The RoHS Regulations restrict hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, but allow exemptions for specific uses where safer alternatives are not technically or economically feasible. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs manages these exemptions, which currently cover applications including lead in engine bearings, lead solder in combustion control units, cadmium lasers, and mercury in specialist discharge lamps. The exemption regime is active and regularly updated as industry applications and technical feasibility evolve.
The government's summary of an amendment to the RoHS directive concerning the use of cadmium on LED semiconductor chips.
The government's summary of an amendment to EU directive 2011/65 concerning the use of cadmium and lead in certain window and door products.
The government's summary of an amendment to EU regulation 2011/65 concerning the use of mercury in electrical equipment.
The Government's summary of an amendment to EU regulation 2011/65 concerning the use of lead in certain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices.