What is RoHS Compliance?

RoHS Compliance Definition

Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), also known as Directive 2002/95/EC, is a product-level compliance regulation that restricts the use of specific hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products (EEE) and originated in the European Union. All applicable products in the EU after July 1, 2006, must adhere to RoHS compliance. Products that are RoHS compliant do not exceed the allowable amounts of the following restricted materials: lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), with some limited exemptions. The restricted materials are hazardous to the environment and create occupational exposure risks during manufacturing and recycling.

This directive affects manufacturers, their authorized representatives, importers, and distributors of products including household appliances, computers, consumer electronics, power tools, toys, and more.

FAQs

Do you need a RoHS certificate of compliance?

All applicable products released to the EU market after July 1, 2006, must be tested and audited for RoHS compliance. Upon a successful audit, a certificate or declaration of conformity will be granted.

*Source: https://www.rohsguide.com/rohs-faq.htm

Why is RoHS compliance important to the environment?

The RoHS Directive’s principal goal is to eliminate dangers to human health and the environment associated with the handling of electronic and electrical waste. In addition, the directive promotes EEE recyclability while also ensuring an equal playing field for EU makers and importers of EEE.

*Source: https://blog.clevercompliance.io

How do you prove RoHS compliance?

Companies must gather data from their supply chain to demonstrate compliance with the RoHS Directive. This necessitates ongoing communication with suppliers to get substance data on parts at the homogeneous material level. Companies can acquire RoHS compliance certifications from their suppliers for parts used in the final product or equipment to reduce the burden of compliance. Before a Declaration of Conformity can be issued, organizations must adhere to a number of requirements and duties referencing RoHS 2.

*Source: https://www.assent.com

Best Practices for Quality & Compliance

Read our guides to learn best practices on how to eliminate issues and risks and launch high-quality, compliant products to market.