RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) is an EU directive (Directive 2011/65/EU and its updates) that restricts ten specific hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment placed on the EU market: lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), and four phthalates (DEHP, BBP, BDP, DIBP).
For wholesale electronics, RoHS compliance is typically asserted via the Declaration of Conformity that accompanies CE marking. Devices manufactured for the EU market by major OEMs (Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.) are inherently RoHS-compliant; devices sourced through grey-market or unregistered channels may not be.
Several non-EU markets have implemented RoHS-equivalent regulations: California RoHS (US), China RoHS (separate scheme), Japan J-Moss, South Korea EcoAssurance. A device that meets EU RoHS generally meets the equivalent thresholds elsewhere, but documentation requirements vary by destination.
RoHS: common questions
What is RoHS?
RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) is an EU directive that restricts ten specific hazardous substances, including lead, mercury, cadmium, and certain phthalates, in electrical and electronic equipment placed on the EU market.
How is RoHS compliance shown for wholesale electronics?
RoHS compliance is typically asserted via the Declaration of Conformity that accompanies CE marking. Devices made for the EU market by major OEMs are inherently RoHS-compliant, while grey-market or unregistered stock may not be.
Do other markets have RoHS-equivalent rules?
Yes. California RoHS, China RoHS, Japan J-Moss, and South Korea EcoAssurance are equivalents. A device meeting EU RoHS generally meets the thresholds elsewhere, though documentation requirements vary by destination.