--- title: "EU RoHS Directive FAQ: scope, substances, CE marking" canonical_url: "https://www.sorena.io/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq" source_url: "https://www.sorena.io/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/items" author: "Sorena AI" description: "Practical EU RoHS Directive FAQ covering EEE scope, Annex II substance limits, cables, spare parts, technical documentation, CE marking, and exemptions." published_at: "2026-05-09" updated_at: "2026-05-09" keywords: - "EU RoHS Directive" - "RoHS FAQ" - "Directive 2011/65/EU" - "EEE scope" - "RoHS substance limits" - "RoHS CE marking" - "EN IEC 63000" - "RoHS" - "RoHS technical documentation" --- **[SORENA](https://www.sorena.io/)** - AI-Powered GRC Platform [Home](https://www.sorena.io/) | [Solutions](https://www.sorena.io/solutions) | [Artifacts](https://www.sorena.io/artifacts) | [About Us](https://www.sorena.io/about-us) | [Contact](https://www.sorena.io/contact) | [Portal](https://app.sorena.io) --- # EU RoHS Directive FAQ: scope, substances, CE marking Practical EU RoHS Directive FAQ covering EEE scope, Annex II substance limits, cables, spare parts, technical documentation, CE marking, and exemptions. *Artifact Guide* *EU* ## EU RoHS Directive FAQ RoHS restricts listed hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment at homogeneous-material level and ties compliance to technical documentation, EU declarations of conformity, and CE marking for finished EEE. Use this FAQ to answer the recurring RoHS questions that affect product scope, supplier evidence, cables, spare parts, exemptions, testing, and release decisions. This EU RoHS Directive FAQ focuses on the questions product, quality, procurement, legal, and regulatory teams usually need to settle before placing electrical and electronic equipment on the EU market: whether the product is EEE, which homogeneous materials must meet Annex II limits, what evidence belongs in the technical file, and when exemptions or transition rules need separate review. ## Browse sub-FAQ modules ### [Are cables in scope of EU RoHS? Cable evidence, CE marking, and DoC FAQ](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/cables.md) EU RoHS cable FAQ covering when cables are EEE, how internal and external cables are treated, when separate CE marking and a DoC are needed, and what evidence to keep. - 4 items ### [Do Components Need EU RoHS Compliance? | RoHS FAQ](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/components.md) RoHS FAQ for components in electrical and electronic equipment: substance restrictions, homogeneous materials, CE marking, technical files, exemptions, and supplier evidence. - 4 items ### [EU RoHS Declarations vs Lab Tests FAQ](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/declarations-vs-lab-tests.md) When supplier declarations can support EU RoHS technical documentation, when IEC 62321 lab testing is stronger evidence, and how to document the decision. - 4 items ### [How should RoHS lead, mercury, and cadmium exemptions be documented? | RoHS FAQ](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/lead-mercury-and-cadmium-exemptions.md) RoHS FAQ on documenting lead, mercury, and cadmium exemptions with Annex III or IV entries, material-level limits, expiry status, supplier evidence, and technical documentation. - 5 items ### [RoHS Homogeneous Material Definition and Limits](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/homogeneous-material.md) Plain-English EU RoHS FAQ on homogeneous materials, Annex II thresholds, coatings, cables, assemblies, and evidence needed for material-level RoHS decisions. - 5 items ### [RoHS importer checks for imported EEE before EU market placement](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/imported-eee.md) Importer-focused RoHS FAQ covering CE marking, EU declaration of conformity, technical documentation availability, importer identity, nonconformity handling, and 10-year DoC retention. - 4 items ### [What do the 0.1% and 0.01% substance limits mean under EU RoHS? | RoHS FAQ](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/0-1-and-0-01-limits.md) RoHS FAQ explaining why most Annex II substances use a 0.1% homogeneous-material limit while cadmium uses 0.01%. - 4 items ### [What should teams do before a RoHS exemption expires? | RoHS FAQ](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/exemption-expiry.md) How to handle EU RoHS exemption expiry: confirm the Annex entry, renewal deadline, pending-decision status, fallback plan, and technical-file evidence. - 4 items ### [When can RoHS spare parts use transition rules? | RoHS FAQ](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/spare-parts.md) EU RoHS FAQ on spare parts, repair parts, reused parts, closed-loop B2B reuse, legacy EEE cutoffs, Annex III and IV exemptions, and evidence to keep. - 4 items ### [Which EEE is in scope under EU RoHS? | RoHS FAQ](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/eee-scope.md) EU RoHS scope FAQ explaining when a product is electrical and electronic equipment, which Article 2 exclusions to check, and what evidence to keep. - 4 items Browse all indexed questions: [/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/items](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/items.md) ## All FAQ items *Page 1 of 3. Showing 20 of 42 items.* ### [Are cables within the scope of EU RoHS?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/cables.md#are-cables-within-the-scope-of-eu-rohs) *Module: [Are cables in scope of EU RoHS? Cable evidence, CE marking, and DoC](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/cables.md)* Directive 2011/65/EU defines cables as all cables with a rated voltage below 250 V that connect EEE to an electrical outlet or connect two or more EEE to each other. Commission RoHS FAQ guidance adds the practical scope rule: cables used to transfer electrical currents or electromagnetic fields are EEE, unless they specifically belong to EEE or a combination of EEE that is outside RoHS scope. - Treat electrical-current and electromagnetic-field transfer cables as potentially in scope; document any exclusion by tying the cable to the excluded host EEE or excluded combination. - Do not classify optical cables as EEE under the Commission FAQ's cable guidance; the FAQ says equipment without electrical or electronic parts, including optical cables, is outside RoHS 2 scope. - Use the type and intended use of the cable to place it in a category: the FAQ identifies specialised SCART, HDMI, and network cables as examples in categories 3 or 4, while non-finished cable reels without plugs can fall in category 11. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Binding consolidated RoHS source for cable definitions, scope, substance restrictions, CE marking, and technical-documentation obligations. - [European Commission RoHS 2 FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/weee/pdf/faq_weee.pdf?ref=sorena.io) - Commission FAQ guidance for cable scope, internal wires, external cables, optical cables, categories, and CE/DoC treatment. ### [Internal wires, attached cables, and external cables](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/cables.md#internal-wires-attached-cables-and-external-cables) *Module: [Are cables in scope of EU RoHS? Cable evidence, CE marking, and DoC](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/cables.md)* The Commission FAQ draws a clear distinction between internal wires, permanently attached cables, external cables supplied with EEE, and external cables sold separately. Internal wiring in in-scope EEE must meet the RoHS material restrictions like the rest of the equipment, but it is not treated as a separately CE-marked cable product. - For internal wires, keep material-compliance evidence in the host EEE technical file rather than creating a separate RoHS DoC for the wire. - For permanently attached cables, such as typical lamp cables in the FAQ example, apply the same principle as internal wiring and document the host EEE coverage. - For detachable external cables supplied with an EEE, show that the cable is covered by the EEE's RoHS DoC and that the EEE is CE marked. - For separately sold external cables, prepare product-level RoHS evidence, EU declaration of conformity, and CE marking once the applicable RoHS date has passed. Sources for this answer: - [European Commission RoHS 2 FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/weee/pdf/faq_weee.pdf?ref=sorena.io) - Commission FAQ guidance distinguishing internal wires, attached cables, external cables supplied with EEE, and separately placed cables. - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Binding source for manufacturer, importer, distributor, CE marking, EU declaration, and technical-documentation duties. ### [What cable evidence should manufacturers keep?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/cables.md#what-cable-evidence-should-manufacturers-keep) *Module: [Are cables in scope of EU RoHS? Cable evidence, CE marking, and DoC](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/cables.md)* Cable evidence should prove both the scope decision and the substance-compliance decision. For scope, keep the rated voltage, connection function, whether the cable transfers electrical current or electromagnetic fields, whether it is optical, whether it is internal or external, and whether it is supplied with or separately placed on the market from the host EEE. - Record the cable's intended use, host EEE relationship, product category, and whether the cable is covered by the host EEE DoC or needs its own DoC. - Keep supplier material declarations, BOM links, exemption references where used, test or screening rationale, and any lab reports needed for higher-risk cable materials. - Use EN IEC 63000 technical-documentation logic for the evidence package: define what was assessed, why the evidence is reliable, and how supplier or test evidence supports the RoHS declaration. - Review the evidence after supplier, material, connector, coating, flame retardant, plasticizer, or market-placement changes. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Binding source for homogeneous-material concentration values, technical documentation, and EU declaration requirements. - [Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/659 on EN IEC 63000](https://data.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2020/659/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Official source identifying EN IEC 63000 as the harmonised RoHS technical-documentation standard. - [IEC 63000:2016 technical documentation standard](https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/25985?ref=sorena.io) - IEC source describing the technical documentation compiled to declare compliance with substance restrictions. ### [Cable compliance mistakes to avoid](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/cables.md#cable-compliance-mistakes-to-avoid) *Module: [Are cables in scope of EU RoHS? Cable evidence, CE marking, and DoC](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/cables.md)* The weak cable record is usually not missing a slogan; it is missing the market-placement fact pattern. A generic supplier RoHS statement does not answer whether the cable is internal, attached, supplied with the EEE, sold separately, optical, tied to excluded equipment, or covered by the host product's DoC. - Do not give a separately sold external cable only a host-equipment DoC; the Commission FAQ says separately placed external cables need their own RoHS DoC and CE marking from the relevant date. - Do not assign optical cables to RoHS simply because they are called cables; the Commission FAQ says optical cables are not EEE. - Do not treat internal wiring as a separate finished cable product; document material restriction compliance through the host EEE evidence file. - Do not rely on a single cable family declaration after insulation, jacket, connector, plating, solder, supplier, or plasticizer changes. Sources for this answer: - [European Commission RoHS 2 FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/weee/pdf/faq_weee.pdf?ref=sorena.io) - Commission FAQ guidance for cable-specific scope and conformity-documentation mistakes. - [Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2015/863 adding phthalates to RoHS Annex II](https://data.europa.eu/eli/dir_del/2015/863/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Binding source for adding DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP to RoHS Annex II, relevant to polymer cable materials. - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Binding source for restricted substances, homogeneous-material limits, exemptions, and economic-operator obligations. ### [Do components have to comply with EU RoHS?