EU Proposes Extended Exemption for Lead in Electronics

Electrical and electronic equipment manufacturers in the European Union could continue to use lead in a number of applications under draft directives issued by the European Commission.

The eight draft directives, which were issued Sept. 19, would extend for another five years several current exemptions from the EU’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) for lead in certain lighting equipment, solders that melt at high temperatures, and copper, aluminum, and steel alloys.

In most cases, the five-year exemptions are broadly aligned to product life cycles and would provide companies time to “redesign and look for alternatives” to the ...