Where to Find RoHS and REACH Materials Declarations

To reduce the use of hazardous materials in products and increase the transparency of chemical information, two significant regulatory frameworks—the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) directives—have been established. 

It’s fairly well understood that to sell items in the European Union, China, South Korea, and certain parts of the United States and Canada, maintaining RoHS and REACH compliance is now essential.

However, there’s a common misconception that RoHS and REACH pertain only to electronics. This isn’t the case. It’s important for designers, buyers, and quality managers to understand that RoHS standards also apply to other direct or indirect materials you may be purchasing, either for your own use or for resale, such as metal components, PVC cables, and paints, and pigments.

To ensure compliance with these regulations and keep consumers and employees safe, manufacturers and suppliers must have access to accurate and up-to-date materials declarations.

Below, we will provide a quick rundown of the standards and how they defer, share where you can find RoHS and REACH materials declarations, and explain why they are crucial for various stakeholders in the supply chain.

 

A Quick Rundown of RoHS and REACH

Here’s a quick look at RoHS and REACH, how they work together, and how they differ.

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances):

RoHS is a European Union directive that restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). The primary objective of RoHS is to reduce the environmental and health risks associated with the disposal and recycling of EEE, which often contain hazardous materials. 

The current version of RoHS is often referred to as RoHS 3 or RoHS Directive 2015/863, which added four phthalates to the list of restricted substances. The restricted substances under RoHS include lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Manufacturers, importers, and distributors of EEE must ensure that their products comply with RoHS regulations.

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals):

REACH is another European Union regulation that addresses the production and use of chemicals. It aims to ensure a high level of protection for human health and the environment while enhancing the competitiveness of the European chemicals industry. Under REACH, companies are required to register and provide safety information on the chemicals they manufacture or import. This information is made available to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and is used to assess and manage the risks associated with these chemicals. 
REACH also includes a Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) and a list of substances subject to authorization. Manufacturers, importers, and downstream users of chemicals are obligated to communicate information about the presence of SVHCs in products throughout the supply chain.

The Difference Between RoHS and REACH:

RoHS restricts specific hazardous substances in electronic equipment, while REACH manages chemicals in various products and covers a broader range of chemicals across industries.

How They Work Together:

RoHS and REACH have a complicated and supportive relationship. It’s possible that RoHS-compliant equipment is really not REACH-compliant, and vice versa, yet a product could be obligated to comply with both standards. 

The Significance of Materials Declarations

Materials declarations are vital for RoHS and REACH compliance, serving manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers. They ensure adherence to regulations, preventing legal issues. 

Knowing product compositions helps manufacturers reduce risks tied to hazardous substances, safeguarding health and reputation. Transparency is enhanced across the supply chain, enabling informed decisions and responsible sourcing. With access to materials declarations, buyers can make environmentally conscious choices, ensuring regulatory compliance and aligning with their concerns for product safety and environmental impact.

Where to Find RoHS and REACH Materials Declarations

Manufacturers and suppliers are typically required to maintain comprehensive compliance documentation, which includes materials declarations. These documents are often shared with their distributors, wholesalers, and business partners through their official websites. When looking for materials declarations, we suggest you start by visiting the manufacturer's or supplier's website and searching for dedicated sections related to compliance or product information.

If you are part of the supply chain, you can also request these documents directly from the manufacturer or supplier. 

Regulatory Agencies and Databases

For more comprehensive information, regulatory agencies and databases can be valuable resources. Here are a few:

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

ECHA is the central authority responsible for implementing and enforcing REACH regulations. They maintain an extensive database known as the "REACH-IT" system, where you can access information on registered chemicals, SVHCs, and other relevant data.

Industry Associations

Certain industry-specific associations may collect and provide resources related to RoHS and REACH compliance. These associations can serve as valuable hubs for accessing materials declarations and other relevant information.

Third-Party Databases and Certification Bodies

Various third-party organizations and certification bodies specialize in verifying and providing information related to RoHS and REACH compliance. These entities often work closely with manufacturers and suppliers to ensure that products meet regulatory requirements. Examples of such organizations include Underwriters Laboratories (UL), TÜV SÜD, and SGS. Their databases and certification marks can be used as reliable sources for materials declarations.

Online Marketplaces and Retailers

Online marketplaces and retailers that sell products subject to RoHS and REACH regulations may also provide access to materials declarations. When shopping for products online, look for dedicated sections or links to compliance information or certifications. Many e-commerce platforms and retailers aim to inform customers about the environmental and regulatory aspects of the products they sell.

Certification Labels

Certain products, especially electronic and electrical equipment, may bear certification labels that indicate compliance with RoHS regulations. When purchasing products, look for certification labels such as the CE mark for European markets. These labels typically confirm that the product complies with RoHS requirements. 

Challenges and Future Developments

While access to RoHS and REACH materials declarations has improved over the years, challenges persist. These challenges include:

Data Accuracy: Ensuring the accuracy of materials declarations can be challenging, especially for complex supply chains consisting of both authorized and non-authorized dealers. Verification of declarations is essential to prevent inaccuracies or false claims.

Non-Standardization: Materials declarations may vary in format and content, making it challenging for stakeholders to compare and assess different products. Standardization efforts are ongoing to address this issue.

Supply Chain Transparency: The complexity of global, multi-tier supply chains can make it difficult to trace the origin of materials, especially for multinational corporations. Leveraging digitalization to enhance supply chain transparency and traceability remains a priority.

Access to RoHS and REACH materials declarations is essential for manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers alike. These declarations play a crucial role in ensuring regulatory compliance, mitigating risks associated with hazardous substances, and promoting transparency in the supply chain. Various sources, including manufacturer and supplier websites, regulatory agencies, third-party databases, and consumer information requests, are valuable resources for obtaining material declarations. 

As environmental regulations continue to evolve, staying informed about compliance and accessing accurate materials declarations will remain vital for all stakeholders in the supply chain. If you’re looking for an easier way, Octopart may be able to help.

Octopart: Compliance Documents

Octopart is focused on aggregating RoHS statements, REACH statements, and materials declaration sheets across its supply chain. The following is an overview of our coverage for compliance documents on a manufacturer-by-manufacturer basis:

Detailed Coverage

(Part-specific declarations with good coverage across manufacturer line)

Coarse Coverage

(Manufacturer-wide declarations)

Sparse Coverage

(Part-specific declarations with spotty coverage across manufacturer line)

Octopart's library of compliance documentation, powered by the Nexar API, enables engineers to streamline their workflow, reduce the time it takes to gather the necessary documentation, and make more informed decisions when choosing components for their designs.

See the details of how to access compliance documentation with the Nexar API.