How does the RoHS Directive affect product compliance?

Dutch term: RoHS | Legal basis: Directive 2011/65/EU

The RoHS Directive (Directive 2011/65/EU on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment) restricts the use of six original substances (lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB and PBDE) and, since 2019, four additional phthalates in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) placed on the EU market.

Manufacturers must ensure that their EEE products comply with the substance restrictions, carry out conformity assessment, draw up a specific RoHS EU declaration of conformity, and apply the CE marking. RoHS compliance is separate from (and in addition to) other applicable CE marking requirements such as the LVD, EMC Directive or Radio Equipment Directive.

Why it matters for international businesses

For electronics manufacturers and importers, RoHS compliance requires substance testing and supply chain verification. The interaction between RoHS, REACH and WEEE creates a layered compliance picture for electrical and electronic products.