Determining the testing frequency for RoHS relevant parts

The RoHS Directive that came into force on 1 July 2006 restricts the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. While it clearly describes the requirements that products must satisfy, it leaves plenty of room for implementing the steps necessary to exercise due diligence. The only advice so far has been given by the RoHS Enforcement Guidance Document. This document mainly describes what must be done rather than how it must be done. The AGFA HealthCare GmbH, supported by Fraunhofer-IPA , proactively applied the principles of this document, even though medical devices are currently exempt from the European RoHS legislation. The following paper describes AGFA's implementation process including the necessary steps that were taken. The article gives a realistic and practical presentation that helps companies to address unresolved issues, such as determining the testing frequency for incoming goods.