RoHS Directive

The Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive is EU legislation that bans the sale of electrical and electronic products containing specific toxic contaminants: Lead, Mercury, Chromium, Cadmium, Brominated flame retardants (PBBs & PBDEs) in amounts exceeding set Maximum Concentration Values (MCV). Producers (manufacturers, sellers and resellers of own-brand equipment, and importers and exporters) must demonstrate compliance by submitting technical documentation to the enforcement authority on request and retain such documentation for a period of four years after the Electrical & Electronic Equipment (EEE) is placed on the market.
Due to the global economy, this directive has become a global standard.
Resources:
RoHS Producer Compliance Decision Tree (PDF)
European Commission Waste Policy Homepage
Brady Corporation’s Exhaustive Site on RoHS & WEEE
US Department of Commerce Portal on RoHS & WEEE Resources
UK Government’s RoHS Compliance Website