The EU’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive has been in force since 2006, and its influence extends far beyond Europe. Today, RoHS compliance is a de facto requirement for consumer electronics sold globally. For PCB designers and procurement engineers, understanding RoHS means making the right material and process choices from the very beginning of a project.
What RoHS Restricts
RoHS 3 (Directive 2011/65/EU, updated by 2015/863/EU) restricts the following substances in electrical and electronic equipment:
- Lead (Pb) — max 0.1% by weight
- Mercury (Hg) — max 0.1%
- Cadmium (Cd) — max 0.01%
- Hexavalent chromium (Cr VI) — max 0.1%
- Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) — max 0.1%
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) — max 0.1%
- Four phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP) — max 0.1% each
How RoHS Affects PCB Manufacturing
The most visible impact for PCB fabrication is the elimination of lead-based solders and surface finishes. Traditional HASL (Hot Air Solder Levelling) used a tin-lead alloy (Sn63/Pb37 or Sn60/Pb40). RoHS-compliant alternatives include:
- Lead-Free HASL — tin-copper (SnCu) or tin-silver-copper (SAC) alloys
- ENIG — electroless nickel immersion gold, lead-free by nature
- OSP — organic coating, entirely lead-free
- Immersion Silver / Tin — both lead-free
At EazyPCB, lead-free HASL is our default surface finish. All standard orders are RoHS compliant unless you specifically request leaded HASL (available for non-EU markets on request).
Laminates and RoHS
Standard FR-4 laminates are generally RoHS compliant. However, some older or lower-quality FR-4 formulations may contain brominated flame retardants at levels that could attract scrutiny. Our FR-4 laminates are from certified suppliers with documented RoHS compliance. We retain material certificates for traceability.
Component Compliance
RoHS compliance extends beyond the PCB itself to all components soldered onto it. If you are ordering PCB assembly from EazyPCB, our component sourcing process specifically selects RoHS-compliant parts from authorised distributors (Digi-Key, Mouser, Arrow). All component reels and trays are labelled with RoHS status.
Documentation and Declarations
For products entering EU markets, you may need a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) that includes RoHS compliance. EazyPCB can provide a statement of RoHS compliance for your PCB fabrication and assembly order on request. For XRF (X-ray fluorescence) testing to verify the absence of restricted substances in finished boards, this is available as an optional add-on service.
Beyond the EU: Global RoHS Equivalents
Many countries have adopted RoHS-equivalent legislation: China RoHS (SJ/T 11363), UK RoHS (post-Brexit), Turkey, South Korea, and others. The substance restrictions are broadly similar. If you are selling into multiple markets, designing for RoHS compliance from the outset simplifies approvals significantly.
Questions about RoHS compliance for your specific project? Our engineering team at op@eazypcb.com can advise on material choices, documentation requirements, and testing options.
