Whether you're a business owner, manufacturer, or consumer, understanding the standards that govern the materials and processes behind everyday products is crucial.
Two of the most significant regulations in this space are RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals).
At their core, these regulations ensure that harmful substances are minimised in products, protecting human health and the environment. For businesses in the UK, compliance with RoHS and REACH is not just about meeting legal obligations—it’s about staying competitive in a global market that increasingly prioritises sustainability and safety.
At Cableworld, we’re proud to uphold these standards. As a trusted supplier of high-quality cables, we ensure our products comply with both RoHS and REACH regulations, so you can have confidence in their safety and environmental integrity. In this blog, we’ll explore what these regulations mean, how they differ, and why they matter to you.
What is RoHS?
The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive is a European Union regulation aimed at limiting the use of specific hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).
In the UK, RoHS is a key regulation that applies to manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, ensuring that products sold on the market meet strict environmental and safety standards. RoHS was first introduced in 2003 and has undergone updates to address new environmental concerns and technologies.
Purpose of RoHS
The primary goal of RoHS is to reduce the presence of harmful substances in electrical products, protecting both human health and the environment.
By limiting hazardous materials such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), hexavalent chromium (Cr6+), polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), RoHS ensures that electrical products are safer to manufacture, use, and dispose of.
This regulation also supports the recycling of electronic components, reducing e-waste and its impact on the environment.
Key Elements of RoHS Compliance
RoHS compliance requires strict adherence to limits on the presence of specific hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
Restricted Substances: Products must not exceed allowable levels of substances like lead (0.1%), mercury (0.1%), and cadmium (0.01%). These limits are carefully monitored to minimise toxicity risks.
Covered Products: RoHS applies to a wide range of items, including cables, household appliances, lighting equipment, IT devices, and telecommunications equipment. Any product that falls under the EEE category must meet these standards.
Non-Compliance Consequences: Failing to comply with RoHS regulations can result in severe consequences, including legal penalties, product recalls, environmental harm, and reputational damage for businesses.
At Cableworld, we ensure all our cables meet RoHS standards, providing you with peace of mind that your installations are both safe and environmentally responsible.
What is REACH?
REACH, which stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals, is a comprehensive regulation designed to address the risks associated with chemicals produced or imported into the EU and UK in quantities of one tonne or more per year.
It aims to streamline and improve the management of chemical safety across industries, ensuring that all chemicals are thoroughly assessed for their impact on human health and the environment.
Purpose of REACH
The purpose of REACH is twofold: first, to protect human health and the environment from the potential dangers posed by hazardous substances, and second, to foster innovation by encouraging the replacement of harmful chemicals with safer alternatives.
By holding manufacturers and importers accountable for the safe use of their chemicals, REACH creates a safer and more sustainable industry.
Key Components of REACH
Registration: Chemical manufacturers and importers must submit detailed safety data for all substances they produce or bring into the market. This data is assessed by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and must include potential risks and recommended safety measures.
Evaluation: Regulatory authorities, including ECHA and member states, review submitted data, focusing on high-volume chemicals and those flagged as potentially hazardous. This step ensures that all risks are thoroughly understood and addressed.
Authorisation: Substances classified as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) are subject to strict controls. Companies must seek authorisation to use these chemicals and are encouraged to find safer alternatives where possible.
Restriction: REACH imposes restrictions or outright bans on the manufacture, sale, or use of chemicals that pose unacceptable risks to human health or the environment. These restrictions apply to specific substances and their applications.
Chemicals Regulated Under REACH
REACH specifically targets Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs), which include chemicals that are:
Carcinogens: Substances that can cause cancer.
Mutagens: Chemicals that can induce genetic mutations.
Reproductive Toxins: Substances harmful to fertility or unborn children.
Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic (PBT) Chemicals: Chemicals that do not break down easily and can accumulate in living organisms, posing long-term risks to ecosystems and human health.
At Cableworld, we take REACH compliance seriously, ensuring that the materials in our products are safe, sustainable, and adhere to the latest UK and EU standards.
RoHS vs. REACH: Key Differences
Scope and Application
The primary difference between RoHS and REACH lies in their scope and application. RoHS is specific to electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), focusing solely on the restriction of hazardous substances within these products. It ensures that electronics, including cables and appliances, do not contain harmful levels of specific materials.
In contrast, REACH has a much broader application, covering all chemicals used in manufacturing processes across various industries. It regulates substances used in everything from electronics to paints, adhesives, and industrial chemicals, ensuring their safe production, usage, and disposal.
Substances Covered
RoHS specifically targets a list of hazardous substances commonly found in electrical and electronic equipment. These include:
Lead (Pb)
Cadmium (Cd)
Mercury (Hg)
Hexavalent chromium (Cr6+)
Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB)
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)
REACH, on the other hand, regulates a far wider range of chemicals, particularly those classified as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs). These include:
While there is some overlap between the substances covered by RoHS and REACH (e.g., lead and cadmium), REACH’s scope extends far beyond the electronics industry.
Industries and Products Impacted
RoHS has a focused impact on industries manufacturing or selling electronic and electrical equipment. Products like cables, household appliances, IT hardware, and lighting systems fall under its purview.
REACH’s broader reach affects industries beyond electronics, including construction, automotive, textiles, and cosmetics. It regulates chemicals found in paints, adhesives, cleaning products, and even raw materials, making it relevant to virtually every manufacturing sector.
Legal and Compliance Requirements
Both RoHS and REACH have specific compliance requirements, but their documentation and certification processes differ:
RoHS Compliance: Manufacturers must provide a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and ensure their products meet restricted substance limits through testing and certification. Labels or markings on products often indicate compliance.
REACH Compliance: Companies must register chemicals with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) if they produce or import more than one tonne annually. This involves submitting detailed safety data and obtaining authorisations for Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs).
Both regulations require companies to actively monitor regulatory updates and ensure their products remain compliant, as new substances can be added to restricted lists over time.
At Cableworld, we understand the importance of both RoHS and REACH compliance in delivering safe and environmentally friendly products. Our team is committed to helping you meet these regulatory standards with confidence.
Benefits of RoHS and REACH Compliance
Environmental Protection
Compliance with RoHS and REACH directly contributes to reducing the release of hazardous substances into the environment.
By limiting the use of toxic chemicals such as lead, cadmium, and other pollutants, these regulations help protect ecosystems, prevent soil and water contamination, and safeguard public health. Safer chemical use also reduces long-term waste management challenges.
Legal and Market Advantages
Adhering to RoHS and REACH ensures businesses avoid legal penalties and costly recalls. Beyond compliance, meeting these standards allows companies to access global markets that require certified products, such as the EU and UK.
Compliance signals to customers and partners that your products meet stringent environmental and safety benchmarks, strengthening your reputation.
Improved Product Safety and Innovation
Both regulations encourage manufacturers to design products with safer, more sustainable materials. This push for innovation often results in improved product safety and longevity, enhancing consumer trust.
Developing eco-friendly alternatives and safer chemicals fosters innovation, giving businesses a competitive edge in an increasingly environmentally conscious market.
Products such as household appliances, IT equipment, lighting, and cables fall under RoHS compliance requirements. Any electrical and electronic equipment sold in regulated markets must adhere to RoHS standards.
