The European Directive RoHS, lead-free legislation (Directive 2002/95/EC on the Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment) was introduced in 2004 and took effect on 1st July 2006.
The Directive priority aims the environmental protection with the restriction of the use of hazardous materials (Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd), Hexavalent Chromium (Cr 6+), Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB) and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE) ) in the manufacture of various types of electronic and electrical equipments.

SECO starts to implement RoHS regulation since 2004 with alignment actions:
•    New Stock Encode by Jan. 2005
•    RoHS Purchasing by Jan. 2005
•    R&D of RoHS products by Feb. 2006

SECO environmental policy is committed to fulfill the RoHS regulation.