RoHS: Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electronic Equipment

Author: Maren Fichtner | October 8, 2026

Definition: What is RoHS?

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) is an EU directive that restricts the use of certain hazardous substances – including lead, mercury, cadmium, and certain flame retardants – in electrical and electronic equipment. The current version, 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2), as amended by Delegated Directive (EU) 2015/863 (RoHS 3), is a prerequisite for placing such equipment on the market within the European Union.

Publisher: European Union (Directive 2011/65/EU, supplemented by (EU) 2015/863)

National Implementation: ElektroStoffV (Germany)

Who is subject to RoHS?

RoHS applies to manufacturers, importers, and distributors of electrical and electronic equipment placed on the market in the EU – from printed circuit board assemblies to end-user devices, cables, and replacement parts. Virtually all electronics manufacturers, EMS service providers, and OEMs are affected, regardless of where they are headquartered, as long as their products are sold on the EU market.

Overview of core requirements

Substance restrictions: ten regulated substances, including lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, and four phthalates
Limit values: a maximum of 0.1 percent by weight per homogeneous material (0.01% for cadmium)
Technical documentation: material analyses and supplier declarations throughout the entire supply chain
Declaration of conformity: self-declaration by the manufacturer as the basis for CE marking
Traceability: linking component batches to material certificates and suppliers
Market surveillance: random inspections by national authorities throughout the supply chain

Difference from REACH

RoHS restricts the use of a fixed, manageable list of ten substances specifically in electrical and electronic equipment. REACH, on the other hand, is a much more comprehensive EU chemicals regulation that governs the registration, evaluation, and authorization of virtually all chemical substances in nearly all product categories – not just in electronics. In practice, electronics manufacturers often have to maintain compliance records for both regulations simultaneously, as the lists of substances only partially overlap.

Consequences of noncompliance

A product may not be placed on the market in the EU without valid RoHS certification. The CE marking is not permitted without RoHS compliance. Violations may result in sales bans, recalls, and fines; in Germany, the ElektroStoffV provides for fines of up to 100,000 euros. Particularly critical are last-minute component substitutions during supply bottlenecks when alternative components are not tested for substance compliance in a timely manner.

Frequently asked questions about RoHS

Is RoHS required by law?

Yes, as EU Directive 2011/65/EU, implemented in Germany by the ElektroStoffV.

What is the difference between RoHS and REACH?

RoHS restricts ten specific substances in electronic devices, while REACH comprehensively regulates the registration and authorization of nearly all chemicals.

Who issues the certificate of conformity?

The manufacturer itself, through a self-declaration based on technical documentation and supplier certificates.

What penalties apply for violations?

Sales bans, loss of CE marking, and fines (up to 100,000 euros in Germany).

Successfully implementing RoHS

The operational challenge often lies in ensuring a seamless mapping between component lots and material records – especially when components need to be substituted on short notice due to supply bottlenecks. Connected worker platforms like weasl link lot codes and alternative components to the work instructions and ensure that only tested, compliant materials are approved for use.

Learn more about weasl and request our product flyer now.

RoHS