What are the differences between REACH and RoHS?
What do REACH and RoHS stand for?
REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. It is the European Union’s main law on chemicals that has been in force since 2007 (EC No 1907/2006). REACH replaced the former legislative framework for chemicals in the EU. RoHS stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances. It concerns the directive restricting the use of specific hazardous substances found in electrical and electronic equipment (Directive 2011/65/EU). The directive was originally adopted in 2003 (RoHS 1) and came into effect in July 2006, with RoHS 2 replacing and updating it in January 2013.
What are the differences?
REACH and RoHS are both part of the European Union legislation focussing on chemical safety, however, they have different scopes, objectives, and applications.
The key differences between both are summarised below:
| REACH | RoHS |
| Regulation (EC No 1907/2006) | Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2) |
| Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals | Restriction of Hazardous Substances |
| Protect human health and the environment from all chemical risks | Limit hazardous substances specifically in electrical and electronic equipment |
|
All chemical substances including those in products (articles), mixtures, and raw materials
|
Only electrical and electronic equipment |
| Applies to all industries using or placing substances on the EU market (e.g. manufacturers, importers, downstream users) | Applies to manufacturers, importers, and distributors of electronics |
| Thousands of substances; SVHCs (Substances of Very High Concern) are closely monitored | Ten specific hazardous substances (like lead, cadmium, mercury, phthalates, etc.) |
| Registration, evaluation by ECHA, possible authorisation or restriction | Mandatory compliance for CE marking; testing and documentation required |
| Focus on substance safety and usage across the product life cycle | Focus on material content limits in finished electrical and electronic equipment products |
| Not directly linked to CE marking | CE marking required for RoHS compliance |
REACH is broader and applies to almost all products and industries. It regulates the use and handling of chemicals throughout their lifecycle.
RoHS, on the other hand, is narrower in scope, focusing on limiting specific hazardous substances in electronic products to reduce environmental impact and health risks.
RoHS, on the other hand, is narrower in scope, focusing on limiting specific hazardous substances in electronic products to reduce environmental impact and health risks.
RoHS does not affect the application of REACH, and vice versa, with regard to the restriction of substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).
When overlaps occur, the strongest restriction (i.e. the lowest maximum concentration) should be applied. Furthermore, exemptions from the substance restrictions in RoHS may not be granted if they result in a weakening of the environmental and human health protection afforded by REACH.
When overlaps occur, the strongest restriction (i.e. the lowest maximum concentration) should be applied. Furthermore, exemptions from the substance restrictions in RoHS may not be granted if they result in a weakening of the environmental and human health protection afforded by REACH.
Sentera
Environmental protection and resource preservation have always been central to Sentera’s corporate policy as an innovative leader in HVAC control solutions. We are committed to designing eco-friendly products and using environmentally sustainable production processes.
Environmental protection and resource preservation have always been central to Sentera’s corporate policy as an innovative leader in HVAC control solutions. We are committed to designing eco-friendly products and using environmentally sustainable production processes.
Sentera strictly complies with all legal directives on occupational safety and environmental protection throughout manufacturing. Our advanced products are designed to pose no health risks when used as intended and to minimize environmental impact.
All Sentera products are compliant to REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006/EU and RoHS 3 Directive 2015/863/EU.