Brazil Issues New Restrictions on Hazardous Substances in Electronics

Restrictions on hazardous substances in electronics began in Europe, but they no longer stop there. Markets across the Americas and Asia have adopted their own versions, and each one adds a set of deadlines, thresholds and documentation expectations for the companies that design, import and sell electrical and electronic products. Brazil has now joined that group. A resolution from the country's National Environment Council (CONAMA) sets maximum concentration limits for 10 substances in electrical and electronic equipment, assigns responsibilities along the supply chain and phases the requirements in over four years. For retailers and brands selling into Brazil, the practical question is which products are affected and by when.

The resolution applies to a broad range of electronic products, including household appliances, information technology equipment, lighting products, consumer electronics, electrical tools, toys and medical devices. It also defines responsibilities for manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers involved in the electronics supply chain.

The restricted substances and maximum concentration limits are:

• Lead (Pb) – 0.1%
• Mercury (Hg) – 0.1%
• Hexavalent chromium (Cr VI) – 0.1%
• Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) – 0.1%
• Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) – 0.1%
• Cadmium (Cd) – 0.01%
• DEHP – 0.1%
• BBP – 0.1%
• DBP – 0.1%
• DIBP – 0.1%

The phased-in compliance deadlines are:

• PBB and PBDE – immediately upon entry into force (July 10, 2026)
• Mercury – 180 days after entry into force (January 2027)
• Cadmium, lead and hexavalent chromium – three years after publication (July 2029)
• DEHP, BBP, DBP and DIBP – four years after publication (July 2030)

The resolution introduces substance restrictions for EEE in Brazil that closely mirror the EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive.

Official source