ROHS CERTIFICATION from Linda Helen's blog

What does it mean to be RoHS Certified?

RoHS certification means that a manufacturer or supplier has been approved by an independent third party to manufacture products which meet the RoHS standard. The RoHS standard defines specific guidelines for manufacturing, packaging, labeling and storage of a product in order to reduce contamination from hazardous substances. An organization that obtains RoHS Certification ensures proper implemention of these standards in an effective manner.

What materials can be RoHS certified?

Almost all products which contain metal, plastic, or some sort of electronic circuitry can be RoHS compliant. RoHS certification does not apply to components such as batteries and non-electronic accessories like screws and cables, which do not contain hazardous chemicals. The following is a list of products that either require or are exempted from RoHS certification.

Items compliant for RoHS certification:

1. Large household appliances
2. Small household appliances
3. Computers and communication equipment
4. Consumer electronics
5. Lighting
6. Power tools
7. Toys and sports equipment
8. Automatic dispensers: vending machines, ATM machines.

Items exempted from RoHS Certification:

1. Medical devices and equipment
2. Control and monitoring equipment
3. National security use and military equipment
4. Large stationary industrial tools
5. Certain light bulbs and some batteries
6. Spare parts for electronic equipment in the market before July 1, 2006

What Organizations require RoHS Certification?

RoHS certification is required for exporting, manufacturing and importing goods in RoHS compliant regions, such as Asian nations (including China, Japan, and South Korea) as well as versions of it in North America. RoHS certification is especially essential for companies involved with RoHS compliant or RoHS parallel importing. RoHS compliance requirements also apply to all product suppliers, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), original design manufacturers (ODMs) and subcontractors.