RoHS Certification: Ensuring Safe and Environment-Friendly Electronic Products

RoHS Certification restricts harmful materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium in electronic products.
The standard protects both people and the environment by establishing a manufacturing process that uses no harmful materials.
RoHS certification is required to sell electronics, in the European Union and in other markets around the world that have conformed to the same standard.
All manufacturers, importers, and exporters of electrical and electronic devices must be RoHS compliant.
The benefits of RoHS include: the ability for unlimited access to the global market, an eco-friendly product, trust in your brand, and being compliant with regulation.

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Introduction

RoHS Certification (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) is an internationally accepted compliance benchmark that restricts the use of hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium in electrical and electronic equipment. The European Union introduced RoHS through Directive 2011/65/EU in 2011 to reduce the environmental impacts of pollution and human health, by guaranteeing that electronics are safe, recyclable and environmentally friendly.

RoHS certification is compulsory for manufacturers, importers, and exporters wishing to sell or distribute electronic products to the European Union, as well as other international markets which have enacted similar regulations, to assure they comply with international safety standards and sustainable manufacturing.

Through RoHS compliance companies show responsibility to the environment, products that meet quality specs for human consumption and safety, all factors that will help build trust and credibility, and are important aspects in today’s global supply chain.

What is RoHS Certification?

RoHS Certification, or Restriction of Hazardous Substances Certification, is a regulatory compliance that places limitations on the use of certain toxic materials in electrical and electronic equipment. RoHS Certification is based on the European Union Directive 2011/65/EU and is designed to verify that products entering the market are safe for the environment and for human health.

Under RoHS, manufacturers have an obligation to ensure that the products they manufacture do not contain restricted substances in excess of accepted maximum levels. In other words, manufacturers cannot place product on the market that contains lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (Cr6+), PBB, PBDE, and certain phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP), in excess of published limits.

RoHS Certification is applicable to a wide variety of electrical and electronic products including household appliances, IT equipment, lighting equipment, tools, toys, medical devices, etc.

Simply put, RoHS Certification ensures that a product is free of hazardous materials, thus making it is safe for consumers, sustainable for the environment, and compliant with regulations to access global markets.

Substances Prohibited Under RoHS Certification

At present, the RoHS Certification Directive prohibits the use in the manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment of ten specific hazardous substances above stated limits:

Lead (Pb): used for soldering, batteries, and components.
Mercury (Hg): used for fluorescent lamps, batteries, and switches.
Cadmium (Cd): used for batteries, pigments, and surface coatings.
Hexavalent Chromium (Cr VI): used for plating and surface finishing.
Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs): flame retardants for plastics.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs): also flame retardants.
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP): plasticizer for PVC.
Butyl Benzyl Phthalate (BBP): used as a plasticizer in PVC.
Dibutyl phthalate: used as a plasticizer in PVC.
Diisobutyl Phthalate (DIBP): used as a plasticizer in PVC.

These substances were selected for having known toxicity attributes and suspected injurious effects on human health and the environment.

Exempted Products under RoHS Certification

Not all electronic goods require RoHS Certification. Certain products are exempt based on their complexity, critical application, or because there are no less harmful materials available. Product exemptions will allow industries to continue operating in national security (defense), health care, and production of energy.

Significant exemptions from RoHS Certification include:

Industrial equipment and fixtures – A machine that is part of a factory or facility, that is permanently affixed as part of its operation.
Defense and military products – Any product used solely to support national security and defense.
Certain medical and diagnostic products – Products where a material that was restricted in RoHS may impact readings or patient safety.
Aeronautics and aerospace – Any product, part, or piece of a system that goes into a plane, or in orbit, or employed in flight.
Power generation and control systems – A system used for producing electric energy or renewable energy.
Laboratory or research equipment – A high-precision instrument for experimentation or research, in which a restricted material may affect precision or output.

All exemptions are evaluated on a regular basis by respective regulatory authorities so that as materials and technologies become less harmful, it may or may not change the list of exempted products.

Benefits of RoHS Certification

Market Access: Ensures legal access to the European market and other regions that adopt RoHS Certification-like regulations.
Environmental Impact: Reduces the environmental impact by minimizing hazardous substances in electronic waste.
Consumer Safety: Protects consumer health by limiting exposure to toxic substances.
Brand Reputation: Enhances brand reputation and corporate responsibility by demonstrating commitment to environmental and health standards.
Competitive Advantage: Offers a competitive advantage in markets where consumers and businesses prioritize environmentally friendly products.
Risk Mitigation: Reduces the risk of non-compliance penalties, product recalls, and legal issues.

