--- 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/page/2" 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 2 of 3. Showing 20 of 42 items.* ### [Evidence to keep for the homogeneous-material decision](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/homogeneous-material.md#evidence-to-keep-for-the-homogeneous-material-decision) *Module: [RoHS Homogeneous Material Definition and Limits](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/homogeneous-material.md)* The useful record is not a generic RoHS certificate. It is a material-level trail that shows how the product was split, which Annex II threshold was applied, what declaration or test evidence supports the conclusion, and which exemptions or carve-outs were considered where relevant. - Keep a material breakdown tied to the product version, supplier, part number, and revision. - Record the applicable Annex II threshold for each material rather than a single product-level pass/fail statement. - Keep supplier declarations, IEC 62321 test reports where needed, exemption rationale, change-control records, and EN IEC 63000 technical documentation together with the EU declaration of conformity. Sources for this answer: - [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 standard for RoHS technical documentation. - [Directive 2011/65/EU manufacturer obligations](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Article 7 requires manufacturers to draw up technical documentation and carry out internal production control. ### [Common mistakes with homogeneous materials](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/homogeneous-material.md#common-mistakes-with-homogeneous-materials) *Module: [RoHS Homogeneous Material Definition and Limits](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/homogeneous-material.md)* The most common mistake is treating a supplier's broad product declaration as proof for every material in the part. That declaration may be useful, but it should still map to the homogeneous materials and Annex II thresholds that RoHS actually uses. - Do not average lead in a solder joint across a whole circuit board or finished appliance. - Do not treat a plated metal part as a single material decision without considering whether the plating or coating needs separate evidence. - Do not reuse old material declarations after supplier, formulation, plating, coating, resin, recycled-content, or process changes without checking whether the RoHS material evidence still matches. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU homogeneous material definition](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - The definition and Article 4 concentration rule support material-level rather than whole-product averaging. - [IEC 62321-2:2021 sample preparation and disassembly](https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/64226?ref=sorena.io) - Supports attention to sampling and mechanical preparation before substance testing. ### [What must importers check before placing EEE on the EU market under RoHS?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/imported-eee.md#what-must-importers-check-before-placing-eee-on-the-eu-market-under-rohs) *Module: [RoHS importer checks for imported EEE before EU market placement](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/imported-eee.md)* Article 9 of Directive 2011/65/EU makes the importer a gatekeeper for imported EEE. The importer must place only EEE that complies with RoHS on the Union market, and must check the manufacturer's conformity work before the first EU market placement. - Confirm the product is EEE in scope and is being placed on the EU market by the importer. - Check that the manufacturer carried out the appropriate conformity assessment and drew up RoHS technical documentation. - Check that the finished EEE bears the CE marking and is accompanied by the required documents. - Check that manufacturer identification and address information are present, and add the importer name, registered trade name or trade mark, and contact address on the EEE or, where that is not possible, on the packaging or accompanying document. - If there is reason to believe the EEE is not RoHS-compliant, do not place it on the market until it has been brought into conformity; inform the manufacturer and the market surveillance authorities. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances in EEE](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Binding consolidated RoHS source for importer obligations, CE marking, EU declaration of conformity, substance restrictions, and market-surveillance cooperation. - [European Commission RoHS 2 FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/weee/pdf/faq_weee.pdf?ref=sorena.io) - Commission guidance used for RoHS CE marking, declaration of conformity, technical-documentation, component, and placing-on-the-market context; the guidance states it is not legally binding. ### [Which evidence should an importer keep for imported EEE?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/imported-eee.md#which-evidence-should-an-importer-keep-for-imported-eee) *Module: [RoHS importer checks for imported EEE before EU market placement](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/imported-eee.md)* The importer must keep a copy of the EU declaration of conformity for 10 years after placing the EEE on the market and must ensure the technical documentation can be made available to market surveillance authorities on request. That makes the import file an evidence index as much as a purchasing record. - Store the EU declaration of conformity for the model or product family actually imported, and verify it references Directive 2011/65/EU where RoHS applies. - Record where the RoHS technical documentation can be obtained quickly if an authority asks for it; EN IEC 63000:2018 is the harmonised technical-documentation standard referenced in Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/659. - Keep evidence that the CE mark was present before market placement and that required accompanying documents were present in the needed language context. - Keep a register of non-compliant EEE and recalls, and document corrective action, withdrawal, recall, and authority notifications where relevant. - Tie supplier declarations, material declarations, test reports, and exemption claims to the exact EEE, component, material, model, batch, or revision they support. