RoHS is the Restriction of Hazardous Substances and if this directive is not implemented, it can be affecting the entire industry and the consumers associated with it. This directive is mainly aimed at improving the production and sale of electrical and electronic products in the EU region. It was originated back in 2002 and normally restricts six substances from getting used in the goods.
But in due course of time, the addition of four more substances have been done to the list. These elements are listed below. Out of the ten listed ones, the first six were added through the original RoHS, while the last four are added under RoHS 3.
- Cadmium
- Lead
- Mercury
- Hexavalent chromium
- PBB
- PBDE
- DEHP
- BBP
- DBP
Steps to make your products RoHS-compliant:
To get the RoHS certificate for your products, here are the steps you need to follow:
- Testing- You can either do the testing on-site or through the XRF testing methods. You can also opt for the lab phthalate solvent extraction testing process. These will help you determine the values of the restricted substances used in the production.
- Process audit- This will help you inspect all the manufacturing processes that are involved in the outcome. Through this, compliance will also be ensured.
- Documentation review- This step involves the review of the billed materials and the technical files. Besides this, review of the assembly drawings, test reports, material declarations and compliance certificates from the supplier’s end is also done.
- Certification statement- Once the audit is successful, you will be issued RoHS compliance certificate. At times, this is also known as the certificate of conformity or declaration of conformity.
In the technical file, one must have the following documents ready with them before the review starts.
- The general description of the product going for a review and the additional structural information of the same.
- The risk assessment of the materials under review along with their parts as well as subassemblies.
- Every piece of record and documentation of the manufacturing process should be included.
- The documentation of conformity procedures, the harmonised standards as well as the specifications.
- The detailed conformity information of the materials, their parts, and subassemblies.
By following the above-listed steps and protocols, you will be able to become RoHS compliant. This way, you can be aligned to all the legal needs of selling or producing goods in the EU region.