulates the production, import, use, and disposal of chemical substances. It was passed in 1976 and is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). TSCA gives EPA the authority to collect information on chemicals and their potential risks to human health and the environment. It also allows EPA to require testing of chemicals and to regulate their manufacture, distribution, and use, including establishing restrictions or bans on certain substances. TSCA aims to protect public health and the environment from unreasonable risks associated with chemical exposure.

There are no separate TSCA numbers for the substances,  CAS-Numbers are used. 

California Proposition 65 (CP65), also known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, is a California law designed to protect consumers and workers from hazardous chemicals. Companies must post warnings before selling products or providing services for known chemicals that may cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm, according to the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). CP65 aims to provide transparency and inform consumers of potential risks, and enforcement is through private lawsuits by citizens or public enforcement agencies.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are chemical compounds that accumulate in the environment, are persistent and have toxic properties. They belong to a group of chemical substances that are difficult to break down and can spread over long distances in the air, water and soil. Examples of POPs include certain pesticides, industrial chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and dioxin-like compounds. These substances can have serious environmental and human health impacts as they accumulate in the food chain and can cause both acute and chronic effects, including hormone disruption, cancer, reproductive problems, and immune system impairment. Because of their harmful properties, international agreements such as the Stockholm Convention have been created to control and reduce the production, use and release of POPs worldwide.

MICA is a group of minerals that are widely distributed in nature. They are sheet silicates that can be cleaved into thin, shiny flakes. MICA is used in various industries due to its unique physical properties and glittery appearance. It is used in the electronics industry, for example, in insulators, as a thermal insulation material, and as an electrical insulator in high-voltage cables. MICA is also used in the cosmetics industry to create shine and shimmer in makeup products such as eye shadows and lipsticks. In addition, MICA is also used in the construction industry and in the manufacture of paints and coatings due to its heat resistance and insulating properties. However, it is important to note that MICA is occasionally associated with conditions such as child labor in some mining areas, which is why companies are increasingly looking to sustainable sourcing and the use of ethically sourced MICA. -> MICA (mica) is included in the EMRT template.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has over 50% of the world's cobalt reserves and is the largest producer of this metal. Cobalt is used in lithium-ion batteries, which play a crucial role in electric vehicles, cell phones and laptops. Demand for cobalt is expected to increase sharply in the coming years. Cobalt is mined through both industrial mining and small-scale mining. However, there are concerns about the social and environmental impacts of cobalt mining, including child labor and unsafe working conditions in small-scale mining.  -> Cobalt is included in the EMRT template.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) are a group of chemical compounds consisting of carbon, fluorine and sometimes other elements. They are used in a variety of products because of their water-repellent, grease-repellent and stable properties. For example, PFAS are used in fire-resistant foams, water- and stain-repellent coatings, textiles, Teflon pans, packaging, cleaning products and firefighting foams. Because of their persistence in the environment and potential health effects, PFASs have become the focus of investigation. Some PFAS compounds have been linked to potential health problems such as hormone disruption, cancer, liver and kidney damage, and effects on the immune system. Regulation and monitoring of PFAS varies by country and region, but efforts are being made to restrict the use of certain PFAS compounds and minimize their environmental impact.

UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) is a label used for certain products placed on the market after the United Kingdom (UK) leaves the European Union (EU). It is a specific product marking for the UK market that indicates conformity with relevant UK regulations and standards. The UKCA marking replaces the CE marking for most goods in the UK market. It is mandatory for products that were previously subject to CE marking requirements and are now placed on the UK market. The UKCA marking indicates that the product complies with applicable UK safety, health and environmental requirements.

The CE marking (Conformité Européenne) is a label indicating the conformity of a product with the applicable European directives and regulations concerning health, safety and environmental protection. It is mandatory for certain product categories in the European Union (EU). The CE marking indicates that the product meets the essential requirements set out in the relevant EU directives and that it has undergone the required conformity assessment procedures. It enables the free movement of goods within the European Economic Area (EEA) and ensures that the product is safe and complies with EU legislation. The CE marking is usually affixed to the product itself or to the packaging.