RoHS – Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive
RoHS is a directive implemented in European countries that restricts the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic devices. The term “RoHS” (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive) is derived from the initials of the restricted harmful substances. It came into force in the European Union in February 2003.
RoHS Certificate:
A RoHS certificate is a document issued after analyzing whether electrical and electronic devices contain any of the restricted hazardous substances. To obtain this certificate, the levels of ten harmful substances—specified by the directive—must be below the defined limits. The RoHS Directive (RoHS 1) became mandatory for all EU member states on July 1, 2006, which means that companies importing or exporting electrical and electronic products must obtain a RoHS certificate. We are proud to be the first and only local firm capable of conducting RoHS tests in-house and issuing the RoHS certificate.
This directive (with certain exceptions, such as for solar panels) restricts the use of ten hazardous substances in the manufacture of various electrical and electronic equipment. It aims to solve the toxic electronic waste recycling problems caused by the use of these substances in end-of-life electrical and electronic products. Every EU member state recognizes the directive as a guideline and adopts its own policies based on it.
RoHS is often known as the “lead-free directive,” although it actually restricts the use of the following ten substances:
- Lead (Pb)
- Mercury (Hg)
- Cadmium (Cd)
- Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6+)
- Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB)
- Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE)
- Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
- Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP)
- Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
- Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)
Additionally, the directive published as 2015/863 on March 31, 2015, added further restrictions on DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP.
RoHS Restricted Substances List
| Articles | Intensity |
|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | %0.1 |
| Mercury (Hg) | %0.1 |
| Cadmium (Cd) | %0,01 |
| Chromium (Cr6+) | %0.1 |
| Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) | %0.1 |
| Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) | %0.1 |
| Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) | %0.1 |
| Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) | %0.1 |
| Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) | %0.1 |
| Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) | %0.1 |
The RoHS Directive is an EU regulation that restricts the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic devices. The name “RoHS” is an acronym derived from “Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive” and it came into force in February 2003.
A RoHS Certificate is issued based on analyses showing that the levels of ten restricted hazardous substances in an electronic product are below the defined limits. To obtain the certificate, every homogeneous material within the product must individually comply with these limits. Specifically, for all non-exempt products, the maximum permitted concentrations are 0.1% (1000 ppm) by weight for most substances—with cadmium limited to 0.01% (100 ppm).
The ten substances restricted by RoHS include:
- Lead (Pb) – 0.1%
- Mercury (Hg) – 0.1%
- Cadmium (Cd) – 0.01%
- Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6+) – 0.1%
- Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB) – 0.1%
- Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE) – 0.1%
- Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) – 0.1%
- Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) – 0.1%
- Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) – 0.1%
- Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) – 0.1%
On March 31, 2015, Directive 2015/863 was published, adding DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP to the list of toxic substances. Additionally, brominated flame retardants such as PBB and PBDE—commonly used in various plastics—are restricted, as well as hexavalent chromium, which is used in chrome plating, primers, and other coatings.
These restrictions apply to each homogeneous material within a product rather than the entire product weight. For instance, if a radio is assembled from multiple components (such as casings, screws, circuit boards, speakers, etc.), each homogeneous component must be individually tested. If any part exceeds the permitted concentration—such as a radio casing containing 2300 ppm (0.23%) of PBB—the product would not qualify for a RoHS certificate.
This regulation has had a significant impact on global trade. All EU member states recognize the directive as a guideline and adopt their own implementation policies. The directive has not only improved the environmental impact by reducing toxic electronic waste but also enhanced consumer safety by ensuring that electrical and electronic products do not contain hazardous substances.
Mass Laboratuvar ve Danışmanlık Hizmetleri A.Ş. (MassLab) is recognized as the first and only local firm in Turkey capable of performing RoHS tests in-house and issuing RoHS Certificates, supporting manufacturers throughout the testing and certification process.
What is the RoHS Certificate and What is its Use?
The use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products is restricted by RoHS, and the RoHS Certificate ensures that these substances do not exceed the prescribed limits. Not only electronic devices, but also other electrical appliances involve a significant amount of chemicals. As the world becomes more industrialized and heavy materials are increasingly produced and used, the amount of hazardous electronic waste—which poses a severe threat to human health—has reached alarming levels.
In response, considerable effort has been invested in developing an international certificate. As a result of these efforts, substances deemed harmful have been banned. Along with the defined technical framework, manufacturers must meet specific requirements before their products can enter the market. These conditions also facilitate the sale of products in an environmentally friendly manner. Essentially, the certificate demonstrates that a product complies with the limits for hazardous substances before it is released to the market.
Which companies issue RoHS certificates?
With the introduction of this certificate, European countries became the main hub for exports, and the dynamics of global trade and competition changed significantly. This certificate paved the way for major wholesalers, as well as manufacturing competitors or solution partners in the Far East, to play an active role in the market. Furthermore, restrictions on the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products led to a decrease in their use during manufacturing, while consumer confidence increased, resulting in higher market demand.
As a result, the RoHS Certificate has sparked new momentum in global trade and contributed to reducing unemployment rates in production regions. Among the companies issuing RoHS Certificates, Mass Laboratuvar ve Danışmanlık Hizmetleri A.Ş. stands out as the first and only local laboratory in Turkey capable of conducting these tests using domestic resources. Leveraging our extensive experience and expertise, we provide professional services to help you obtain the certificate.
This certificate allows production systems to demonstrate compliance with the hazardous substance restrictions before products are released to the market, thereby promoting the production of safe products and driving consumption. We support you throughout the entire process, ensuring that your products pass the necessary tests and that you receive the RoHS Certificate as quickly as possible.
For more information and detailed support, please contact us.
