The following restricted substances are only allowed at very low levels (0.1% or less). Cadmium is only allowed at an even lower concentration of 0.01%.

List of restricted substances:

• Cadmium (Cd)
• Mercury (Hg)
• Lead (Pb)
• Hexavalent Chromium (Cr VI)
• Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB)
• Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE)
• Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
• Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP)
• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
• Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)

There are several exemptions for these substances that allow for their use in specific cases. You can find an exhaustive list of their exemptions in Annex III of the RoHS Directive, or read a summary in our guide to RoHS compliance.

EEE is electrical and electronic equipment.

The RoHS directive specifically lists the following EEE:

• Large and small household appliances
• IT and telecommunications equipment
• Consumer equipment
• Lighting equipment
• Electrical and electronic tools
• Toys, leisure, and sports equipment
• Medical devices
• Monitoring and control instruments
• Automatic dispenser

The RoHS directive also has a catch-all statement (in Category 11) saying “Other EEE not covered by any of the categories above”. So, even if your electronic devices don’t fall into the categories listed above, they may still be subject to RoHS regulations.