What is RoHS 3 compliance and RoHS 3 certificate

If you are importing electrical and electronic equipment into the EU, it is important to note that in addition to complying with the REACH regulation, your products must also meet the standards set by RoHS 3 in order to be legally sold. If you are unsure about the process for obtaining product certification, this post will provide detailed information on the subject.

• What is RoHS 3?
• What are the restricted substances in RoHS 3?
• How to Obtain RoHS 3 Certification
• RoHS 1 vs. RoHS 2 vs. RoHS 3

What is RoHS 3?

RoHS 3 stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment. It is the EU standard that limits the use of 10 harmful substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE). The aim is to reduce the impact of EEE products on the environment and human health.

RoHS certification is mandatory in the EU for EEE products. Without RoHS 3 certification, your product may be required to withdraw from the EU market and face significant fines, even imprisonment.

Please note that the RoHS regulations in Britain are slightly different from those in the EU. The RoHS 3 standard introduced here is the EU standard.

What are the restricted substances in RoHS 3?

Medical devices like ECG Testers and daily electronic products like home appliances and electric toys both require RoHS certification. They need to test for the following substances.

Four types of metals

Lead (Pb)

Lead is used in electronic computer components and lead-acid batteries, which are widely used in electrical motorcycles, because its price is one-third of the price of the same type of lithium battery. It is a human carcinogen that affects the nervous and renal systems.

Mercury (Hg)

Mercury is used in ultraviolet lights and fluorescent lamps. It is also a human carcinogen that affects multiple organ systems.

Cadmium (Cd)

Cadmium is used in solar panels, car batteries, and pigments. It is a human carcinogen that affects multiple organ systems.

Hexavalent chromium (Cr VI)

Chromium VI is used in chrome plating, dyes, and pigments. It can produce toxic effects in multiple organ systems.

Six Different Types of Chemicals

Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB)

PBBs are flame retardants found in computer monitors and TV plastic enclosures. They are known human carcinogens that affect the endocrine system.

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE)

Similar to PBBs, PBDEs are used in plastic enclosures to make them difficult to burn. They are known human carcinogens that affect the endocrine system.

Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP)

DEHPs are applied to soften PVC and vinyl insulation on electrical wires and in medical tubing. They are known human carcinogens that affect the immune and reproductive systems.

Butyl Benzyl Phthalate (BBP)

BBPs are used to soften PVC and vinyl insulation on electrical wires.

Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)

DBPs serve the same function as BBPs.

Diisobutyl Phthalate (DIBP)

DIBPs carry the same function as BBPs.

For all these substances, except for Cd, which has a maximum limit of 0.01%, the proportion of other substances should not exceed 0.1%.

There are some exemptions for the use of Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, etc. in specific situations. For instance, lead in electronic ceramics can exceed the specified content within the exemption period.

All products sold in the EU market must pass RoHS 3 certification and carry the “Wheelie Bin” sticker, indicating that they comply with WEEE regulations. WEEE stands for Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment. The WEEE Directive mandates the treatment, recovery, and recycling of EEE products.

RoHS and WEEE complement each other. RoHS regulates the hazardous substances used in the manufacture of EEE products, while WEEE regulates the disposal of these products.

How to Obtain RoHS 3 Certification

To obtain RoHS 3 certification, you need to select a testing company with corresponding qualifications and notarized laboratories. Then, complete the RoHS application form and submit the required documents, such as the application form, product specification, etc., and 2-3 product samples.

The testing cost will depend on the substances used in the product. The more substances, the higher the cost. The testing process typically takes around 7 days. If your products meet the necessary standards, a RoHS compliance certificate will be issued. The format of the certificate will depend on the inspection company you select. Here is an example for your reference.

Please note that RoHS certification is a self-declaration, so it must be signed by you or one of your employees, indicating that the product complies with all RoHS requirements and that you will bear all responsibilities related to it.

Alternatively, you can entrust your supplier to conduct the RoHS testing for the relevant products. In this case, you only need to sign the compliance form provided by your supplier.

RoHS 1 vs. RoHS 2 vs. RoHS 3

The original RoHS 1 was published in 2002. It required testing for a simple scope of daily EEE products, and the testing range only included the first 6 of the above 10 substances. Meanwhile, it regulated that all applicable products in the EU market must comply with the RoHS standard.

In July 2011, RoHS 2 replaced RoHS 1. It expanded the range of products covered in RoHS 1 to include medical devices, monitoring and control instruments, and set different compliance deadlines for each category. It also provided exemption rules for some special products, such as active implantable medical devices. The RoHS 2 directive mandated that importers or manufacturers of products under a RoHS category conduct a conformity assessment and affix CE markings on all compliant products.

In 2015, RoHS 2 was revised. In addition to the original hazardous substances tested, four new chemical substances (DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP) were added. Furthermore, it expanded the testing scope to include all other EEE products that were not previously covered, such as two-wheeled electric vehicles, Vape Pens, electronic cigarettes, etc. This is commonly referred to as RoHS 3, which came into effect in 2019. While RoHS 2 has not been revoked, most certifications now fall under RoHS 3.

As a leading sourcing company, Onestopimport has helped over 4000 importers source products from China, many of whom are from the EU. We have extensive experience in dealing with EU orders, and we can help you arrange shipments and obtain necessary documents, such as RoHS 3 certificates.