Exempted Products Under RoHS Certification

Nevertheless, RoHS Certification states that some types of products and applications are exempted. These exceptions typically apply in two cases:

The hazardous substance has no substitute for the intended use.
For technical reasons, the hazardous substance would have to be used; removal would jeopardize the reliability and/or function of the product.
The hazardous substance is considered to be present in negligible amounts and hence poses minimal risk.

Specific products or applications can also be exempt from exclusion:

Lead in alloys
Mercury in certain types of lamps
Cadmium in specific electric contacts.

It is pertinent to note that these exemptions are temporary in nature and will thus be reviewed for possible withdrawal whenever alternative technologies become viable.

documents required for RoHS Certification

Supplier Material Declarations: Statements from suppliers about the material composition and RoHS certification of parts and components.
Test Reports: Laboratory test reports confirming that products do not exceed RoHS Certification limits for hazardous substances.
Bill of Materials (BOM): A detailed list of all components and materials used in the product.
Risk Assessments: Documentation of risk assessments conducted to identify potential RoHS Certification issues.
Technical File: Comprehensive technical documentation including test reports, supplier declarations, BOM, risk assessments, and other relevant information.
Declaration of Conformity (DoC): A formal declaration stating that the product complies with the RoHS Certification directive.
Compliance Procedures: Documentation of ongoing compliance procedures, such as internal audits, training, and supplier management.

Process of RoHS Certification

Document Review

The manufacturer collects the necessary documents for submission to the certifying body at this very initial and critical stage. The documents are verified as to their state and the types of tests required on them. Important elements in this stage include:
Bill of Materials (BOM) Review: BOM is reviewed in detail to find all materials and components used in the finished product.
Certifications of Compliance: Compatibility certifications from component suppliers are gathered and checked. The certifications serve as evidence of RoHS Certification with the components.
Test Results: Existing results of tests for RoHS Certification are obtained and presented.
Compliance File Generation: A compliance file containing all documents mentioned above is created, which will act as an up-to-date repository for all information related to RoHS Certification. The file is put on the network for ready access and audit purposes.

Verification: Testing and Analysis

Testing the levels of the 10 prohibited RoHS Certification chemicals in the product is then followed by rigorous testing to verify the status of these chemicals. Such stage usually includes:

On-Site or XRF Testing: One would love X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis for the rapid screening detection of prohibited substances. It can be performed onsite via portable XRF analyzers.
Lab Phthalate Solvent Extraction Testing: More precisely analyzed, specifically for phthalates, lab tests through solvent extraction technique were done because this is considered to provide a quantitative assessment of the presence of these substances.

Final Products Analysis: Auditing

After completion of the test, the certifying body conducts an on-site inspection of the manufacturing processes to ensure that they are RoHS Certification compliant. This very comprehensive audit includes the following:

Factory Inspection: The factory, as a whole, is being inspected comprehensively, focusing accordingly on the quality management system, material handling procedure, and ROHS Certification implementation.
Annual Follow-ups (Possible): Many auditing firms conduct annual follow-up audits where random sampling may be involved, to continuously verify compliance and ensure the manufacturer of the RoHS Certification standards.

Grant of License: RoHS Certification

Once the audit has been completed successfully, the manufacturer will be granted a RoHS certification, which is sometimes referred to as a Certificate of Conformity or Declaration of Conformity. This certificate indicates that the product meets all the requirements of the RoHS directive and allows the manufacturer to market and sell his products within regions that require compliance with RoHS Certification.

Cost, Timeline, Validity, and Renewal for RoHS Certification

Cost of RoHS Certification

The cost of RoHS Certification depends on the product type, complexity, and number of components. It is calculated as per actual / product specifications. This ensures you only pay for what is relevant to your product’s compliance requirements.

Timeline for RoHS Certification

The typical certification process takes 2 to 4 weeks. This includes:

Product testing at accredited labs
Technical documentation review
Preparation of the Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
Final certification issuance

Validity of RoHS Certification

RoHS Certification does not have a fixed expiry date. It remains valid as long as the product continues to meet all RoHS compliance requirements. Continuous monitoring and proper documentation ensure long-term compliance.

