Introduction to RoHS 2 Labeling Requirements

What is ROHS certification?

RoHS stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances. Also known as Directive 2002/95/EC, it originated in the European Union and restricts the use of specific hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products.

At the end of 2002, the European Parliament approved two directives related to reducing electronic and electrical waste:

WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)

The WEEE Directive aims to regulate the reuse, recycling, and recovery of waste electronic and electrical equipment, ultimately seeking to prevent such waste.

Under the RoHS Directive, the use of certain substances in most electrical and electronic equipment is either banned or strictly limited. RoHS Compliance has been required since July 1, 2006.

Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)

RoHS, also known as "lead-free", restricts six hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products under Directive 2002/95/EC. Since July 1, 2006, all applicable products sold in the EU market must comply with RoHS standards, which significantly impacts the electronics industry.

RoHS restricts the following substances:

1. Lead (Pb)

2. Mercury (Hg)

3. Cadmium (Cd)

4. Hexavalent Chromium (Cr⁶⁺)

5. Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB)

6. Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE)

Purpose of RoHS Certification

1. It is a mandatory requirementin the European Union.

2. Enhances product reliability and efficiency.

3. Improves brand valueand market presenceinternationally.

4. Assists companies in producing safer products.

5. Helps build better relationships with customers.

What Products Are Covered by the RoHS Directive?

The RoHS Directive applies to the following types of equipment:

1. Large household appliances

2. Small household appliances

3. IT and telecommunications equipment (note: infrastructure equipment may be exempt in some regions)

4. Consumer equipment

5. Lighting equipment, including bulbs

6. Electrical and electronic tools

7. Toys, leisure, and sports equipment

8. Medical devices (exemption removed in July 2011)

9. Monitoring and control instruments (exemption removed in July 2011)

10. Automatic dispensers

11. Other electrical and electronic equipment not covered in the above categories

RoHS Certification Process

1. Ensure legible writing—distinguish clearly between similar characters (e.g., 0 vs O, 5 vs S, 1 vs I, 9 vs P, 2 vs Z).

2. Clearly specify the ROHS Testing requirements.

3. Clearly indicate the type of service; note that result notification is based on business days, excluding holidays, sample delivery, receipt processing, and report mailing times.

4. Choose the preferred method of receiving the report and provide a clear mailing address in Chinese.

5. Provide signature and official company stamp.

6. One English or Chinese report will be issued per test—indicate your preference on the application form.

7. Company name, address, and product name must be completed in both Chinese and English.

RoHS Labeling Requirements

RoHS is a mandatory EU directive known fully as the "Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment". Many customers are unfamiliar with the labeling specifics. The following outlines the requirements:

1. The number in the label indicates the environmental protection use periodand should be determined by the enterprise according to SJ/Z11388.

2. Label formats: molding, spraying, adhesive, or printing.

3. Label location: on the product itself.

4. Detailed requirements illustrated in the accompanying diagram.

5. Minimum label size: 5mm × 5mm.

6. Label colors:

 Green (Figure 1): C:85, M:30, Y:85, K:20

 Orange (Figure 2): C:0, M:75, Y:100, K:0

7. Line proportions: As illustrated in the diagram (100×100 grid); font for numbers is Impact; the height ratio of digits to the inner and outer diameters of the ring is 5:8:12.

Important Notes on RoHS Labeling

a. The label must be clearly visible, legible, resistant to fading, and not easily removable.

b. When labeling on the product, place it on a prominent areasuch as the front, functional side, or back.

c. Labels molded into the product may be the same color as the material; other label colors may also be used if they are sufficiently noticeable.

d. If due to product size, shape, surface material, or function, labeling on the product is not feasible, it may instead be applied to printed manuals, CDs/DVDs, or packaging.