RoHS Directive 2011/65 & 2015/863 (RoHS 3)
The RoHS Directive, short for “Restriction of Hazardous Substances,” is a European Union regulation designed to reduce the environmental and health impacts of hazardous materials used in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). Its goal is to ensure that products sold in the EU are safer for consumers, workers, and the environment, especially during recycling and disposal.
The RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU is part of the CE marking procedure. By affixing the CE marking in accordance with the RoHS Directive, the manufacturer or importer confirms that his electrical or electronic equipment (including the underlying components) is free of hazardous substances.
‘Electrical and electronic equipment’ means devices that rely on electric currents or electromagnetic fields to operate properly with a voltage of up to 1000 volts at alternating current and 1 500 volts at direct current.
The RoHS Directive provides restrictions on the use of lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB and PBDE in electrical and electronic equipment. As of 22 July 2019, Directive 2015/863 (RoHS 3) has entered into force and prohibits the use of DEHP, BBP, DBP and DIBP in electrical and electronic equipment. At the same time the ‘open standard’ (category 11 in accordance with Annex I of the RoHS Directive) also entered into force, requiring all electrical and electronic equipment (with the exception of products not covered by the Directive) to comply with the RoHS Directive.
When Is RoHS Applicable?
RoHS applies to a wide range of electrical and electronic products, from household appliances and IT equipment to lighting and toys. Essentially, if your product needs electricity to function or is used to generate, transfer, or measure electricity, there’s a good chance it falls under the scope of RoHS. Even components, cables, and sub-assemblies used in such equipment may need to comply.
However, not all products are covered. Certain categories, such as large-scale industrial tools and medical devices, may have specific exemptions or fall outside the directive. Always confirm if your product type is explicitly included or excluded.
What Does RoHS Require?
To comply with RoHS, manufacturers must ensure their products do not exceed maximum allowable concentrations of certain hazardous substances, including lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, and specific flame retardants (PBB and PBDE). For most substances, the limit is 0.1% by weight in homogeneous materials, with stricter limits for cadmium.
Compliance involves:
Material Testing: Verifying that every component and material in your product meets the RoHS limits. This might require working closely with suppliers and conducting lab tests.
Technical Documentation: Maintaining detailed records that demonstrate compliance. This includes test reports, supplier declarations, and a risk assessment of the materials used.
CE Marking: RoHS compliance is a part of CE marking for EEE in the EU. This means you’ll also need a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) to prove compliance.
Ongoing Monitoring: Compliance doesn’t end at the testing phase. Regular checks and updates are necessary, especially if you change suppliers or materials.
Why Is RoHS Important?
Non-compliance can lead to serious consequences, such as fines, product recalls, or bans on selling your product in the EU. Beyond the legal requirements, aligning with RoHS demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, which can enhance your brand’s reputation and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
Whether you’re a manufacturer, importer, or distributor, understanding and implementing RoHS requirements is a critical step in ensuring your products are both market-ready and environmentally responsible.
Our services for the RoHS Directive
We have all the necessary expertise regarding the RoHS Directive and can help you in this procedure. You can rest assured that your product will be assessed professionally and impartially in order to place it legally approved on the market.
In short we help you with:
- Carry out complete CE conformity assessment procedures
- Classification of your electrical and electronic equipment to determine whether it falls within the scope of the RoHS Directive
- Perform measurements on homogeneous materials in order to assess whether these materials contain no more than the maximum concentration value of the restricted substances tolerated by weight, in accordance with the RoHS Directive.
- File management of your Technical Documentation
- Provide advice on affixing the CE marking