The REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and restriction of CHemicals) regulation came into force on June 1, 2007 ((EC) No. 1907/2006) to regulate chemical substances entering the European Union (EU).

The ECHA (European CHemicals Agency) publishes a candidate list of SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern). The original candidate list published in 2008 contained 14 substances. Having grown significantly through the years, the current list of substances has increased to 197 and is continually growing.

Articles are tested against the published ECHA candidate list. An article is defined by REACH as: “an object which during production is given a special shape, surface, or design which determines its function to a greater degree than does its chemical composition.” Hemisphere’s products fall under the definition of an article.

Hemisphere, its channel network, and its OEM (original equipment manufacturer) customers import and export products to/from the EU. Importers of articles into the EU must notify the ECHA if their article contains a substance on the candidate list above the reporting limit. This obligation applies if the substance present is above 0.1% (w/w) and its quantities in the articles are above 1 tonne in total per year, per company.

Hemisphere does not manufacture chemical substances. Our articles, such as GNSS antennas, receivers, boards, modules, and cables, which are placed in the EU, are evaluated against the SVHC. Through the collection of data and/or testing, we work closely with our suppliers and vendors to ensure the components in our articles are compliant with the SVHC.

Directive 2002/95/EC, also known as the RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive, was adopted in February 2003 and took effect on July 1, 2006. The directive lists 6 restricted substances in the manufacturing of electronic and electrical equipment for the safety of humans, animals, and the environment. The substances restricted under RoHS are lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (CrVI), polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE).

On July 21, 2011, under Directive 2011/65/EU, RoHS became law. The directive was amended ((EU) 2015/863) to include an additional 4 phthalate substances (DEHP, BBP, BBP, DIBP), bringing the list of the original 6 substances to 10.

By testing and/or the collection of data, Hemisphere works closely with its suppliers and vendors to ensure the components in our products meet the RoHS directive.