In February 2003, the European Union issued Directive 2002/95/EC on the Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHs).

From 1st July 2006 any new electronic or electrical equipment sold in the EU must not contain hazardous substances in excess of the permitted levels - often referred to as ‘lead free’ there are actually six restricted substances which are listed below:

Hazardous Substance Allowed PPM Level 

*Cadmium (Cd) 100ppm (0.01%)
*Lead (Pb) 1000ppm (0.1%)
*Mercury (Hg)1000ppm (0.1%)
*Hexavalent Chromium (CrVI ) 1000ppm (0.1%)
*Polybrominated Biphenyl's (PBB's) 1000ppm (0.1%)
*Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE's) 1000ppm (0.1%)