EU Key EU regulations (direct links) Last reviewed 2026-06

RoHS — restricting hazardous substances in electronics

RoHS limits hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. If your product plugs in, charges or runs on a battery, it is likely in scope.

What it is

The RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU) restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). It limits ten substances — including lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, certain brominated flame retardants and four phthalates — to maximum concentrations, generally 0.1% by weight in homogeneous materials (0.01% for cadmium).

Why it matters for compliance

RoHS conformity is part of the CE-marking process for in-scope products: it must be demonstrated through the technical file and declared in the EU Declaration of Conformity. Because RoHS is a directive, its operative form is each Member State’s transposing law — though the substance limits are uniform across the Union. For brands sourcing electronics, RoHS sits alongside REACH as the chemical layer that catches most powered products.

How to use it

  • Determine whether your product is EEE within RoHS scope.
  • Get material declarations or test data confirming each restricted substance is below its limit.
  • Fold RoHS into the product’s technical file and single Declaration of Conformity.
  • Check the relevant national transposition in each market you sell to.

Good to know

Meeting RoHS is necessary but not sufficient: a powered product typically also engages the Low Voltage, EMC and Radio Equipment regimes, REACH, and packaging and battery rules.

Visit the official RoHS — 2011/65/EU site ↗

How Conphora helps

Conphora turns obligations like these into one managed workflow — it matches each product to the rules that apply, flags the gaps, and keeps your evidence ready for retailers and authorities.

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Conphora maintains this as a neutral resource and is not affiliated with the organisation listed. Always verify obligations against the official source and seek qualified advice before acting.