If you’re exporting electrical or electronic equipment (EEE) into the European Union, then you need to know about the Restriction on Hazardous Substances directive or RoHS. That’s because most types of EEE are regulated to control the levels of certain hazardous substances and chemicals they contain, with the aim of protecting human and animal health.
Knowing what is a RoHS compliant product is the best way to protect against costly recalls, penalties and damage to your reputation.
HQTS In-House RoHS Testing Laboratories
HQTS operates several in-house laboratories equipped for comprehensive RoHS testing. Our facilities are managed by experienced chemists and engineers who perform analyses according to international standards, including EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and its amendments. Having our own laboratories allows us to maintain strict quality control, shorten turnaround times, and ensure consistent, reliable results for every project.
Our Compliance Department works closely with clients to clarify testing requirements, interpret regulations, and provide guidance throughout the compliance process. Whether you need to confirm material declarations, prepare technical documentation, or understand the latest updates to restricted substances lists, our specialists are available to assist.
Check here one of our laboratories in action:
Benefits of working with HQTS:
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Accredited in-house RoHS testing capabilities
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Fast and efficient sample processing
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Technical and regulatory support from our compliance experts
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Clear and actionable test reports
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Global service network with regional expertise
HQTS provides complete support—from sample testing through to compliance verification—helping manufacturers and importers ensure their products meet all relevant RoHS requirements.
The RoHS Directive
Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) is a compulsory standard set by Europe Union (EU) regarding the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. EU Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2.0) has replaced Directive 2002/95/EC since January 3, 2013. All electrical and electronic equipment for sale in Europe are subject to RoHS 2.0.
To allow manufactures sufficient time to ensure new products comply with RoHS 2.0, a transition period has been established as follows:
— 22 July 2014 – Medical devices and monitoring and control instruments
— 22 July 2016 – In vitro diagnostic medical devices
— 22 July 2017 – Industrial monitoring and control instruments
— 22 July 2019 – All other electrical and electronic equipment not covered by any of the categories above
RoHS 3: In 2019, RoHS 3 took things further by adding four more restricted phthalates: DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP.
Which products are covered by RoHS?
Products subject to RoHS:
- Large Household Appliances
- Small Household Appliances
- IT and Communications Equipment
- Consumer Equipments
- Lighting Products
- Electrical and electronic tools
- Toys, leisure and sports equipment
- Automatic Dispensers
- Medical Devices
- Monitoring Devices
- All other electrical and electronic devices
Equipments excluded from RoHS:
- Large-scale stationary industrial tools and large-scale fixed installations;
- Means of transport for persons or goods, excluding electric two-wheel vehicles which are not type-approved;
- Non-road mobile machinery made available exclusively for professional use;
- Photovoltaic panels
- Research and Development products
- Active Implantable Medical Devices
RoHS Restricted Substances
On 4th June 2015, the EU published (EU) 2015/863 to amend 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2.0), which added four kinds of phthalate to the list of restricted substances. The amendment will enter into force on 22nd July 2019. Restricted substances are shown in the following table:
HQTS provides high quality testing services related to restricted substances, ensuring your products comply with RoHS requirements for legal entry into the EU market. From on-site ROHS lab testing to thorough documentation reviews and process audits, our team simplifies every step of achieving RoHS compliance.
We can help with:
- Household Appliances
- IT and Communications Equipment
- Consumer Equipment
- Lighting Products
- Electrical and electronic tools
- Toys, leisure and sports equipment
- And More
