BRUSSELS -- While the rest of the world begins to roll out their own versions of the RoHS directive, the EU is backtracking on a list of proposed additions.

According to published reports, a conflict has arisen between Belgium, the current EU president, and other committee members over how closely RoHS will track with pending REACH regulations.

While the European Commission originally proposed to include just four Substances of Very High Concern, specifically HBCDD, DEHP, BBP and DBP, the European Parliament's environment committee ratified a list containing some 37 substances, including arsenic compounds, beryllium compounds and PVC. Belgium reportedly proposes to forego the priority altogether until comprehensive risk assessments can be performed.

Also, the committee reportedly disagrees on whether, unless otherwise specifically excluded, to include all electrical and electronics equipment under RoHS by 2014.

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