REACH and KKDIK Compliance: Ensuring Safe and Compliant Operations

REACH Overview:
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) is an EU regulation introduced to minimize the impact of chemicals on human health and the environment by strictly controlling their production, trade, and use. The term “RoHS” (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive) was derived from the initials of certain hazardous substances that are restricted in electrical and electronic devices, and it came into force in February 2003.

RoHS Certificate:
A RoHS Certificate is issued after analyzing electronic and electrical products to ensure that the levels of ten restricted hazardous substances are below the prescribed limits. To obtain this certificate, every homogeneous material component of the product must individually meet these limits. For instance, while most substances are limited to 0.1% (1000 ppm) by weight, cadmium is restricted to 0.01% (100 ppm). RoHS 1 became mandatory for all EU member states on July 1, 2006, making it essential for companies involved in the import and export of such products to obtain a RoHS Certificate. We are proud to be the first and only local firm in Turkey capable of performing these tests in-house and issuing the RoHS Certificate.

Expansion of the Directive:
On March 31, 2015, Directive 2015/863 was published, adding Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) to the list of restricted toxic substances. In addition, brominated flame retardants such as polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) are widely used in various plastics, while hexavalent chromium is employed in chrome plating, primers, and other coatings.

Application of Restrictions:
The restrictions apply to each homogeneous material within a product, not the overall weight of the finished product. For example, a radio device is composed of multiple parts (casing, screws, circuit boards, speakers, etc.), and each component must individually comply with the prescribed limits. If any part exceeds the limits—say, a radio casing containing 2300 ppm (0.23%) of PBB—the product cannot receive the RoHS Certificate.

Impact on Global Trade:
With the introduction of this certificate, Europe became a key export hub, fundamentally changing the landscape of global trade and competition. Major wholesalers and manufacturing competitors from the Far East began to play significant roles in the market. As the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products decreased, consumer confidence grew, leading to increased demand in the market. This, in turn, spurred productivity and helped lower unemployment in production regions.

Local Expertise and Benefits:
Mass Laboratuvar ve Danışmanlık Hizmetleri A.Ş. (MassLab) is recognized as the first and only local laboratory in Turkey capable of conducting RoHS tests using domestic resources and issuing the RoHS Certificate. Our extensive experience and expertise enable us to provide professional support throughout the certification process, ensuring that your products meet global safety standards.

This certificate demonstrates that your products comply with hazardous substance restrictions before they enter the market, fostering safe product manufacturing and driving increased consumer demand. We support you throughout the entire process, completing all necessary tests and expediting the issuance of your RoHS Certificate.

For more detailed information and to begin your compliance journey, please contact us.