Less than a month after the entry into force of the restriction on the use of DEHP, DBP, BBP and DIBP in homogeneous materials of some electrical and electronic equipment, the European Commission adopted a RoHS Directive1 exemption for the use of DEHP in some rubber components of engine systems: O-rings, seals, vibration dampers, hoses, grommets, cap-plugs, etc. that are used in engine systems including exhaust and turbochargers.
This exemption is justified by the fact that, to date, there is no reliable alternative to DEHP for these applications in terms of chemical, mechanical and temperature resistance.
This exemption includes certain conditions, namely:
- the components must be designed for use in equipment that is not intended solely for consumer use ;
- no plasticised material must come into contact with human mucous membranes or into prolonged contact with human skin
- the DEHP concentration must not exceed 10% by weight of rubber, except for some components2 for which the DEHP concentration limit is 30% by weight of rubber.
This derogation, which lasts for a maximum of 5 years, expires on 22 July 2024 at the latest.
1 Restriction of Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipments
2 gasket coatings, solid-rubber gaskets, rubber components included in assemblies of at least three components using electrical, mechanical or hydraulic energy to do work, and attached to the engine
For additional information :
https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-11644-2019-INIT/en/pdf
https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-11644-2019-ADD-1/en/pdf