Members of the European Parliament are concerned about potential hazardous substances in electronic and electrical equipment

Members of the European Parliament's Environment Committee (MEPs) have stated that the safety of certain substances, including halogenated flame retardants and PVC, should be further evaluated in electronic and electrical equipment. The EU RoHS Directive's list of prohibited substances should apply to all equipment unless there is a clear exemption, such as renewable energy generation. The European Parliament plans to hold a general vote on the revision of the directive in July.

There may be certain substances in electronic and electrical equipment that, when dumped or disposed of as waste, may pose certain risks to human health or the environment. The EU RoHS directive has a global impact and applies to electronic and electrical equipment imported from third countries and produced in the EU. However, many developing countries find it difficult to meet the standards for electronic waste disposal conditions. On June 2, 2010, members of the European Parliament's Environment Committee (MEPs) voted on the proposed revision of the EU RoHS Directive, reaching a consensus on the legislative report for the proposed revision. The result was 55 in favor, 1 against, and 2 absent.

Members of the European Parliament have requested further evaluation of concentrated substances that have not yet been restricted, including halogenated flame retardants and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). For any substance that may be subject to restrictive measures, it must be decided by the European Union or authorized through delegation. But members of the European Parliament or member states can also request testing. The evaluation criteria are potential health and environmental risks.

Meanwhile, through an "open range" vote, MEPs mean that all electronic and electrical materials will have legislative protection.

In terms of product scope, the Environmental Committee supports expanding the control scope of the EU RoHS Directive to all electronic and electrical equipment except for specific exemptions. The exemption for products involves renewable energy engines, specific large fixed industrial equipment, military equipment, and automotive equipment.

In addition, the European Parliament has made a decision to ban the use of nano silver and long multi walled carbon nanotubes in electronic and electrical products. They also stated that, in addition to prohibiting these two types of nanomaterials, any nanomaterials used in other electronic and electrical products should be listed on the label. Manufacturers are obliged to submit safety data to the European Commission. Currently, the European Parliament plans to vote on the proposal of the Environment Committee to revise the RoHS directive in July. The voting on the modification of the WEEE directive will also take place this month.

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