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New ELV exemptions approved

Directive 2011/37/EU - Annex II

On March 30, 2011, Annex II to the Directive for End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV)  was amended by the EU. The annex contains ELV exemptions granted because the use of lead, mercury, cadmium or hexavalent chromium in certain materials or components is considered technically unavoidable.

Exemptions are reviewed periodically in a process know as adaptation to technical progress (ATP) to see if the exemption is still warranted. A summary of the changes made after the last ATP review follows.
 

Exemption # 1 for lead in galvanized steel was split into two parts, with 1(b) expiring in 2016 (previous wording in green):

1 Steel for machining purposes and galvanized steel containing up to 0.35% lead by weight    
1a Steel for machining purposes and batch hot dip galvanized steel components containing up to 0.35% lead by weight    
1b Continuously galvanized steel sheet containing up to 0.35% lead by weight Vehicles type approved before Jan 1, 2016 and spare parts for same  
 
Exemption # 6 for lead in vibration dampers will now expire in 2016 (wording of exemption did not change otherwise):
6 Vibration dampers Vehicles type approved before Jan 1, 2016 and spare parts for same Yes
 
Exemption # 10 for lead in glass or ceramics was split into four parts, with
10(d) to be reviewed in 2014 and 10(c) expiring in 2016 (previous wording in green):
10 Electrical components which contain lead in a glass or ceramic matrix compound (except glass in bulbs and glaze of spark plugs)   Yes, except engine piezos
10a Electrical and electronic components which contain lead in a glass or ceramic matrix compound, in a glass-ceramic material, or in a glass-ceramic matrix compound (except glass in bulbs; glaze of spark plugs; dielectric ceramic materials of components in 10b, 10c,10d)   Yes, except engine piezos
10b Lead in PZT based dielectric ceramic materials of capacitors being part of integrated circuits or discrete semiconductors    
10c Lead in dielectric ceramic materials of capacitors with a rated voltage of less than 125V AC or 250V DC Vehicles type approved before Jan 1, 2016 and spare parts for same  
10d Lead in the dielectric ceramic materials of capacitors compensating the temperature-related deviations of sensors in ultrasonic sonar systems [review in 2014]  
 

Exemption # 12 for lead in thermoelectric materials is a new exemption which expires in 2019 (labeling is also required):

12 Lead-containing thermoelectric materials in automotive electrical applications to reduce CO2 emissions by recuperation of exhaust heat Vehicles type-approved before Jan 1, 2019 and spare parts for same Yes
 

Exemption # 14 for hexavalent chromium in absorption refrigerators was revised significantly and renumbered, with labeling now required (previous wording in green):

13 Absorption refrigerators in motor caravans    
14 As an anti-corrosion agent of the carbon steel cooling system in absorption refrigerators in motor-caravans up to 0.75 weigh -% in the cooling solution except where the use of other cooling technologies is practicable (i.e. available on the market) and does not lead to negative environmental, health and/or consumer safety impacts   Yes
 
Exemptions # 15(a) and 15(b) for mercury in lamps now require labeling (wording of exemption did not change otherwise):
15a Discharge lamps for headlight application Vehicles type approved before July 1, 2012 and spare parts for same Yes
15b Fluorescent tubes used in instrument panel displays Vehicles type approved before July 1, 2012 and spare parts for same Yes
 
Exemptions # 2(c), 3 and 5 for lead were scheduled for ATP review in 2015 (wording of exemption did not change otherwise):
2c Aluminum with a lead content up to 0.4% by weight [review in 2015]  
3 Copper alloy containing up to 4% lead by weight [review in 2015]  
5 Batteries [review in 2015]  
 
This summary of ELV exemptions designed to provide you with an accurate, easy-to-understand overview of the topic. However:
ê We have not attempted to cover the implementation issues that need to be addressed at your company or in your supply chain. For this type of assistance, please email or call us at 972-679-8996 to inquire about our services.
ê This summary does not constitute legal advice. The actual standard in the original language should be reviewed and used for all business, legal, and product compliance purposes.

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