In 1996, Murata formulated the "Voluntary Regulation Program for Environmentally Hazardous Substances", to establish Murata's voluntary regulation standards. Since then, Murata has worked to reduce and eventually eliminate environmentally hazardous substances contained in our products, ahead of other manufacturers. Murata's voluntary regulation program also covers six substances designated under the RoHS Directive. Murata has undertaken measures to phase out RoHS-designated substances from an early stage before proclamation and enforcement of the former RoHS (2002/95/EC).
- Compliance measure to the former RoHS (2002/95/EC)
As for mercury, cadmium, PBB and PBDE, Murata had already discontinued their use in Murata products in the 1990s. Furthermore, as for the use of hexavalent chromium used for the surface treatment and the use of lead in terminals and other component connections, Murata had already discontinued their use in Murata products by the end of 2004. Then Murata has prohibited new application of these substances and uses.
- Compliance measure to the RoHS recast (2011/65/EU)
(a) Expiration of the exemption of Lead in dielectric ceramic in low-voltage capacitors.
RoHS Directive Annex III (Exemptions List) has been revised by the EU Commission Decision 2010/571/EU (Enforced in March 2013). Therefore, some of our products (* 2) became products not compliant with the RoHS Directive.
Murata replaced these products, by the development of non-lead materials, and the review of the product designs, with RoHS compliant alternatives by the end of June 2012.
(b) Additional designation of specific phthalates to RoHS restricted substances.
RoHS Directive Annex II (Restricted Substances List) has been revised by the EU Commission delegated directive (EU) 2015/863 (Enforced in July 2019). Therefore, electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) containing specific phthalates (* 3) are prohibited from placed on the market within the European Economic Area (EEA).
Murata replaced these products, by the development of phthalate free materials, and the review of the product designs, with RoHS compliant alternatives by January 2019.
In cooperation with customers/suppliers in January 2006 Murata terminated, as a rule, the sale of products not in compliance with the RoHS Directive. And, Murata continues that rules when RoHS amendments are applied in January 2013 and July 2019 under RoHS recast application.
*2 Ceramic capacitors containing lead in dielectric ceramic that rated voltage of less than 125 V AC or 250 V DC. And products incorporating such capacitors.
*3 Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate [DEHP], Butyl benzyl phthalate [BBP], Dibutyl phthalate [DBP], Diisobutyl phthalate [DIBP]