Implementation of the RoHS Directive

Article 5(1) of the RoHS Directive says that its limits can be waived under certain circumstances. This lets the Annexes keep up with scientific and technological progress.

Exemptions are time-limited and regularly reviewed, taking this into account.
Availability, practicability, and dependability of alternatives
the effects of substitution on the environment, consumer health, and safety socioeconomic repercussions of replacement

Regularly, the industry submits requests for the renewal of exemptions or for further exemptions from the Directive's obligations. A request for exemption renewal must be submitted no later than 18 months before the exemption expires. Each request must be examined, and exemptions are given when appropriate.