According to the EU, the RoHS Directive hopes to “prevent the generation of hazardous waste.” The RoHS Directive is in place to protect the environment and reduce exposure related health risks. The RoHS directive works to accomplish its goal by restricting the use of hazardous materials in the manufacturing of electronic and electrical equipment.

The European Union adopted the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) in July 2006.

A wire or cable product labeled RoHS compliant or a product that has obtained RoHS compliance follows the guidelines listed by the European Union under the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS). A product that is RoHS compliant contains no lead, cadium, mercury, hexacalent chromium, polybrominated biphenysis, or polybrominated diphenyl ethers. RoHS material substitutes these with more “enviromental-friendly” alternatives.

RoHS is an abbreviation for the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive.