RoHS3

RoHS3 is the commonly used name for the third major revision of the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS). It builds on RoHS1 and RoHS2 by expanding the scope of restricted substances and updating compliance requirements for electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) placed on the EU market. The aim is to reduce environmental and health risks from hazardous substances in electronics.

Scope and application: RoHS3 applies to electrical and electronic equipment sold in the EU and EEA, including many subassemblies and spare parts. It covers a wide range of product categories, such as consumer electronics, IT equipment, lighting, and certain medical devices, subject to exemptions. Manufacturers and importers must ensure conformity, prepare technical documentation, and provide a Declaration of Conformity; products typically bear the CE mark to indicate compliance.

Restricted substances: The core restricted substances include lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE). The 2015 amendment to RoHS2 added four phthalates—DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP—to Annex II, with compliance deadlines in subsequent years. RoHS3 continues the process of updating the list, refining scope, and modifying exemptions as scientific assessments progress.

Exemptions and compliance: Some uses or components may be exempted, with exemptions granted for specific applications and reviewed periodically. Compliance requires ongoing supplier declarations, technical documentation, and readiness for market surveillance by authorities. Non-compliant products can be restricted from sale and subject to penalties.

Global influence: RoHS-style restrictions have influenced regulations in other regions and countries. Following Brexit, the UK implemented a aligned but separate regime (UK RoHS) that mirrors RoHS3 provisions while establishing its own enforcement framework.