The RoHS directive ("the restriction of the use of hazardous substances") refers to the Toxic Substances Control Act implemented in the European Union (EU). Since its implementation on July 1, 2006, six designated substances (lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB (polybrominated biphenyls), and PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ethers)) have been banned from electric/electronic products handled in the EU region.