If you’ve ever looked at the packaging for an electronic device or other product, you may have seen the text “RoHS compliant” inside a circle, usually with a check mark above it. 

This marking signifies that a device is compliant with the RoHS Directive, or the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive. The RoHS Directive is a set of European Union regulations that restrict the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic devices.

Below, we’ve explained more about how the RoHS Directive works, as well as what it means when a product has the RoHS compliant text and mark on its packaging.

We’ve also discussed the steps you can take to achieve RoHS compliance for your device if you’re planning to sell your product in the European Economic Area (EEA).

What is the RoHS Directive?

The RoHS Directive is a set of regulations published by the European Union. The regulations set limits on the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic devices.

The first RoHS Directive, Directive 2002/95/EC, entered into force in 2003 and set restrictions on the use of lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl esters (PBDE) in electronic devices and equipment.

In 2011, the regulations were updated as Directive 2011/65/EU. In 2019, the regulations were further updated, with four other substances — bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEPH), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) — also restricted.

Under EU RoHS regulations, these substances are only allowed in electronic equipment when they fall below the maximum concentration, defined as parts per million (ppm). 

The RoHS Directive applies to a broad range of electronic devices, including:

• Household appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, microwaves, vacuum cleaners and other devices.
• Consumer electronics, such as televisions, audio systems, gaming consoles and other consumer electronic devices.
• Computers and IT equipment, such as desktop and laptop computers, smartphones, tablets, printers and other office devices.
• Lighting equipment, such as home light fixtures, outdoor lighting systems and lighting control equipment.
• Electrical tools and production equipment, including drills, saws, sewing machines, lawnmowers and other devices.
• Safety, monitoring and control instruments, such as smoke detectors, thermostats, heating regulators and other equipment.
• Medical devices, such as diagnostic equipment, laboratory equipment, systems that monitor patient wellbeing, surgical instruments and implantable devices.
• Other devices, including electrical equipment used in homes, commercial workplaces and industrial settings. 

RoHS Compliant Meaning

The term “RoHS compliant” means that a device meets all of the requirements set under the RoHS Directive and complies with the regulation. In order to comply with RoHS, your device needs to undergo testing and provide documentation demonstrating its compliance.

Complying with RoHS is a multi-step process that begins with assessing your supply chain, product design and other factors, then completing lab testing for your device to verify that it doesn’t contain excessive levels of hazardous substances.

It’s also important to maintain compliance through continual monitoring and improvement of devices subject to the RoHS Directive, as well as employee training and awareness.

Contact Us Now to Discuss RoHS Compliance

As specialists in product testing and regulatory compliance, we can help you understand the RoHS Directive requirements and complete testing to ensure your device complies with all of the necessary standards to go on sale in the EU. 

We can also complete testing and documentation to ensure your device complies with other regulations, including FCC requirements for sale in the United States.

To request a free quote for your device or ask a question to our engineering and compliance team, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287.