Q&A Guide: RoHS Exemption Roadmap – Navigating Exemption Renewals and Their Timelines
Overview
The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive has significantly impacted the electronics industry by restricting the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).
While the directive aims to reduce the risks associated with these substances, it also provides exemptions for specific applications where substitution is technically or scientifically impractical. Navigating the complexities of these exemptions, particularly the renewal process and evolving timelines, presents a substantial challenge for manufacturers.
Based on our webinar RoHS Exemption Roadmap: Navigating Exemption Renewals and Their Timelines held in March 2025, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the RoHS exemption landscape, analyzing recent developments, challenges, and future trends to help businesses maintain compliance and adapt to regulatory changes.
This Webinar & Guide Provide Insights and Guidance on
- Introduction to RoHS: scope, exemptions, and the spare parts concept
- Focus on the importance of exemptions and renewals
- RoHS Renewal Timeline & Process
- Overview of the renewal timeline basics
- Explanation of the review process and introduction to consultant packs
- Discussion on the EU rolling action plan document
- Deep Dive into Pack 22 Exemptions
- Detailed review of recent submitted EU drafts
- Examination of exemptions 6a, 6b, 6c, 7a, and 7c:
- Consequences of the new draft wording, including splits
- New expiry dates and updated timelines
- Future Outlook
- Overview of the next pack to be tackled and forecast timelines for subsequent packs
- Discussion on what these changes mean for future exemption timelines
- Transition to ECHA
- Overview of the planned transfer of exemption renewals review to ECHA from 2026
- Potential impacts on review processes and timing
*This guide was originally published on 15th April, 2025. Further regulatory developments may have occurred after publication. To keep up-to-date with the latest compliance news, sign up to our newsletter.
Authors
Maciek Hulme, Senior Regulatory Engineer, RINA
Maciek Hulme is a Chartered Materials Engineer specialising in regulatory compliance and technical consultancy for industries worldwide. With extensive experience in regulations such as RoHS, REACH, the EU Battery Regulation, Prop 65, and ESG-related legislation, he helps businesses navigate complex compliance challenges with confidence.
At RINA, Maciek provides expert guidance on regulatory strategy, product compliance, and environmental due diligence, helping companies stay ahead of evolving requirements.