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/components.md#do-components-have-to-comply-with-eu-rohs) *Module: [Do Components Need EU RoHS Compliance?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/components.md)* Yes, when the component is used in finished EEE or as a spare part for in-scope EEE. Directive 2011/65/EU requires EEE placed on the Union market, including cables and spare parts for repair, reuse, updating, or capacity upgrades, not to contain the restricted substances above the Annex II maximum concentration values in homogeneous materials. - Treat electronic, electrical, mechanical, plastic, coating, solder, cable, and enclosure parts as possible RoHS evidence inputs. - Assess the component by homogeneous material, not by total component weight or finished-product weight. - Keep component declarations, material declarations, risk assessments, and any test results traceable to the final EEE technical documentation. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Binding consolidated RoHS source for EEE scope, Article 4 substance restrictions, homogeneous-material limits, exemptions, technical documentation, and CE marking. - [European Commission RoHS 2 FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/weee/pdf/faq_weee.pdf?ref=sorena.io) - Commission FAQ source for component treatment, cables, spare parts, homogeneous materials, and RoHS CE marking distinctions. - [Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2015/863 adding phthalates to RoHS Annex II](https://data.europa.eu/eli/dir_del/2015/863/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Binding source for DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP in the Annex II restricted-substance list. ### [When does a component need its own RoHS CE marking?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/components.md#when-does-a-component-need-its-own-rohs-ce-marking) *Module: [Do Components Need EU RoHS Compliance?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/components.md)* RoHS CE marking is tied to finished EEE. Directive 2011/65/EU requires the CE marking to be affixed visibly, legibly, and indelibly to the finished EEE or, where that is not possible, to the packaging and accompanying documents. - Ask first whether the item is finished EEE or only a part supplied for integration, repair, reuse, updating, or upgrading. - Do not treat a component supplier's generic RoHS statement as a substitute for the finished product's technical file. - If the component is sold separately as finished EEE, assess the EEE obligations for that product, including declaration of conformity and CE marking. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Binding consolidated RoHS source for manufacturer duties, EU declaration of conformity, CE marking, and finished-EEE obligations. - [European Commission RoHS 2 FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/weee/pdf/faq_weee.pdf?ref=sorena.io) - Commission FAQ source distinguishing component substance compliance from separate RoHS CE marking and DoC requirements. - [Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/659 on EN IEC 63000](https://data.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2020/659/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Official source for EN IEC 63000:2018 as the harmonised technical-documentation standard for materials, components, and EEE. ### [What should a component assessment check?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/components.md#what-should-a-component-assessment-check) *Module: [Do Components Need EU RoHS Compliance?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/components.md)* Start with the restricted substances and the material breakdown. Annex II sets maximum concentration values by weight in homogeneous materials: lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, PBB, PBDE, DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP at 0.1%, and cadmium at 0.01%. The Commission FAQ gives practical examples of homogeneous materials such as a plastic cover, copper wire inside a cable, and the solder part of a solder joint. - Map each component to homogeneous materials, including coatings, solders, plasticisers, flame-retardant polymers, metal finishes, wiring, and cable jackets where relevant. - Check whether any Annex III or Annex IV exemption is being claimed, and record the exact exemption entry, scope, category, and expiry or renewal status. - Use testing selectively where supplier data is incomplete, the material risk is high, or a change in supplier, formulation, finish, or manufacturing process affects the assessment. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Binding consolidated RoHS source for homogeneous-material definition, Annex II limits, and Annex III and IV exemptions. - [Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2015/863 adding phthalates to RoHS Annex II](https://data.europa.eu/eli/dir_del/2015/863/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Binding source for the current Annex II list including the four phthalates added by Directive (EU) 2015/863. - [Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/659 on EN IEC 63000](https://data.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2020/659/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Official source for EN IEC 63000:2018 as RoHS technical-documentation standard, replacing EN 50581:2012. - [IEC 62321-2:2021 sample preparation and disassembly](https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/64226?ref=sorena.io) - IEC source for disassembly, disjointment, and mechanical sample preparation before restricted-substance testing. ### [How should exemptions and supplier changes be handled?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/components.md#how-should-exemptions-and-supplier-changes-be-handled) *Module: [Do Components Need EU RoHS Compliance?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/components.md)* A component that depends on an exemption should not be treated as permanently compliant. Directive 2011/65/EU allows materials and components of EEE to be included in Annex III or IV for specific applications only when the Article 5 conditions are met, and exemption validity periods are limited and renewable. - Reassess a component when the supplier, part number, bill of materials, resin, plating, solder, flame retardant, plasticiser, or manufacturing site changes. - Do not roll an exemption forward without checking that the exact component use still matches the exemption scope and category. - Keep importer, distributor, and manufacturer records aligned because RoHS requires economic operators to identify suppliers and customers to market surveillance authorities for 10 years after placing the EEE on the market. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Binding consolidated RoHS source for exemptions, renewal timing, economic-operator traceability, and technical-document retention. - [European Commission - RoHS Directive implementation](https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/rohs-directive/rohs-directive-implementation_en?ref=sorena.io) - Commission implementation source for exemption procedure, renewal timing, assessment steps, and regular reassessment. - [Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/659 on EN IEC 63000](https://data.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2020/659/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Official source linking component assessments to harmonised RoHS technical documentation. ### [When are supplier declarations enough for RoHS?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/declarations-vs-lab-tests.md#when-are-supplier-declarations-enough-for-rohs) *Module: [EU RoHS Declarations vs Lab Tests](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/declarations-vs-lab-tests.md)* Supplier declarations are useful when they identify the exact part, material, supplier, revision, restricted-substance scope, and date. They should support the manufacturer technical documentation required by RoHS, not replace the manufacturer decision. - Use declarations for known, stable supply chains where the supplier identifies the product or material and the restricted substances covered. - Keep the declaration with the technical file, because RoHS requires technical documentation and the EU declaration of conformity to be kept for 10 years after EEE is placed on the market. - Refresh the evidence when design, material, supplier, manufacturing location, harmonised standard, or exemption status changes. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Binding consolidated RoHS source for substance restrictions, homogeneous-material limits, manufacturer obligations, EU declaration of conformity, CE marking, and presumption of conformity. - [Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/659 on EN IEC 63000:2018](https://data.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2020/659/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Official source publishing EN IEC 63000:2018 as the harmonised RoHS technical-documentation standard and replacing EN 50581:2012. - [IEC 63000:2016 technical documentation standard](https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/25985?ref=sorena.io) - IEC product page describing the technical documentation manufacturers compile to declare compliance with applicable substance restrictions. - [IEC 62474 material declaration standard](https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/7077?ref=sorena.io) - IEC source for material declarations used by electrotechnical supply chains to provide data for substance-restriction compliance assessment. - [Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 on market surveillance and compliance of products](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32019R1020&ref=sorena.io) - EU market-surveillance framework relevant to requests for technical documentation and corrective action for non-compliant products. - [Commission Notice - Blue Guide on EU product rules (2022)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX%3A52022XC0629%2804%29&ref=sorena.io) - General EU product-law guidance for manufacturer responsibility, conformity assessment, CE marking, EU declarations, importers, and market surveillance. ### [When should lab testing be added?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/declarations-vs-lab-tests.md#when-should-lab-testing-be-added) *Module: [EU RoHS Declarations vs Lab Tests](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/declarations-vs-lab-tests.md)* Add testing when declarations do not give enough confidence for the risk. Common triggers include missing supplier data, unverified high-risk materials, a new or changed supplier, a design or material change, inconsistent documents, an exemption boundary, or a request from a customer, importer, or market-surveillance. - Use IEC 62321-2 for disassembly, disjointment, and sample preparation before analytical testing. - Use IEC 62321-3-1 XRF screening as a screening tool for listed metals and total bromine in uniform materials. - Use targeted IEC 62321 methods when the decision needs substance-specific evidence for lead, cadmium, chromium, PBB, PBDE, or phthalates. