RoHS Compliance Screening Tests

JFP Technical Services offers fast, reliable and cost-effective RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliance screening tests, primarily to determine the presence of heavy metals such as Mercury (Hg) and Lead (Pb), but also sensitive to the presence of potentially toxic elements like Cadmium (Cd) and Chromium (Cr).

We can also screen Bromine (Br) in plastics, as polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) or polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). These usually show up in brominated flame retardants used in printed circuit boards, connectors, plastic covers, and cables to help determine whether the material is an approved compound like Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA, TBBP-A) or a prohibited compound like Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD, HBCDD).

We continue to watch the Existing Substances Regulations of the European Union and Japan, China and California (US) as well as many other countries, Free Trade Areas and several more US states planning on implementing these standards soon. Small business, in particular, will be impacted by the need to provide "certifications of test" - indicating that their products meet these regulations. JFP Technical Service, sometimes aided by associated chemical testing laboratories, can provide the screening, testing and certification "due diligence" to ensure that their products and their vendors are meeting these RoHS requirements.

One critical note on RoHS is that it is often an import control for the country and not necessarily related to internal commerce or export trade. Exports to the US from RoHS countries may, in fact, be quite hazardous, vastly exceeding the trumpeted import levels which suggest, but do not ensure, safety.

JFP Technical Services, Inc. portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) sorts and screens products for acceptance or rejection based on the amount of the restricted hazardous substances in the homogeneous material components of a product. Those products or materials that are either well below the limits or over the limits set for these restricted hazardous substances are easily separated, leaving only those products that are close to the limits to be investigated further using the expensive analytical acid digestion /decomposition testing methods.

X-Ray Fluorescence screening is one of the fastest and least expensive steps towards RoHS compliance. Many products perfectly comply with RoHS standards, but need RoHS testing documentation for export. JFP Technical Services uses a hand held Thermo Scientific NITON XLt Analyzer. Portable X-Ray Fluorescence was first introduced at the Symposium Field Screening Symposium for Hazardous Waste and Toxic Chemicals sponsored by EMSL (Environmental Monitoring and Screening Lab) in Las Vagas in 1991.

Cost of the testing will be based on number and complexity of the product being tested. Travel costs will be added when testing is at remote testing sites. Minimum charge for RoHS XRF Compliance screening testing with a report is $125.00, with the costs starting at $ 75.00 per XRF test, and sample preparation or separation (if needed) starting at $25.00 per test. Volume and repeat testing discounts are available.

What is RoHS?

The Directive on the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment 2002/95/EC and its implications - An Overview by JFP Technical Services.

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