Overview
The EU (European Union) first adopted this directive in 2003. The acronym "RoHS" stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive. It restricts the use of the following six substances in the manufacturer of electronics components:

Lead
Mercury
Cadmium
Hexavalent chromium
Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB)
Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE)
The directive applies to equipment as defined by a section of the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive. The following numeric categories apply:

Large and small household appliances.
IT equipment.
Telecommunications equipment (although infrastructure equipment is exempt in some countries)
Consumer equipment.
Lighting equipment—including light bulbs.
Electronic and electrical tools.
Toys, leisure, and sports equipment.
Medical devices (currently exempt)
Monitoring and control instruments (currently exempt)
Automatic dispensers.