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances in EEE](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Binding consolidated RoHS source for importer retention, authority-response, recall-register, and conformity duties. - [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 publishing EN IEC 63000:2018 as the harmonised standard for RoHS technical documentation. - [European Commission RoHS 2 FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/weee/pdf/faq_weee.pdf?ref=sorena.io) - Commission guidance for DoC, CE marking, technical documentation, and whole-product documentation scope. ### [What should stop the importer from placing the EEE on the market?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/imported-eee.md#what-should-stop-the-importer-from-placing-the-eee-on-the-market) *Module: [RoHS importer checks for imported EEE before EU market placement](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/imported-eee.md)* Article 9 is explicit: if an importer considers or has reason to believe that EEE is not in conformity with Article 4, the importer must not place it on the market until it has been brought into conformity. The importer must also inform the manufacturer and market surveillance authorities. - Escalate mismatches between the DoC, product label, model number, batch, shipment documents, or supplier evidence. - Escalate missing importer or manufacturer traceability information before goods are released to the EU market. - Escalate any indication that a homogeneous material may exceed a RoHS restriction or that an exemption claim no longer fits the application. - Document the final outcome as placed, corrected before placement, withdrawn, recalled, or blocked from market placement. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances in EEE](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Binding consolidated RoHS source for the Article 9 no-placement rule and corrective action duties. - [European Commission RoHS 2 FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/weee/pdf/faq_weee.pdf?ref=sorena.io) - Commission guidance explaining that CE marking and DoC are RoHS procedural requirements and that compliance is assessed at placing on the market. ### [How should the importer turn the check into a repeatable workflow?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/imported-eee.md#how-should-the-importer-turn-the-check-into-a-repeatable-workflow) *Module: [RoHS importer checks for imported EEE before EU market placement](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/imported-eee.md)* Treat imported EEE review as a release gate tied to the exact product being placed on the EU market. The decision should be readable by procurement, logistics, quality, legal, and product teams without relying on undocumented supplier conversations. - Create one importer review record per product family, model, or shipment scope where the evidence is the same. - Map each imported EEE record to the DoC, technical-documentation access path, CE marking check, traceability marking check, supplier evidence, and exemption assumptions. - Assign owners for supplier follow-up, technical-file retrieval, nonconformity investigation, authority response, and recall-register updates. - Reopen the record after design changes, supplier changes, material changes, new test results, exemption changes, or authority requests. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances in EEE](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Binding consolidated RoHS source for importer evidence, traceability, nonconformity, retention, and authority-response obligations. - [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 the harmonised technical-documentation standard supporting RoHS conformity assessment. ### [What do the 0.1% and 0.01% substance limits mean under EU RoHS?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/0-1-and-0-01-limits.md#what-do-the-01-and-001-substance-limits-mean-under-eu-rohs) *Module: [What do the 0.1% and 0.01% substance limits mean under EU RoHS?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/0-1-and-0-01-limits.md)* Article 4 of Directive 2011/65/EU points to Annex II for the maximum concentration values tolerated by weight in homogeneous materials. That means the threshold is checked against each separable material, coating, solder, plastic, alloy, wire, or other homogeneous material, not against the finished product as a whole. - Use 0.1% by weight for lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, PBB, PBDE, DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP. - Use 0.01% by weight for cadmium. - Apply the value to each homogeneous material separately; do not dilute a restricted substance by averaging it across an assembly, component, or finished EEE. - If an Annex III or Annex IV exemption is used, record the exact exemption entry, product category, substance, material, and validity condition that makes the higher concentration acceptable. 