The RoHS (Restriction of Use of Restricted Substances) regulation limits the concentrations of certain hazardous substances used in the manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). Polybromide biphenyls (PBBs) are among these hazardous materials. PBBs are a group of chemicals used as flame retardants, especially in electronic equipment. However, it is limited by RoHS regulation due to environmental and health effects.

Limit set for PBB under RoHS regulation:

- 0.1% by weight per homogeneous material, ie 1000 ppm.

The main methods used for the determination of polybromide biphenyl (PBB):

1. **GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer)**: This method is widely used for the detection of PBBs. The samples are first subjected to an extraction process, after which the PBBs are separated and detected by GC-MS.

2. **LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry)**: This method can be used for PBB detection in some cases, especially in more complex matrices.

3. **FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy)**: This method can be used for the qualitative detection of PBBs and other brominated flame retardants in plastic matrices, but is often used in combination with another method for quantitative analysis.

To verify RoHS compliance, manufacturers and importers must certify that materials and components used throughout the supply chain are PBB-free or below allowable limits. It is also recommended that periodic tests be carried out on products, especially based on supplier declarations, when the presence of these substances is suspected. These tests must be performed both during the product design and development phase and during the manufacturing process.