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Binding consolidated RoHS source for substance restrictions, homogeneous-material limits, manufacturer obligations, EU declaration of conformity, CE marking, and presumption of conformity. - [Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/659 on EN IEC 63000:2018](https://data.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2020/659/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Official source publishing EN IEC 63000:2018 as the harmonised RoHS technical-documentation standard and replacing EN 50581:2012. - [IEC 62321-2:2021 sample preparation for substance testing](https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/64226?ref=sorena.io) - IEC source for sampling, disassembly, disjointment, and mechanical sample preparation before analytical testing. - [IEC 62321-3-1:2013 XRF screening](https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/6830?ref=sorena.io) - IEC source for XRF screening of lead, mercury, cadmium, total chromium, and total bromine in uniform materials. - [IEC 62321-5:2013 cadmium, lead, and chromium methods](https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/6833?ref=sorena.io) - IEC source for analytical test methods for lead, cadmium, and chromium in polymers, metals, and electronics. - [IEC 62321-6:2015 PBB and PBDE methods](https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/22592?ref=sorena.io) - IEC source for determining PBB and PBDE in polymers of electrotechnical products. - [IEC 62321-8:2017 phthalate methods](https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/32719?ref=sorena.io) - IEC source for phthalate determination in polymers, including DIBP, DBP, BBP, and DEHP. ### [What should the evidence decision record contain?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/declarations-vs-lab-tests.md#what-should-the-evidence-decision-record-contain) *Module: [EU RoHS Declarations vs Lab Tests](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/declarations-vs-lab-tests.md)* The record should let a reviewer reproduce the decision without interviewing the project team. It should state the EEE, BOM or material population, supplier evidence reviewed, RoHS restricted substances and homogeneous-material limits considered, exemption assumptions, test method if used, owner, date, and review trigger. - Map each declaration or lab report to the exact product, component, material, revision, and supplier. - State whether the evidence supports all ten Annex II restricted substances or only a narrower set. - Record review triggers for supplier change, product redesign, material substitution, exemption expiry or renewal, customer escalation, or authority request. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Binding consolidated RoHS source for substance restrictions, homogeneous-material limits, manufacturer obligations, EU declaration of conformity, CE marking, and presumption of conformity. - [Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/659 on EN IEC 63000:2018](https://data.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2020/659/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Official source publishing EN IEC 63000:2018 as the harmonised RoHS technical-documentation standard and replacing EN 50581:2012. - [IEC 63000:2016 technical documentation standard](https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/25985?ref=sorena.io) - IEC product page describing the technical documentation manufacturers compile to declare compliance with applicable substance restrictions. - [IEC 62474 material declaration standard](https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/7077?ref=sorena.io) - IEC source for material declarations used by electrotechnical supply chains to provide data for substance-restriction compliance assessment. - [IEC 62321-2:2021 sample preparation for substance testing](https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/64226?ref=sorena.io) - IEC source for sampling, disassembly, disjointment, and mechanical sample preparation before analytical testing. - [Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 on market surveillance and compliance of products](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32019R1020&ref=sorena.io) - EU market-surveillance framework relevant to requests for technical documentation and corrective action for non-compliant products. ### [Common mistakes in RoHS declarations and test reports](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/declarations-vs-lab-tests.md#common-mistakes-in-rohs-declarations-and-test-reports) *Module: [EU RoHS Declarations vs Lab Tests](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/declarations-vs-lab-tests.md)* The most common mistake is treating a certificate as a conclusion without checking what it actually covers. A supplier document may cover a part number, a material family, a manufacturing site, or only some substances. A lab report may cover one tested sample, not every future lot or supplier change. - Do not use a broad "RoHS compliant" statement if it cannot be tied to the product, component, material, revision, and restricted substances. - Do not cite lab results without recording the sample preparation and test method used. - Do not assume old declarations or tests still apply after product design, material, supplier, or harmonised-standard changes. