Which law requires the replacement of heavy metals in electronics?

The correct answer is the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS). This directive is a European Union legislation that specifically addresses the reduction of certain hazardous substances, including heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium, in electrical and electronic equipment. The main goal of RoHS is to prevent these toxic materials from harming human health and the environment, particularly when these products are disposed of at the end of their life cycle.

RoHS sets legal limits on the concentration of these hazardous substances and mandates that manufacturers and importers comply by ensuring their products meet these restrictions before they can be sold in the EU market. This has led to innovation and the development of safer alternative materials within the electronics industry, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Understanding the implications of RoHS is important for organizations involved in manufacturing or distributing electronic products, as compliance is necessary for market access in the EU and increasingly in other global markets that have adopted similar regulations.