RoHS Certification

About ROHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Directive

ROHS, an acronym for Restriction of Hazardous Substances, also known as Directive 2002/95/EC, originated within the European Union. This directive imposes restrictions on the use of specific hazardous materials in electrical and electronic products. Any products entering the EU market after July 1, 2006, are mandated to comply with ROHS regulations.

The substances prohibited under ROHS include lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (CrVI), polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE). These restricted materials pose environmental hazards, contaminating landfills, and present dangers in terms of occupational exposure during manufacturing and recycling processes.

Portable ROHS analyzers, alternatively known as X-ray fluorescence or XRF metal analyzers, play a crucial role in screening and verifying ROHS compliance.

Businesses involved in the production, sale, or distribution of electrical and electronic equipment destined for the EU market must adhere to ROHS compliance. This includes manufacturers, retailers, brand managers, traders, and distributors.

How to Apply for ROHS Certification

» Finalize the product for certification.
» Contact Ocean Standard Certification with the completed application form for certification details.
» Submit initial documentation, including test certificates.
» Ensure compliance with the requirements.
» Audit the product to meet standard specifications.
» Submit final documentation with additional clarifications, if needed.
» Evaluation and recommendation of final documents.
» Award of ROHS certification.

Benefits of ROHS Certification

» Aids in avoiding costs associated with removing hazardous substances from production processes.

» Noncompliance can result in substantial penalties, including fines and potential revenue loss.

» Enforces compliance with environmental regulations by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Labor (OSHA).

» Prepares manufacturers for impending recycling or disposal laws for electronic components.

Ocean Standard Certification offers comprehensive support and certification services.

Procedure for ROHS Certification

» Complete the Ocean Standard Certification application with product details.
» Upon approval, receive a quotation.
» Accept the quotation and obtain a project management plan.
» Conduct tests supervised by Ocean Standard Certification or under an accredited laboratory.
» Compile testing data into a certification report along with the certificate.
» Receive testing reports for future reference.

Processes Involved During Testing

» Destructive and non-destructive testing.
» X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for metal components.
» Eddy current testing for inductors, transformers, coils, and chokes.
» Mechanical sorting for identifying differences in components.
» Metal detection to ensure no hazardous metals enter the production environment.

ROHS certification enables products to bear the CE mark, signifying compliance with EU legislation. Non-compliance with ROHS requirements may result in penalties, fines, confiscation, or recalls. Ocean Standard Certification offers testing services for various regulations, including EU RoHS, EN Standards, U.S. EICC, ITAR, and Canadian CGAP.