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 4 and Annex II maximum concentration values by weight in homogeneous materials. - [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 amendment that added DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP to the RoHS Annex II restriction list. - [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 for technical documentation used to assess RoHS-restricted substances. - [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 explaining that RoHS exemptions are time-limited and subject to application or renewal. ### [What evidence should be kept for RoHS 0.1% and 0.01% limits?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/0-1-and-0-01-limits.md#what-evidence-should-be-kept-for-rohs-01-and-001-limits) *Module: [What do the 0.1% and 0.01% substance limits mean under EU RoHS?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/0-1-and-0-01-limits.md)* Evidence should let a reviewer trace the conclusion from the finished EEE down to the homogeneous materials that matter for Annex II. A supplier statement that only says "RoHS compliant" is weak if it does not identify covered parts, materials, substances, exemptions, or the basis for the declaration. - Map each relevant homogeneous material to the applicable Annex II substance and limit: 0.01% for cadmium or 0.1% for the other listed substances. - Keep supplier declarations specific to the part, material, revision, and restricted substances they cover. - When testing is used, retain the sample description, preparation logic, test method, lab report, and the material-level result being compared with the Annex II threshold. - For exemptions, retain the Annex III or Annex IV entry, applicability category, expiry or renewal status, and the product/material facts that support use of the exemption. - Recheck the record after material changes, supplier changes, product redesign, exemption changes, or a change to the harmonised standard used for the 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 source for Annex II limits and manufacturer obligations to keep technical documentation and the EU declaration of conformity. - [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 amendment that added the four phthalates now checked at the 0.1% homogeneous-material limit. - [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 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 source for exemption request and renewal process context. ### [How to apply the RoHS 0.1% and 0.01% limits](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/0-1-and-0-01-limits.md#how-to-apply-the-rohs-01-and-001-limits) *Module: [What do the 0.1% and 0.01% substance limits mean under EU RoHS?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/0-1-and-0-01-limits.md)* Use the limits as a material-level screening question before release, supplier approval, design change, or exemption review. The output should be a clear pass, exemption-supported, or nonconforming-material decision for each material-substance pair. - Identify the EEE, category, part number, supplier, revision, and date of placing on the market. - Break the relevant assemblies into homogeneous materials, including plastics, metals, coatings, solder, insulation, cables, and phthalate-relevant polymer parts. - For each homogeneous material, mark whether cadmium, lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, PBB, PBDE, DEHP, BBP, DBP, or DIBP is relevant. - Compare cadmium results or declarations to 0.01% by weight and all other Annex II substance results or declarations to 0.1% by weight. - If a value exceeds the Annex II limit, stop treating the material as compliant unless an exact Annex III or Annex IV exemption covers that use. - Store the conclusion in the RoHS technical documentation package used to support the CE marking and EU declaration of conformity. 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 4 restrictions, Annex II limits, CE marking, and EU declaration of conformity obligations. - [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 four phthalate restrictions that must be included in Annex II material checks. - [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 RoHS technical-documentation standard. - [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 checking whether an exemption request or renewal affects the material decision. ### [Common mistakes to avoid when documenting EU RoHS 0.1% and 0.01% substance limits](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/0-1-and-0-01-limits.md#common-mistakes-to-avoid-when-documenting-eu-rohs-01-and-001-substance-limits) *Module: [What do the 0.1% and 0.01% substance limits mean under EU RoHS?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/0-1-and-0-01-limits.md)* Most mistakes come from using the right percentage at the wrong level of detail. Annex II limits are material-level values, so a finished-product calculation can hide a nonconforming coating, solder, plastic, or cable material. - Do not apply 0.1% to cadmium; Annex II lists cadmium at 0.01%. - Do not average a restricted substance across a component or finished EEE when separable homogeneous materials should be checked individually. - Do not forget DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP when reviewing phthalate-relevant polymers; they are listed in Annex II at 0.1%. - Do not rely on an exemption unless the exact material use, product category, and exemption timing still match Annex III or Annex IV. - Do not reuse supplier declarations after a material, coating, cable, adhesive, solder, or supplier revision changes unless the declaration still covers the changed material. 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 the homogeneous-material threshold structure and Annex II substance list. - [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 confirming that DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP are part of the Annex II limit checks. - [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 technical-documentation expectations when assessing restricted substances. - [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 timing and review context. ### [What should teams do before a RoHS exemption expires?