RoHS Exemptions With 2021-07-21 Expiration Dates

Question : 

Many RoHS exemptions were set to expire on July 21, 2021. Is there a possibility of this date being extended? 

Answer: 

A coalition of over 30 trade associations representing manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment, known as the Umbrella Project, was formed to prepare and submit RoHS exemption renewal requests. They generated requests to expand exemptions for 4(f), 6(a), 6(a)-I, 6(b)-I, 6(b)-II, 6(c), 7(a), 7(c)-I, 7(c)-II, 8(b), 8(b)-I, 13(a), 13(b), 13(b)-I, 13(b)-II, 13(b)-III, 15, 15(a), and 34 beyond July 21, 2021, for categories 1–10 (exemptions for in vitro and industrial equipment already have later expiration dates). 

These requests were submitted on January 19, 2020. Because this met the January 20, 2020 deadline — 18 months before the expiration date — the exemptions will continue to apply after their original expiration date while the requests are under consideration. Once the consideration process is complete, there will be a period of at least 12 months (and potentially as long as 18 months) before new requirements resulting from the decisions take effect.

Companies should also note that the Umbrella Project will consider other exemptions should the need arise, but at this time, none of the Annex IV exemptions are being reviewed. Companies impacted by these expirations need to have submitted their own requests by the January 2020 deadline. 

Article content is current as of 2021-07-29.