What are the rules regarding the repair of product placed on the market prior to 1st July 2006?
The RoHS Directive does not apply to spare parts for the repair, or reuse, of electrical and electronic equipment placed on the market before 1st July 2006 (Article 2(3)). This is to allow old equipment to be maintained with spare parts and to ensure that old electrical and electronic equipment is reused. It is permissible to place on the market spare parts – containing the hazardous substances – for the repair of old equipment (put on the market before 1st July 2006), but not to repair new equipment (put on the market after 1st July 2006). The marketing of spare parts containing banned substances for the repair of new equipment would prolong the existence of hazardous substances in the waste stream and hamper efforts to increase recycling.
