ROHS of Electronics Card

1)If all you buy is certified components then you should have no worries about RoHS or calling it RoHS compliant. Just make sure that you don't exceeded any of the allowed amounts of the restricted chemicals in your PCB (Cadmium is a big one for contacts).

2)It will save time if someone questions your BoM if you have the certifications saved and waiting. Most of the time they are looking for specific parts on the BoM that are out of complies.

3)You don't need 3rd party approval, but some organizations like the UL will do the certification and it might save time later down the road if you are worried about people investigating your PCBs.

4) The cost of RoHS is HUGE. It comes from having to retool entire product lines to make them RoHS compliant. Your suppliers will probably be passing on the cost to you in price increases.

5) Here is a good resource on lead free solder. While it is not "needed" you have to make sure that if you do use leaded solder you stay under the 1000ppm restriction.

Also if you are worried about RoHS, keep in mind that the same markets have WEEE in place. Not sure what type of product your PCB is, but not all industries are required to be RoHS or WEEE compliant.

Mr. Rodda,

Thank you for kind info.

Roger

Dear Roger,

Your question is truly a basic one where the amount of available information on RoHS compliance will require in-person mentoring. I can provide you all the necessary informatio including tips and links to various sources. (I am at myemail@netvision.net.il ) write me a short message directly and I will provide you
with significant details to start working as RoHS expert.

Some simple answers to your questions:

1. It is up to your ISO definitions and or customers to deside wether you need to
keep the actual certificates in order to have a RoSH proof. Make sure that your
database of BOM components define PB free for all/any make/buy items. Every
country has different RoHS atitude (Search for HENKEL presentatoins).

2. Do handle AVL including RoHS category and do note the PBfree items and try to
properly dump the leaded oldies as much as you can. (They will fail you while
averages are taken)

3. Tird party approval is nice to have for serious mass-production firms as well as
responsible business oriented mid-size firms. Loosing business for poor RoHS
withstanding should be the individual risk taking.

4. RoHS should not reflect an imediate $ factor BOM wise unless certain items do not
comply to RoSH and their associated Re-Design/make is an adder.
(Do not order HAL for your PCB and require RoHS under the gold plated PCBs,
PCBs are tricky as well by all means)

5. Your assembly house will know what paste and hand soldering wire to use,
you can get your supplies for RoHS environment just ask for it.
do replace and upgrade your repair stations so that they will fit RoHA materials.

As I said, all that you need to know is available on the web (IPC as well).

Best Regards

Liron