EU RoHS testing is a test targeting the restriction of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products, aiming to ensure that products meet the basic access requirements for entering the EU market. The specific details are as follows:
Directive Definition and Scope: The full name of the EU RoHS Directive is "Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment." Version 2.0 clearly defines electrical and electronic equipment as: equipment that operates with a maximum AC voltage not exceeding 1000 volts or DC voltage not exceeding 1500 volts and relies on current or electromagnetic fields for operation (including equipment that generates, transmits, and measures current/electromagnetic fields). This directive covers almost all electrical and electronic products and their raw materials that rely on current or electromagnetic fields to function.
The RoHS 2.0 directive classifies applicable products into 11 categories:
Category 1: Large household appliances (e.g., refrigerators, washing machines)
Category 2: Small household appliances (e.g., vacuum cleaners, hair dryers)
Category 3: IT and communication equipment (e.g., computers, mobile phones)
Category 4: Consumer devices (e.g., televisions, stereos)
Category 5: Lighting equipment (e.g., lamps, LED displays)
Category 6: Electronic and electrical tools (e.g., electric drills, welding machines)
Category 7: Toys, Leisure and sports equipment (e.g., video game consoles, electric toys)
Class 8: Medical devices (note some exemptions)
Class 9: Video control equipment (including industrial monitoring and control equipment)
Class 10: Vending machines
Class 11: Other uncovered electrical and electronic equipment (e.g., smart wearable devices, e-cigarettes, etc.)
Evaluation standards and regulations: The core regulation of RoHS 2.0 is 2011/65/EU and its amendment directive (EU) 2015/863. (EU) 2015/863 added restrictions on four phthalate esters, expanding the scope of control.
Testing items and limit requirements: RoHS 2.0 mandates restrictions on 10 hazardous substances, as follows:
Lead (Pb): Limit 0.1%, test method according to IEC 62321-5:2013.
Mercury (Hg): Limit 0.1%, test method according to IEC 62321-4:2013+AMD1:2017 CSV.
Cadmium (Cd): Limit 0.01%, test method according to IEC 62321-5:2013.
Hexavalent Chromium (Cr(VI)): Limit 0.1%, test method according to IEC 62321-7-2:2017 or IEC 62321-7-1:2015.
Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBs): Limit 0.1%, test method according to IEC 62321-6:2015.
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs): Limit 0.1%, test method same as PBBs.
Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP): Limit 0.1%, test method according to IEC 62321-8:2017.
Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP): Limit 0.1%, test method same as DEHP.
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP): Limit 0.1%, test method same as DEHP.
Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP): Limit 0.1%, test method same as DEHP.
Dynamic Updates and New Substances: The EU's recently released Pack 15 final assessment report recommends including two substances in the restricted list:
Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs): Used in plasticizers, flame retardants, etc., and have persistent organic pollutant properties.
Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA): A common flame retardant that may interfere with the endocrine system. If the EU officially adopts the revisions, companies need to assess in advance whether their products contain the above substances and adjust their production processes or material selection accordingly.
Testing Process and Certification Significance: Companies need to have their products tested for RoHS by a third-party laboratory to confirm that all homogeneous materials (such as plastics, metals, and electronic components) comply with the limit requirements. Upon passing the test, the product can obtain a RoHS declaration of conformity or certificate, which is a necessary document for entering the EU market. Products that fail the test may face the risk of being returned, fined, or barred from the market.
