In today’s world with increasing environmental consciousness, it is vital to dispose of equipment properly after the intended lifetime. Targeting hazardous e-waste is one of the vital roles played by RoHS; elaborately explaining RoHS certification itself, RoHS objectives, substances involved, certification processes, and applicability in curbing environmental contamination.
Excessive e-waste is becoming a major concern for the environment. E-waste contains toxic chemicals that can be leached into land and water, thereby causing the contamination of the ecosystem and inflicting health hazards onto humans. As the threat is realized, regulatory bodies across the globe began introducing initiatives to limit the use of such hazardous substances in electronic products. Probably the most distinguished regulation in this field is the RoHS, i.e., Restriction of Hazardous Substances.
An EU regulation known as the Restrictions of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) prohibits certain substances from being used in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). The goal of RoHS certification is to safeguard the environment and public health from e-waste. As a result, those products would have a negligible environmental impact because hazardous materials would not pollute the environment, making recycling and disposal simple. RoHS compliance has become a legal requirement in many countries today, and both consumers and manufacturers can recognize this as an environmental responsibility.
At present, the RoHS Directive prohibits the use in the manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment of ten specific hazardous substances above stated limits:
These substances were selected for having known toxicity attributes and suspected injurious effects on human health and the environment.
Nevertheless, RoHS states that some types of products and applications are exempted. These exceptions typically apply in two cases:
Specific products or applications can also be exempt from exclusion:
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.
*Supplier Material Declarations: Statements from suppliers about the material composition and RoHS compliance of parts and components.
*Test Reports: Laboratory test reports confirming that products do not exceed RoHS 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 compliance 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 directive.
*Compliance Procedures: Documentation of ongoing compliance procedures, such as internal audits, training, and supplier management.
Testing the levels of the 10 prohibited RoHS chemicals in the product is then followed by rigorous testing to verify the status of these chemicals. Such stage usually includes:
After completion of the test, the certifying body conducts an on-site inspection of the manufacturing processes to ensure that they are RoHS compliant. This very comprehensive audit includes the following:
Once the audit has been completed successfully, the manufacturer will be granted a RoHS certificate, 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.
Self-declaring RoHS compliance could appear like a cost-effective solution, but the advantages of demanding certification—especially when working with a trusted partner like Diligence certification —far exceed the initial cost. With diligence certification, 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.
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.
RoHS compliance is necessary for all electronic and electrical equipment (EEE), which can be associated with hazardous substances:
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
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
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.
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.
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
No, sales of non-RoHS-compliant electronics products are illegal as per Indian environmental laws. Non-conformity could bring about:
Once RoHS Certification is obtained, no one needs to renew it for a lifetime, and the following cases will require resubmission for certification:
In case of RoHS test failure, consider:
Both certifications are vital to regulatory compliance and the safety of the product!
RoHS 3 (EU 2015/863) is the most up-to-date amendment, with the addition of four newly-listed phthalates:
Manufacturers and importers should comply with RoHS 3 requirements to ensure market access into the EU, India, China, and other RoHS-compliant jurisdictions.
The Diligence Certifications was created with the primary objective of providing compliance services in India and globally, by assisting in the implementation of business to ensure compliance requirements – all requirements in one place.
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