| RoHS Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (Vista) |
 |
What is the RoHS directive? |
 |
It is a European Union directive which restricts the use of certain substances such as lead, cadmium and mercury in electrical and electronic products, which can be damaging to the environment. |
| back to top>> |
|
What does "RoHS" stand for? |
|
The "Restriction of Hazardous Substances". |
| back to top>> |
|
When did the RoHS directive come into force? |
|
It became law on July 1st 2006. |
| back to top>> |
|
Does the ROHS directive mean that all presently stocked product is manufactured to RoHS compliant levels of hazardous substances? |
|
No. The directive states that products from this date must either be manufactured to RoHS compliant levels of hazardous substances OR that the product is already 'on the market' before this date. |
| back to top>> |
|
What does 'on the market' mean and why is product that has not been made to RoHS compliant levels of hazardous substances allowed to be sold after July 1st? |
|
'On the market' means that the product was already manufactured and in the supply chain within the European Union prior to July 1st 2006. This product is allowed to be sold because the only alternative would be to scrap the whole product, or it's non-compliant parts, which would defeat the object of reducing the hazardous waste in the environment. |
| back to top>> |
|
Does a RoHS compliant product have to be completely free of all the 'hazardous' substances? |
|
No, because some materials that make up a product can not be produced without them, such as lead in the glass used in CRT monitors. However, because some parts, such as printed circuit boards (PCBs) can be made without lead, viable alternative substitutes must be used from July 1st 2006. Exempt materials and acceptable levels of hazardous substances which can be used within RoHS are carefully defined. However there are agreed limits for each of the restricted substances. |
| back to top>> |
|
Is CCTV exempt from RoHS? |
|
No. The advice we have been given is that whilst some electrical and electronic products are exempt, such as certain medical equipment and military hardware, general CCTV is not. |
| back to top>> |
|
If an installer has its own brand displayed on the product, for example a housing, who is responsible for making the product RoHS compliant, and is the installer liable should the product fail to comply with the RoHS directive? |
|
If the product is dual branded, for example a Vista housing or an OEM version of Vista's ProtosIV range with installer branding on the side (i.e. has both the original manufacturer's name/model number shown as well as the installer's name) then full liability remains with the original manufacturer, e.g. Vista. If there is no original manufacturer markings/labelling, then the installer will be deemed to be the manufacturer and therefore have responsibility and be liable. |
| back to top>> |
|
If I am exporting outside of the European Union, can I supply non-RoHS compliant products? |
|
Yes, though it would be prudent to double check with the particular country you intend to export to in case their laws have changed since the publication of this document. |
| back to top>> |
|
Will products be marked to denote that they meet the RoHS directive? |
|
Vista products will be marked with a "(Pb)" label on the box. |
| back to top>> |
|
Are spare parts available for old, non-compliant products? |
|
Yes, spare parts for products manufactured prior to July 1st 2006 are exempt from the directive and will continue to be available. |
| back to top>> |