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Binding consolidated RoHS source for substance restrictions, homogeneous-material limits, manufacturer obligations, EU declaration of conformity, CE marking, and presumption of conformity. - [IEC 62321-2:2021 sample preparation for substance testing](https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/64226?ref=sorena.io) - IEC source for sampling, disassembly, disjointment, and mechanical sample preparation before analytical testing. - [IEC 62321-3-1:2013 XRF screening](https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/6830?ref=sorena.io) - IEC source for XRF screening of lead, mercury, cadmium, total chromium, and total bromine in uniform materials. - [IEC 62321-5:2013 cadmium, lead, and chromium methods](https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/6833?ref=sorena.io) - IEC source for analytical test methods for lead, cadmium, and chromium in polymers, metals, and electronics. - [IEC 62321-6:2015 PBB and PBDE methods](https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/22592?ref=sorena.io) - IEC source for determining PBB and PBDE in polymers of electrotechnical products. - [IEC 62321-8:2017 phthalate methods](https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/32719?ref=sorena.io) - IEC source for phthalate determination in polymers, including DIBP, DBP, BBP, and DEHP. - [Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 on market surveillance and compliance of products](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32019R1020&ref=sorena.io) - EU market-surveillance framework relevant to requests for technical documentation and corrective action for non-compliant products. ### [How should RoHS exemptions for lead, mercury, and cadmium be documented?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/lead-mercury-and-cadmium-exemptions.md#how-should-rohs-exemptions-for-lead-mercury-and-cadmium-be-documented) *Module: [How should RoHS lead, mercury, and cadmium exemptions be documented?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/lead-mercury-and-cadmium-exemptions.md)* Start from the restriction, then document the exception. Annex II lists lead and mercury at 0.1% by weight in homogeneous materials and cadmium at 0.01%. Article 4 says those limits do not apply to applications listed in Annex III or Annex IV, so an exemption record must prove that the product's use matches a specific listed application. - Record the Annex III or Annex IV entry number and quote or summarize the exact application wording used for the decision. - Map the entry to the EEE category, product model, part number, material, supplier, revision, and homogeneous material where the restricted substance appears. - Capture the measured or declared concentration, or the per-lamp, per-display, or application-specific amount limit where the Annex entry uses one. - State the expiry date, renewal application status, pending Commission decision status, or spare-parts condition that affects continued reliance. - Keep supplier declarations, material declarations, risk assessment, test reports where used, and EN IEC 63000 technical documentation together with the exemption rationale. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Binding consolidated RoHS source for Annex II limits, Article 4 exemptions, Annex III, Annex IV, technical documentation, CE marking, and EU declaration of conformity obligations. - [European Commission - RoHS 2 FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/weee/pdf/faq_weee.pdf?ref=sorena.io) - Commission FAQ explaining that RoHS exemptions are application-specific and that homogeneous-material limits apply individually. - [Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/659 on EN IEC 63000](https://data.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2020/659/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Official source for EN IEC 63000 as the harmonised technical-documentation standard used for RoHS assessment. - [European Commission - RoHS Directive implementation](https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/rohs-directive/rohs-directive-implementation_en?ref=sorena.io) - Commission implementation page for exemption procedure, reassessment factors, renewal timing, and official exemption materials. ### [What to capture for lead, mercury, and cadmium entries](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/lead-mercury-and-cadmium-exemptions.md#what-to-capture-for-lead-mercury-and-cadmium-entries) *Module: [How should RoHS lead, mercury, and cadmium exemptions be documented?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/lead-mercury-and-cadmium-exemptions.md)* The documentation fields differ because the Annex entries differ. Mercury lamp exemptions often use per-lamp or per-burner milligram limits and specific lamp technologies. Lead entries include alloys, solders, glasses, ceramics, coatings, bearings, and application-specific electronic components. Cadmium entries include electrical contacts, optical or filter glass uses, printing inks, thick film pastes, quantum dots, and specialized measurement or monitoring uses. - For mercury lamp exemptions, record the lamp type, wattage or technology condition, per-lamp or per-burner mercury limit, and expiry date stated in the Annex entry. - For lead alloy and solder exemptions, record the alloy, solder, component, voltage, application, product category, and any percentage threshold or excluded application. - For cadmium exemptions, record the compound, contact, glass, ink, paste, quantum-dot, measurement, or monitoring application and the category or amount condition stated in the entry. - For Annex IV medical-device and monitoring-equipment exemptions, confirm that the product is actually in the category covered by Annex IV before relying on the entry. - When an entry has expired, document whether Article 4 spare-parts wording, a renewal application, or a Commission decision affects the specific product. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Binding consolidated RoHS source for Annex III and Annex IV exemption entries covering lead, mercury, and cadmium applications. - [European Commission - RoHS 2 FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/weee/pdf/faq_weee.pdf?ref=sorena.io) - Commission FAQ explaining exemption specificity and the individual homogeneous-material threshold concept. - [European Commission - RoHS Directive implementation](https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/rohs-directive/rohs-directive-implementation_en?ref=sorena.io) - Commission implementation source for the exemption procedure and official materials to check requested or renewed exemptions. ### [Evidence to keep in the RoHS technical file](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/lead-mercury-and-cadmium-exemptions.md#evidence-to-keep-in-the-rohs-technical-file) *Module: [How should RoHS lead, mercury, and cadmium exemptions be documented?