Renewal of RoHS Certification

Renewal is required when there are changes in product design, materials, or suppliers. This involves:

Retesting affected components
Updating technical documentation
Reissuing or updating the Declaration of Conformity (DoC)

Why choose Diligence certification for ROHS certification?

Self-declaring RoHS Certification could appear like a cost-effective solution, but the advantages of demanding certification—especially when working with a trusted partner like Diligence certifications —far exceed the initial cost. With Diligence certifications, manufacturers reduce their risks and increase their reliability. With less e-waste and hazardous materials in the environment, they will contribute sustainably and healthily in the future. It’s an investment in everyone’s future sustainability and product compliance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is RoHS Certification, and why is it mandatory?

This certification ensures that products in electrical and electronic equipment are no longer allowed to contain hazardous materials at amounts exceeding permissible limits for protecting the health of humans and general environments from toxic materials emanating from electronics manufacturing.

Which products require mandatory RoHS Certification?

RoHS compliance is necessary for all electronic and electrical equipment (EEE), which can be associated with hazardous substances:

Consumer Electronics (eg: smartphones, laptops, TVs)
Household Appliances (eg: refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioning units)
IT & Telecommunication Equipment (eg: networking devices, servers)
Lighting Products (eg: LED Bulbs, CFLs, Halogen Lamps)
Medical Devices (eg: scanners, diagnostic devices, implants)
Automotive Electrical Components (eg: Sensors, Batteries, Displays)

What hazardous substances are restricted under RoHS?

The following toxic substances are restricted or prohibited by RoHS directive:

✔ Lead (Pb) - an element in solder and circuit boards

✔ Mercury (Hg) - for lamps and medical equipment

✔ Cadmium (Cd)- present in products like batteries and coatings

✔ Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6+), which is used in metal plating

✔ Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBs) - as flame retardants

✔ Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) - in plastics

✔ Phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP)-in cables and casings

How long does it take to get RoHS Certification?

The time associated with the RoHS approval process has been generally fixed to be over 2-4 weeks and is dependent on:

✔ Complexity of the product

✔ Lab test, and compliance documentation.

✔ Processing time for the governments

What is the process for obtaining RoHS Certification?

The RoHS compliance process involves:

1️ Testing Products - Accredited labs carry out analysis of hazardous material levels.

2️ Document Preparation - Submit test reports, technical files and declarations for submission.

3️ Certification and Marking - Products receive RoHS compliance marking based on it.

What is the cost of RoHS Certification in India?

The cost of RoHS certification depends on:

✔ Product Category & Complexity

✔ Testing & Laboratory Fees

✔ Documentation & Compliance Charges

To get the exact cost estimation, contact Diligence Certifications.

Is RoHS Certification required for importers and exporters?

Importation of Electronic products into India and export to RoHS-regulated markets make RoHS compliance mandatory, such as:

European Union

United States (California Proposition 65)

United Kingdom

China RoHS

What documents are required for RoHS Certification?

Product Test Reports from accredited labs
Bill of Materials (BoM) listing all components
Manufacturer's Declaration of Compliance
Technical Files and Safety Data Sheets
IEC Test Report for electrical components into India and exporting to RoHS-regulated markets such as the European Union (EU).

Can I sell non-RoHS-compliant products in India?

No, sales of non-RoHS-compliant electronics products are illegal as per Indian environmental laws. Non-conformity could bring about:

Seizure of the product and rejection of imports
Legal actions and constraints on business
Financial penalties.

How long is a RoHS Certificate valid?

Once RoHS Certification is obtained, no one needs to renew it for a lifetime, and the following cases will require resubmission for certification:

If the product design, raw materials, or components change.
If the applicable RoHS regulations are updated.

What happens if my product fails RoHS testing?

In case of RoHS test failure, consider:

Substitute any raw materials that contain hazardous materials.
Conduct retests at an accredited lab.
Amend any technical documentation and resubmit for a new certificate.

What is the difference between RoHS and REACH Compliance?

RoHS restricts hazardous substance content in electrical and electronic products.
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization & Restriction of Chemicals) applies to all chemical substances employed in production, including paints, coatings, and plastics.

Both certifications are vital to regulatory compliance and the safety of the product!

What is RoHS 3 (EU 2015/863), and how is it different from RoHS 2?

RoHS 3 (EU 2015/863) is the most up-to-date amendment, with the addition of four newly-listed phthalates:

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP)
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)

Manufacturers and importers should comply with RoHS 3 requirements to ensure market access into the EU, India, China, and other RoHS-compliant jurisdictions.

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