The European Commission has issued Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2024/232 which amends Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS). This amendment pertains to the exemption of cadmium and lead usage in plastic profiles of electrical and electronic windows and doors made from recovered rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Amendments to Directive 2011/65/EU
Directive 2011/65/EU specifies the restriction of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. The latest amendment allows for an exemption for the presence of cadmium and lead in plastic profiles that utilize recovered rigid PVC. Key points of the amendment include:
- Cadmium and Lead Restriction: Normally cadmium and lead are restricted substances listed under Annex II to Directive 2011/65/EU, with maximum concentration values imposed.
- Application of Exemption: Based on a technical assessment and stakeholder consultation, it was determined that using recovered PVC, which requires stabilization using cadmium and lead, is less environmentally detrimental than the impacts of substituting with virgin materials.
- Category 11 Compliance: The exemption pertains to equipment falling under category 11 of Annex I to Directive 2011/65/EU, including electrical and electronic windows and doors.
- Environmental Considerations: Using recovered PVC reduces the need for energy and natural resources, outweighing potential environmental benefits from substituting these materials.
- Alignment with REACH Regulation: The exemption is consistent with Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 and particularly aligns with the derogation for lead in recovered PVC as outlined in Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/923.
- Exemption Expiry: The granted exemption will expire on 28 May 2028, which coincides with a scheduled review of related restrictions under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.
Requirements for Member States
Member States are required to adopt the necessary laws and regulations to comply with this Directive by 31 July 2024, and apply them starting from 1 August 2024. They are also expected to report back to the Commission the main provisions of the national law in this context.
Resources and Authenticity
The amended version of the Directive is available in various languages and formats on the EUR-Lex website. To verify the authenticity, users can reference the official e-signature or access the official PDF format.
This exemption reflects the EU's commitment to both environmental protection and practical necessity in the use of recovered materials in the electrical and electronic sector.
