The Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) 2002/95/EC was adopted in February 2003 by the European Union. The RoHS directive took effect on July 1, 2006, but is not a law; it is simply a directive. This directive restricts the use of six hazardous materials in the manufacture of various types of electronic and electrical equipment. It is closely linked with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) 2002/96/EC which sets collection, recycling and recovery targets for electrical goods and is part of a legislative initiative to solve the problem of huge amounts of toxic e-waste. In casual conversation, it is often pronounced "ROSH", or "Row Haws", except in Europe, where it is pronounced "Rose".
RoHS is often referred to as the "lead-free" directive, but it restricts the use of the following 6 substances:
Lead
Mercury
Cadmium
Chromium VI (Also known as hexavalent chromium or Cr6+)
PBB
PBDE
PBB and PBDE are flame retardants used in some plastics.