We actively comply with legislation and regulation concerning substances and material in our production. Find out how we positively address EU compliance, RoHS compliance and REACH regulation in our day-to-day operations.
EU compliance: addressing requirements
Since as early as 2001, we have voluntarily complied with restrictions on the use of nickel as defined in the EU Directives 94/27/EC and 2004/96/EC amending the Directive 76/769/EEC.
This directive originally targeted products such as jewellery that are often in direct contact with human skin for long periods of time. In December 2008, the EU Commission decided that this directive applied to mobile phones as well. We addressed this requirement in advance of deadlines.
The directive 76/769/EEC has been repealed by the EU regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) in June 2009.
RoHS compliance
RoHS stands for ‘the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment’.
The European Union’s legislation restricts the use of lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium and two flame retardants in all electric and electronic equipment.
Although this regulation came into effect on 1 July 2006, Nokia introduced the first RoHS compliant product in April 2005, over a year before the legislation came into force.
All new Nokia devices are RoHS compliant and free of PVC – not only in Europe, but globally. Starting from 2010, all our products will also be free of brominated and chlorinated compounds, and antimony trioxide – as defined in the Nokia substance list
RoHS legislation
The Nokia Substance List outlines our view on the need for a precautionary approach to managing substances used in our industry. We are phasing out substances according to these principles, and welcome further research into potential environmental risks.
The criteria and processes for new restrictions need to be clear for the industry to comply proactively. It is important for manufacturers and suppliers to work together across the whole industry to make this happen, enabling the gradual replacement of these materials with more environmentally friendly alternatives or new technologies. Nokia favours the development of voluntary initiatives by the industry.
In addition, the following principles should be taken into consideration:
Restriction criteria to be based on potential risk in the full product life cycle – focus should be on substances that are relevant for our industry
Evaluation process should be aligned with existing legislation
Industry to be involved in the discussion about processes and practical implications
For receiving CE marking on products, full material declaration should be driven forward as an alternative for compulsory testing. In any case, compliance with legislation should be easily verified.
It is important enforcing legislation is uniform throughout the EU. Market surveillance must be transparent to be effective, and should be carried out together with all industry parties.
To accelerate the implementation of key changes globally, further regulatory requirements may be needed. Nokia is actively contributing to the development of systematic criteria and processes for improved RoHS legislation.
REACH regulation
The EU regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) has been in force since 1 June 2007.
In accordance with the terms of REACH, Nokia has pledged that the use of chemicals in Nokia products and processes shall be safe to humans and the environment.
We continuously assess substances and their uses in Nokia products and production operations, and we are in active communication with our supply chain regarding REACH and its implementation.
Nokia devices and accessories do not contain any substances included in the current EU REACH candidate list of Substances of Very High Concern, maintained by the European Chemical Agency.
View the list of Substances of Very High Concern
However, we voluntarily offer relevant information about our substance management – including REACH-related requirements – in the Nokia substance list