Why RoHS Compliance Testing?
In recent years, the focus on plastics and e-waste has been gathering momentum. The general public, shareholders, and other pressure groups are now holding manufacturers accountable for how plastics in their products are being disposed of at "end of life".
While many of these products are recyclable, electronic devices are built to last using a mix of different materials. This makes it difficult for recycling facilities to effectively isolate, process, and reuse them. Through RoHS compliance testing, you can ensure your products adhere to safe material and substance limits as specified by the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS).
At ECT, we offer analytical RoHS compliance testing services by FTIR-STA to determine the percentage-by-weight of the various plastics found in a sample. If the sample is a reliable representation of the stockpile, we can provide a detailed report expressing results to an extremely high degree of certainty.
Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS)
The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) is an international directive that sets out limits and regulations around toxic, hazardous materials commonly used in electrical and electronic products.
RoHS compliance is crucial to reducing human exposure to hazardous materials that can be harmful with long-term use. Adhering to RoHS standards demonstrates your company's commitment to providing safe products that protect consumers and the planet.
RoHS compliance testing ensures your products meet key requirements set out in the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive. It also enables your business to stay competitive in today's global market by producing products that meet international standards without needing to adjust production processes.
3 Steps to Achieving RoHS Compliance
At our RoHS compliance testing laboratory, we can ensure your product achieves RoHS compliance through our proven 3-step RoHS compliance testing process.
1. Verification via Testing
The first step is to test the samples for the presence of restricted substances, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. This can be completed through on-site testing, XRF testing, or lab phthalate solvent extraction.
2. Separation & Preparation
Following testing, we can then separate all the materials found in the sample that do not demonstrate RoHS compliance. We will carefully collect and store these non-compliant materials away from other components.
3. Final Assessment
Finally, we will complete a concluding assessment to ensure all remaining components meet RoHS compliance standards. If we find any non-compliant materials, we will remove and recycle them separately.
What Materials Are Restricted Under RoHS?
The Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (2011/65/EU) was enacted to:
- Minimise environmental damage caused by plastic pollution
- Ensure consumer goods are safe for their intended use
- Promote sustainable production processes
- Reduce waste generated from electronics throughout their entire lifecycle
Restricted substances and materials include:
- Lead
- Mercury
- Cadmium
- Hexavalent chromium
- Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs)
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)
- Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
- Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP)
- Di butyl phthalate (DBP)
- Di isobutyl phthalate (DIBP)
If you're unsure whether your shredded waste contains these contaminants and adheres to permitted thresholds, please contact us. Through our comprehensive RoHS compliance testing services, we can assist in identifying and quantifying any non-compliant compounds.
Required Information for RoHS Compliance Testing
Before we can carry out RoHS compliance testing, you need to provide documentation detailing all relevant product components. This allows us to perform the proper testing procedure as specified per the Restriction of Hazardous Substances.
The documentation should include:
- Bill of materials
- Technical file
- A list of components (incl. the type & percentage of each material)
- A list of part numbers with specifications
- Drawing of the item with exact dimensions
- Test reports
All RoHS compliance testing is carried out by our experienced lab technicians at our UKAS-accredited RoHS compliance testing laboratory, certified to meet all industry standards. To find out more about how we can help you, please reach out to the team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RoHS testing?
The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) limits and/or restricts the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. RoHS compliance testing is required to ensure any e-products/waste adhere to these regulations.
Is RoHS testing mandatory?
All applicable products when manufactured, sold, distributed, or imported within the UK & EU must pass RoHS compliance.
What products does RoHS apply to?
The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) applies to various electronic and electrical products, including:
- IT & telecommunications equipment
- Small household appliances
- Large household appliances
- Consumer equipment
- Lighting equipment
- Toys, leisure & sports equipment
- Medical devices
- Electrical & electronic tools
- Monitoring & control instruments
- Automatic dispensers
- Any other e-products not covered by the above categories