How to Become RoHS Compliant

The EU RoHS restricts 10 hazardous substances (Cd: 0.01%, others: 0.1%), applicable to electrical and electronic equipment sold in the EU.  

Companies must establish supply chain management, obtain supplier compliance certificates, sign a Declaration of Conformity (DoC), and retain technical documentation for 10 years.  

Note: Lead exemptions will be revised in 2026; some expire on 30 June 2027 and do not apply to products that may be placed in children’s mouths.

What is RoHS Compliance?

RoHS stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, originating from the EU. It aims to control toxic and hazardous substances in EEE to protect human health and the environment.  

The current RoHS 3 (2011/65/EU) regulates 10 substances and is a mandatory compliance requirement for global EEE exports.

Restricted Substances & Limits (Homogeneous Materials)

• Cadmium (Cd): ≤ 0.01% (100 ppm)  

• Pb, Hg, Cr⁶⁺, PBB, PBDE, DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP: ≤ 0.1% (1000 ppm)

RoHS Scope

Covers nearly all electrical and electronic products:  

Home appliances, IT & telecom, lighting, toys, automotive electronics, industrial/medical devices, etc.  

Partial exemptions apply to military, medical, and fixed industrial installations.

RoHS Compliance Process

1. Clarify regulations: Confirm product category, limits, and exemptions  

2. Material breakdown: Disassemble to homogeneous materials per BOM, identify risks  

3. Supplier control: Collect RoHS compliance declarations  

4. Testing & verification: XRF screening + chemical analysis  

5. Documentation: Technical files, risk assessment, test reports  

6. Issue DoC: EU Declaration of Conformity  

7. Affix ce mark: Apply ce marking to products  

8. Continuous maintenance: Keep records for 10 years, track regulatory updates

Testing Methods

• Document Compliance (IEC 63000): Low cost, non-destructive, suitable for complex products  

• Laboratory Chemical Testing: Authoritative data, ideal for high-risk materials

Required Documents

BOM, Supplier Declarations, Test Reports, Exemption Certificates, Technical Files, DoC, CE Marking Records.

us rohs Status

No unified federal law, but California requirements match EU RoHS. Strict compliance is required for export to California.

Risks of Non-Compliance

Product detention, ban, recall, fines up to 2% of annual turnover or €1,000,000, and brand reputation damage.

Compliance Recommendations

• Select RoHS-compliant suppliers from the source  

• Prioritize document compliance for complex products; conduct chemical testing for key materials  

• Follow the strictest standards for multi-country exports  

• Replace materials before exemptions expire

Recommended Testing Body: JJR Lab

JJR Lab is a professional ROHS Testing & compliance organization with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and CMA, CNAS qualifications.  

Test reports are accepted worldwide.