Definition

Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) is an EU directive (2002/95/EC, updated as 2011/65/EU) that restricts the use of lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB, and PBDE in electrical equipment. RoHS compliance requires lead-free solder (typically SAC alloys) with higher reflow temperatures (~260°C peak vs ~230°C for leaded), necessitating high-Tg laminates and surface finishes that withstand multiple lead-free reflow cycles.