ROHS CERTIFICATION (RESTRICTION OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE)

INTRODUCTION

ROHS(Restriction of Hazardous Substance) :Since the early 21st century, there has been a notable increase in electronic waste and chemical usage, including substances like radium for luminescence and the lead-tin alloy with a low melting point of 60/40. However, the potential harm posed by these substances went largely unrecognized, leading to significant health and environmental risks. Consequently, numerous individuals have suffered from health issues such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. In response, the European Union introduced the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in February 2003 to address these concerns.

The RoHS directive came into effect on July 1, 2006, mandating enforcement and legal adoption in all member states. It aimed to limit the presence of specific hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. This initiative was primarily driven by the goal of minimizing the utilization of harmful substances, thereby mitigating the environmental and health repercussions associated with electronics.

WHAT IS ROHS CERTIFICATION?

RoHS, or Restriction of Hazardous Substances, also referred to as Directive 2002/95/EC, entails regulations limiting the utilization of specific hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. It falls under the category of WEEE (Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment).

In India, there is a significant surge in demand for electronic products, posing a threat to both the environment and human health. Additionally, the fast-paced evolution of technology prompts consumers to dispose of electronic devices swiftly, leading to a concerning rise in electronic waste volume. Recognizing the detrimental impacts of electronic waste, the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) and the Government of India have introduced the Restriction of Hazardous Substance, known locally as Electronic Waste.

Based on the size and nature of your Indian business entity and the imported device type, you might be obligated to adhere to WEEE or RoHS obligations when manufacturing or importing electronic products in India.

Restricted Substances under RoHS Certification

1. Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE)

2. Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB)

3. Hexavalent Chromium (CrVI)

4. Cadmium (Cd)

5. Mercury (Hg)

6. Lead (Pb)

Products Exempt from RoHS Certification

1. Military and national defense items

2. Items not dependent on electricity as their primary energy source

3. Items whose main purpose doesn't require electricity usage

4. Sub-components or assemblies within an exempted product category

5. Products catering to micro, small, and medium-sized manufacturing and service enterprises, as per the Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises Development Act of 2006

6. Battery products

7. Radioactive waste

PROCESS OF ROHS CERTIFICATION

1. Documentation Review:Assess and verify document status, along with testing scope necessary. Review bills, generate material declarations for every product and component, upload assembly drawings, conformance certifications, and test outcomes onto the company's network, and compile a compliance file.

2. Verification:The RoHS certification process commences with testing. On-site or XRF testing and/or laboratory phthalate solvent extraction testing are conducted to assess the concentrations of the 10 restricted RoHS chemicals. This confirms whether the levels of these substances are below the RoHS threshold or not.

3. End Product Analysis:Following the completion of testing, the subsequent stage involves on-site inspection of all relevant manufacturing processes to ensure RoHS compliance. This auditing process involves assessing products against prohibited substance controls and conducting a comprehensive factory inspection encompassing quality management. Certain auditing firms conduct annual follow-ups, potentially incorporating sampling to verify compliance.

4. Grant of Licence :Upon successful completion of the audit, a RoHS certificate, alternatively termed as Certificate of Conformity or Declaration of Conformity, is issued.

TECHNICAL FILE REQUIREMENTS

1. Product description, design, and structure information

2. Material, part, and subassembly risk assessments

3. Material, part, and subassembly conformity information

4. Records and documentation from the manufacturing process

4. Standards, specifications, and conformance procedures that are all in sync

TIMELINE

2 Weeks

RENEWAL

The validity period of RoHS certification is five years. Re-certification becomes necessary if there are alterations to the product, such as changes in design, raw materials, or sourcing procedures.

For more details, please reach out to us via email at cs@absoluteveritas.com

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