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/lead-mercury-and-cadmium-exemptions.md)* RoHS documentation should connect the exemption decision to the conformity assessment file. Directive 2011/65/EU requires manufacturers to draw up technical documentation, carry out the relevant conformity assessment procedure, draw up the EU declaration of conformity, affix CE marking, and keep the technical documentation and EU declaration of conformity for 10 years after the EEE has been placed on the market. - BOM and material breakdown showing where lead, mercury, or cadmium appears. - Supplier declaration or material declaration tied to the exact part number, material, revision, and restricted substance. - Test report or engineering assessment where supplier data is incomplete, high risk, or inconsistent with the product design. - Exemption register entry with source URL, Annex entry, EEE category, application wording, limit, expiry, owner, and review date. - EU declaration of conformity and technical documentation references showing how the exemption supports the Article 4 compliance conclusion. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Binding source for manufacturer duties, technical documentation, EU declaration of conformity, CE marking, and 10-year retention. - [Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/659 on EN IEC 63000](https://data.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2020/659/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Official source identifying EN IEC 63000:2018 for RoHS technical documentation. - [European Commission - RoHS 2 FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/weee/pdf/faq_weee.pdf?ref=sorena.io) - Commission FAQ context for technical documentation and homogeneous-material compliance assessment. ### [Expiry, renewal, and change-control checks](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/lead-mercury-and-cadmium-exemptions.md#expiry-renewal-and-change-control-checks) *Module: [How should RoHS lead, mercury, and cadmium exemptions be documented?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/lead-mercury-and-cadmium-exemptions.md)* Exemption evidence should not stop at the date the product launched. Article 5 says exemptions have validity periods, may be renewed, and can be deleted when the conditions for inclusion are no longer fulfilled. A renewal application must be made no later than 18 months before the exemption expires, and an existing exemption remains valid until the Commission decides on that renewal application. - Review the exemption when the Annex entry changes, the expiry date approaches, or a renewal or revocation decision is published. - Review the record after product redesign, supplier change, material change, solder or coating change, lamp change, or category change. - If a renewal request is pending, keep the evidence for that status with the exemption record instead of relying on an informal note. - If the exemption is rejected, revoked, or no longer matches the product, open a substitution, redesign, withdrawal, or customer-impact decision before relying on further EU market placement. - Do not assume spare-parts provisions apply unless the product and exemption facts match Article 4 wording for the specific case. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Binding source for Article 5 validity periods, renewal timing, pending-renewal validity, revocation, and spare-parts provisions. - [European Commission - RoHS Directive implementation](https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/rohs-directive/rohs-directive-implementation_en?ref=sorena.io) - Commission implementation source for exemption reassessment factors, application timing, and decision-duration guidance. - [European Commission - RoHS 2 FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/weee/pdf/faq_weee.pdf?ref=sorena.io) - Commission FAQ explaining exemption validity, Annex III and IV roles, and application-specific use. ### [Common mistakes when documenting these exemptions](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/lead-mercury-and-cadmium-exemptions.md#common-mistakes-when-documenting-these-exemptions) *Module: [How should RoHS lead, mercury, and cadmium exemptions be documented?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/lead-mercury-and-cadmium-exemptions.md)* The most common mistake is treating the word "exempt" as the conclusion instead of documenting the legal and technical match. Lead, mercury, and cadmium exemptions are narrow, and the same substance can appear in multiple entries with different applications, categories, concentration limits, amount limits, and dates. - Do not cite an Annex entry without checking that the material and application match the entry wording. - Do not average lead, mercury, or cadmium across the finished EEE; the default limits are homogeneous-material limits unless a valid exemption applies. - Do not reuse a lead exemption for cadmium or mercury, or reuse an Annex III exemption where Annex IV category specificity is required. - Do not omit expiry, renewal, or pending-decision status when the entry includes date-sensitive wording. - Do not put local source reference filenames, private working notes, or stale non-HTTPS URLs in public source fields. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Binding source for homogeneous-material limits, Annex III and IV exemption wording, and Article 5 deletion or renewal rules. - [European Commission - RoHS 2 FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/weee/pdf/faq_weee.pdf?ref=sorena.io) - Commission FAQ explaining that exemptions are not granted for a company or whole EEE and that material limits are applied individually. - [European Commission - RoHS Directive implementation](https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/rohs-directive/rohs-directive-implementation_en?ref=sorena.io) - Commission source for time-limited exemption handling and reassessment process. ### [RoHS homogeneous material definition](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/homogeneous-material.md#rohs-homogeneous-material-definition) *Module: [RoHS Homogeneous Material Definition and Limits](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/homogeneous-material.md)* Directive 2011/65/EU defines a homogeneous material as one material of uniform composition throughout, or a material made from a combination of materials that cannot be disjointed or separated into different materials by mechanical actions. - A single uncoated plastic part can be assessed as the plastic material, but a coated or overmoulded part may need separate material records for the base plastic and coating or attached material. - A cable is usually not one homogeneous material because conductors, insulation, shielding, fillers, jackets, and coatings may be mechanically separable. - A semiconductor package, connector, motor, power supply, or display should be broken into material-level evidence where separable metals, polymers, solders, platings, adhesives, and coatings create different RoHS risk points. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances (consolidated version)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Article 3(20) gives the legal definition of homogeneous material and lists the mechanical actions used to test separability. - [IEC 62321-2:2021 sample preparation and disassembly](https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/64226?ref=sorena.io) - IEC 62321-2 supports the practical disassembly, disjointment, and mechanical sample-preparation context for material-level testing. ### [Annex II thresholds apply by material](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/homogeneous-material.md#annex-ii-thresholds-apply-by-material) *Module: [RoHS Homogeneous Material Definition and Limits](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/homogeneous-material.md)* The current consolidated Annex II lists ten restricted substances and their maximum concentration values tolerated by weight in homogeneous materials. Cadmium has a lower threshold than the other listed substances. - 0.1% by weight: lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP. - 0.01% by weight: cadmium. - The four phthalates DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP have specific application timing and carve-outs in Annex II for certain medical devices, monitoring and control instruments, cables, spare parts, and toys. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU Annex II restricted substances](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Annex II lists the restricted substances and maximum concentration values by weight in homogeneous materials. ### [How to split assemblies into RoHS materials](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/homogeneous-material.md#how-to-split-assemblies-into-rohs-materials) *Module: [RoHS Homogeneous Material Definition and Limits](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/homogeneous-material.md)* Start with the bill of materials, but do not stop at component names. RoHS evidence should map to the actual materials that can be separated or that remain inseparable after reasonable mechanical actions. - Treat coatings, platings, paints, inks, adhesives, solders, sealants, elastomers, and polymer additives as potential separate material questions when they are material to the RoHS risk. - Do not average a restricted substance across the mass of the finished product, the assembled component, or a whole cable when a separable material is the relevant assessment level. - When destructive separation is needed for a close question, document the method used, the sample identity, the material fraction tested, and why the result maps to the RoHS material decision. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU Article 4 and Annex II](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Article 4 and Annex II establish the homogeneous-material basis for concentration values. - [IEC 62321-2:2021 sample preparation and disassembly](https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/64226?ref=sorena.io) - IEC 62321-2 describes sampling strategies and mechanical preparation of samples from electrotechnical products before analytical testing. ## FAQ Pagination - Canonical index (page 1): [/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/items](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/items.md) - Page 1 rule: `/page/1` is intentionally not generated; use the canonical index markdown URL. - Current page: 1 of 3 Pages: [1](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/items.md) | [2](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/items/page/2.md) | [3](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/items/page/3.md) [Next page](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/items/page/2.md) *Recommended next step* *Placement: after implementation section* ## Use this RoHS FAQ as a cited release checklist Turn scope, substance-limit, supplier-evidence, exemption, technical-file, and CE-marking answers into a repeatable RoHS review for product, quality, procurement, legal, and regulatory teams. - [Open RoHS Research Copilot](/solutions/research-copilot.md): Answer RoHS scope, timing, and interpretation questions with cited outputs. - [Talk through RoHS implementation](/contact.md): Review your scope, evidence model, controls, and next actions. --- [Privacy Policy](https://www.sorena.io/privacy) | [Terms of Use](https://www.sorena.io/terms-of-use) | [DMCA](https://www.sorena.io/dmca) | [About Us](https://www.sorena.io/about-us) (c) 2026 Sorena AB (559573-7338). 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