SCM Microsystems is fully committed to supporting both the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directives.
As a manufacturer of products that are distributed globally, we are working hard to ensure compliance in all of our products within the timescales set by the directives. Our initial task, which is still ongoing, is to identify which products currently comply with the directives, which products contain any of the listed prohibited substances and to further identify suitable alternative substances so that we might ensure there is no loss in product quality.

On February 13, 2003, the European Union passed into law the Directive on Restrictions of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS), which will ban the use of four metals and two flame retardants in electronic products sold in Europe beginning July 1 2006. The banned metals are lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium and the flame retardants are polybrominated byphenyl (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE). As of the effective date, manufacturers of electrical and electronic products and components must demonstrate that their goods do not contain more than the agreed level of these substances in order to continue to sell their products in Europe.

Complimenting the RoHS, the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive aims to minimise the impact of electrical and electronic equipment on the environment, both during the useful life of the equipment and when it has become waste. WEEE applies to a huge spectrum of products. It encourages and sets criteria for the collection, treatment, recycling and recovery of waste electrical and electronic equipment, and makes producers responsible for financing most of these activities.

European Union:
Directive 2002/95/EC and Directive 2002/96/EC

Germany:
Elektro und Elektronikgerätegesetz ("ElektroG")