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/exemption-expiry.md#what-should-teams-do-before-a-rohs-exemption-expires) *Module: [What should teams do before a RoHS exemption expires?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/exemption-expiry.md)* Start with the legal entry, not with a supplier statement. RoHS exemptions are tied to a listed application in Annex III or Annex IV, and the Directive allows those lists to be adapted to scientific and technical progress. - Assign one owner to verify the current Annex wording and expiry date against the official source. - Confirm whether a renewal application was filed at least 18 months before the exemption expires. - If no renewal is available or the renewal is rejected, prepare a redesign, substitution, qualification, or market-withdrawal decision before the transition period ends. - Keep the expiry review with the EU declaration of conformity, technical documentation, supplier evidence, and change-control record. 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) - Consolidated RoHS source for Article 5 exemptions, Annex III, Annex IV, renewal timing, and pending-decision validity. - [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 exemption procedure timing, current evaluation stages, renewal requests, and official exemption materials. - [Directive (EU) 2017/2102 amending RoHS exemption validity rules](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32017L2102&ref=sorena.io) - Amending directive that clarified maximum validity periods and pending renewal process details. ### [How RoHS exemption timing works](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/exemption-expiry.md#how-rohs-exemption-timing-works) *Module: [What should teams do before a RoHS exemption expires?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/exemption-expiry.md)* Article 5 sets the renewal clock. A renewal application must be submitted no later than 18 months before the exemption expires, and the existing exemption remains valid until the Commission takes a decision on that renewal application. - Use the specific Annex entry to calculate the practical review date; do not assume one expiry rule covers every exemption. - Open an independent review before the 18-month renewal deadline so engineering can assess substitutes and procurement can qualify suppliers. - When a renewal is pending, record the application reference and Commission process source rather than relying on an informal status note. - When a delegated directive changes an entry, update product files, supplier requests, and customer-facing compliance statements together. 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) - Consolidated Article 5 text for maximum validity periods, renewal applications, and validity while a renewal decision is pending. - [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 practical exemption decision timing and evaluation procedure steps. ### [Evidence to keep with an exemption-expiry review](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/exemption-expiry.md#evidence-to-keep-with-an-exemption-expiry-review) *Module: [What should teams do before a RoHS exemption expires?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/exemption-expiry.md)* A useful record should let a reviewer see why the product can still be placed on the EU market, or why it needs redesign before the exemption lapses. Keep the decision tied to the exact exemption wording and product configuration. - Current Annex III or Annex IV source used for the expiry date and wording. - Product, component, material, and EEE category mapping showing why the exemption applies. - Supplier declarations, material declarations, test reports, or engineering analysis supporting the restricted-substance position. - Renewal application status, Commission decision status, or rejection transition-period note if relevant. - Substitution or redesign assessment, including why immediate substitution is or is not technically practicable for the application. Sources for this answer: - [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 citing EN IEC 63000 for RoHS technical documentation. - [European Commission - Guidance document for RoHS exemption requests](https://environment.ec.europa.eu/document/download/f1f65e3d-1b90-4dd1-a0d4-797bd6cabe98_en?filename=Guidance_Document.pdf&ref=sorena.io) - Commission-hosted guidance for exemption request format, criteria, and documentation. - [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 linking the official exemptions list, guidance document, and application form. ### [Common expiry mistakes](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/exemption-expiry.md#common-expiry-mistakes) *Module: [What should teams do before a RoHS exemption expires?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/exemption-expiry.md)* The main risk is treating an old exemption reference as a standing permission. RoHS exemptions can be renewed, amended, or deleted, and the Commission reassesses them against substitution, health, environmental, consumer-safety, socioeconomic, and innovation considerations. - Do not use an expired Annex entry without checking whether a renewal application keeps it valid pending a Commission decision. - Do not reuse an exemption for a different product category, material application, or substance unless the Annex wording actually covers it. - Do not cite local files, scraped filenames, or private working notes as public sources; cite the official external URL used for the decision. - