There are over 80 exemptions, some of which are quite broad. Exemptions will automatically expire after 5 or 7 years unless renewed.[16][18]
According to Hewlett Packard: "The European Union is gradually narrowing the scope of and expiring many of the current RoHS exemptions. In addition, it is likely that new substance restrictions will be introduced in the next several years."[16]
Some exemptions:[19]
Copper alloy containing up to 4% lead by weight is permitted. (Category 6c)
Lead in high melting temperature type solders (i.e. lead based solder alloys containing 85% by weight or more lead). (Category 7a)
The servers, switches, routers, cell sites and other telecommunication equipment that constitute the global Internet and phone systems are exempt from lead content restrictions. (Category 7b)
Cadmium in Solar panels - Cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film PV modules in photovoltaic panels are explicitly allowed by RoHS to contain unlimited cadmium, even though cadmium is restricted in all other electronics. The solar panel exemption was in the original 2003 RoHS regulation and it was further extended on May 27, 2011.[20]
Limited amounts of mercury in fluorescent and other light bulbs where it is essential to their functioning comprise RoHS 2 Categories 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
Medical devices were exempt in the original directive, which meant they could contain unlimited amounts of toxic metals and plastics and still be marketed as RoHS compliant.[21] RoHS 2 narrowed the exemption's scope to active implantable medical devices only (Category 4h). In Vitro Diagnostic Devices (IVDD) and other medical devices are now included.[22]
Automotive vehicles are exempt (category 4f). Vehicles instead are addressed in the ELV (End of Life Vehicle) 2000/53/EC Directive.[23]