What is RoHS Certification? Process, Fees & Documents

In today’s world, environmental protection and sustainable business practices are no longer optional but they are necessary. Governments, consumers and industries are increasingly focused on reducing hazardous substances in products to safeguard human health and the environment. One of the most important regulations in this area is RoHS, short for Restriction of Hazardous Substances.

If you are involved in manufacturing, importing, or distributing electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), you have likely come across the term RoHS certification. But what exactly does it mean, why is it important and how can businesses achieve compliance? This blog explains everything you need to know.

Understanding RoHS

RoHS originated in the European Union (EU) and came into effect in July 2006 as Directive 2002/95/EC. It was introduced to restrict the use of certain hazardous materials in electrical and electronic products.

The directive was later recast and strengthened as RoHS 2 (Directive 2011/65/EU), which came into force in 2011, and updated again with RoHS 3 (Directive 2015/863). RoHS 3 added four phthalates to the restricted list. The new restrictions took effect on 22 July 2019 for most product categories, with some medical devices and monitoring/control instruments given an extended deadline until 22 July 2021.

The purpose of RoHS is straightforward:

• Protect human health by limiting exposure to toxic substances.
• Promote environmentally sound recycling and disposal of electronics.
• To encourage manufacturers to design safer, greener products.

Substances Restricted Under RoHS

RoHS places strict limits on the concentration of specific hazardous substances used in electronic products. Currently, the directive restricts 10 substances:

1. Lead (Pb) – Found in solder, glass, PVC coatings.
2. Mercury (Hg) – Used in switches, relays and fluorescent lamps.
3. Cadmium (Cd) – Found in batteries, pigments, coatings.
4. Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6+) – Used in metal coatings to prevent corrosion.
5. Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB) – Flame retardants in plastics.
6. Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE) – Flame retardants in plastics.
7. Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) – Plasticizer in PVC.
8. Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) – Plasticizer.
9. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) – Plasticizer.
10. Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) – Plasticizer.

Each of these substances has strict maximum concentration limits, typically 0.1% (1000 ppm) by weight in homogeneous materials, except cadmium, which is restricted to 0.01% (100 ppm).

What is RoHS Certification?

RoHS certification is the formal declaration that a product complies with RoHS regulations. The EU does not issue an official “RoHS certificate.” Instead, compliance is demonstrated through laboratory testing, supplier documentation, a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and CE marking. However, many third-party testing bodies provide RoHS test reports and “certificates” to help companies prove conformity.

The certification process usually involves: -

1. Testing materials and components through accredited laboratories.
2. Assessing the supply chain to ensure parts and raw materials are compliant.
3. Documenting compliance in a Declaration of Conformity (DoC).
4. Affixing the CE mark on products sold in the European market (RoHS 2 makes CE marking mandatory for covered products).

While RoHS itself does not issue “certificates,” third-party certification bodies and testing labs can provide compliance testing, reports and official certificates to help businesses demonstrate conformity.

Why is RoHS Certification Important?

1. Legal Requirement – In the EU, selling non-RoHS compliant products can lead to severe consequences, including bans on sale, fines, and product recalls. Many other regions (China, India, UAE, and others) have adopted similar legislation, making compliance a global necessity.
2. Market Access – RoHS compliance is essential to sell electronic products in the European Economic Area (EEA). Without certification, companies are barred from entering one of the largest markets in the world.
3. Consumer Trust – Consumers today are highly conscious of regarding product safety and sustainability. RoHS certification strengthens brand credibility and demonstrates a company’s commitment to responsible practices.
4. Corporate Responsibility – By reducing the hazardous substances, businesses help protect workers, consumers and the environment, aligning with global sustainability goals.
5. Supply Chain Efficiency – RoHS encourages manufacturers to work with reliable suppliers who provide certified components, ensuring smoother production and fewer compliance risks.

Products Covered Under RoHS

RoHS applies to a wide range of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), including:

• Household appliances (refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves).
• IT and telecommunications equipment (computers, phones, servers).
• Consumer electronics (TVs, cameras, music players).
• Lighting equipment (LED lamps, fluorescent bulbs).
• Power tools.
• Medical devices (with some exemptions).
• Monitoring and control instruments.
• Automatic dispensers.

Essentially, if a product has an electrical component and is sold in the EU, it likely falls under RoHS regulations.

Exemptions to RoHS

Some applications are exempt from RoHS restrictions, usually where no safe or technically feasible alternatives exist. These exemptions are formally listed in Annex III and Annex IV of the directive. Examples include: -

• Military equipment.
• Large-scale industrial tools.
• Certain medical devices.
• Photovoltaic panels.
• Spare parts for older equipment. (when replacements are necessary)

Exemptions are time-limited, regularly reviewed and many are phased out as safer substitutes become available. The EU continues to update exemption lists—businesses must monitor changes to remain compliant.

Steps to Achieve RoHS Certification

1. Identify Applicable Products – Determine whether your products fall within the scope of RoHS regulations.
2. Assess Supply Chain – Collect compliance statements and test reports from suppliers.
3. Laboratory Testing – Submit the product samples to accredited laboratories for RoHS substance testing.
4. Compile Technical Documentation – Maintain records including test reports, material declarations and risk assessments.
5. Prepare a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) – The manufacturer (or authorized representative) must issue a signed statement declaring RoHS compliance.
6. Affix CE Marking – For products sold in the EU, CE marking is mandatory under RoHS 2.

RoHS vs. REACH

Businesses often confuse RoHS with REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals). While both are EU regulations focused on chemical safety, they differ: -

• RoHS – Restricts specific hazardous substances in electronic and electrical equipment.
• REACH – Governs the use of chemicals in all industries, not just electronics and covers a much broader range of substances.

For full compliance, many companies must meet both RoHS and REACH requirements.

Global Adoption of RoHS

Although RoHS began in the EU, it has inspired similar regulations worldwide, such as:

• China RoHS
• Japan J-Moss
• Korea RoHS
• India E-Waste Rules (RoHS provisions)
• UAE RoHS regulation
• U.S. state-level regulations (e.g., California)

This trend shows the growing importance of the restricting hazardous materials globally, making RoHS certification relevant even outside Europe.

Challenges in RoHS Compliance

1. Complex supply chains make it difficult to verify material composition.
2. Costs of testing and certification can be significant for small businesses.
3. Frequent updates to regulations require ongoing monitoring and adaptation.
4. Counterfeit certificates from unreliable suppliers pose risks.

To overcome these complications, businesses must invest in the strong compliance management systems and work with the trusted certification partners.

Conclusion

RoHS certification is more than just a regulatory requirement—it is a step toward safer, secure, cleaner and more sustainable technology. By demonstrating compliance through CE marking and a Declaration of Conformity, businesses not only gain access to global markets but also strengthen their reputation as responsible manufacturers.

As regulations continue to evolve and expand worldwide, businesses that embrace RoHS compliance proactively will enjoy long-term advantages in competitiveness, reputation and sustainability.