What is the IEC 62321 Standard Test?

IEC 62321 is a critical standard for EU ROHS Testing, focusing on hazardous substances restricted in electrical and electronic products. It provides comprehensive and authoritative testing methods. The standard targets a range of substances that pose significant threats to both the environment and human health, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, as well as brominated flame retardants like polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), with strict controls on their content. This standard enables manufacturers to accurately verify compliance with the stringent requirements of the EU RoHS Directive.

The RoHS Directive Limits the Content of the Following Hazardous Substances:

1. Lead (Pb):Limited to 0.1% (1000 ppm). Commonly found in soldering materials, PVC stabilizers, battery coatings, as well as in glass, ceramics, and pigments. Lead severely damages the nervous system and kidneys, with children being especially vulnerable.

2. Mercury (Hg):Limited to 0.1% (1000 ppm). Commonly used in switches, relays, fluorescent lamps, and certain batteries. As a toxic heavy metal, mercury can harm the brain, kidneys, and cardiovascular system.

3. Cadmium (Cd):Strictly limited to 0.01% (100 ppm). Found in nickel-cadmium batteries, pigments, and metal coatings. Cadmium is a known carcinogen, with long-term exposure potentially leading to lung cancer and kidney disease.

4. Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6+):Limited to 0.1% (1000 ppm). Used in anti-corrosion coatings and metal surface treatments. It is highly carcinogenic and particularly harmful to the respiratory tract.

5. Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBs):Limited to 0.1% (1000 ppm). Used as flame retardants. Prolonged exposure can affect the liver, thyroid, and immune system.

6. Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs):Limited to 0.1% (1000 ppm). Also used as flame retardants, PBDEs pose potential threats to both environmental and human health.

7. Diisobutyl Phthalate (DIBP):Limited to 0.1% (1000 ppm). Commonly used as a plasticizer, it may disrupt endocrine and reproductive systems.

8. Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP):Limited to 0.1% (1000 ppm). Widely used in PVC materials and medical devices, DEHP is harmful to reproductive health.

9. Benzyl Butyl Phthalate (BBP):Limited to 0.1% (1000 ppm). Used as a plasticizer and may affect the human endocrine system.

10. Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP):Limited to 0.1% (1000 ppm). Common in plastic toys and cables, DBP poses potential reproductive health risks.

Key Considerations for Obtaining ROHS certification:

1. Wide Scope of Application:

The updated EU RoHS certification applies to all electrical and electronic products, including white goods, black goods, power tools, and medical electrical equipment. These products are at high risk of containing restricted substances during manufacturing or material sourcing. Manufacturers must ensure full compliance with the updated RoHS standards to access the EU market.

2. Testing Methods:

The primary testing techniques are X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), which allow for rapid and accurate measurement of the six restricted substances.

3. Documentation Requirements:

Manufacturers must prepare a comprehensive Declaration of Conformity, technical documentation, and methods of conformity assessment to demonstrate compliance. Type testing and random sampling inspections are also required to ensure full regulatory compliance.

4. Labeling and Information Disclosure:

Under the updated EU RoHS certification, CE marking is mandatory. The corresponding directive and standard numbers must be clearly indicated on the product. Additionally, product manuals must include information about the content of the six restricted substances, enabling consumers to assess the environmental performance of the product.