The Knowledge Base: Beyond the Badge—Why Membership Matters More Than Ever
Smart Automation: AI—Revolutionizing Inspection in Electronics Manufacturing
Standard of Excellence: The Role of Technology in Enhancing the Customer Experience
RoHS and PoPs Chemicals Found in Nearly 40% of Electronics in Sweden
December 22, 2016 | IPCEstimated reading time: Less than a minute
Sweden’s Chemical Agency (Kemi) found banned chemicals in nearly 40 percent of audited low-cost electrical and electronic products. The audits, which took place throughout 2016, revealed that the discount electronics category has a “high rate of noncompliance” with Swedish and European Union RoHS and Persistent Organic Pollutants (PoPs) requirements. Labeling and documentation obligations under REACH and other regulations were also frequently found to be absent.
During 2016, Kemi audited 84 companies and analyzed the chemical content of 154 products, with short-chain chlorinated paraffins (banned under the Stockholm Convention on (PoPs) and lead (banned under RoHS). Most of the products that were examined originated in China, included bike lights, headphones, USB cables and Christmas decorations.
Kemi reports manufacturers and importers for suspicion of crime when their products contain substances restricted under the RoHS Directive. When products contain substances which are restricted under the PoPs regulation or which are regulated under the REACH regulation, both manufacturers, importers and distributors are reported to the environmental prosecutor.
Share on:
Suggested Items
Qualcomm, Xiaomi Expand Collaboration with Multi-Year Agreement
05/23/2025 | Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and Xiaomi Corporation are celebrating 15 years of collaboration and have executed a multi-year agreement.
MVTec Expands its Program for Universities and Students
05/22/2025 | MVTecMVTec Software GmbH, one of the world's leading manufacturers of machine vision software, supports education and training in the field of machine vision.
Electroninks Acquires Complete UTDots Advanced Materials Nanoinks Portfolio and IP
05/19/2025 | ElectroninksElectroninks, the leader in metal organic decomposition (MOD) inks for additive manufacturing and advanced semiconductor packaging, announced it has officially completed its full acquisition of UTDots products and IP into its portfolio, further expanding its offerings in digital printing for high-performance applications.
Harnessing Connections: EWPTE 2025 Draws Nearly 3,000 Attendees
05/19/2025 | IPCThe 2025 Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo (EWPTE), held May 6-8 at Baird Center in Milwaukee, Wis., provided 2,994 attendees the opportunity to meet, network and learn from the industry leading innovators and suppliers.
Global Sourcing Spotlight: Tariffs—The New Reality
05/14/2025 | Bob Duke -- Column: Global Sourcing SpotlightNavigating the complexities of international trade has become increasingly challenging following the imposition of tariffs by the Trump administration on imports from countries including China, Mexico, and Canada. These tariffs—ranging from 10–25% and higher—have major implications for businesses engaged in global sourcing.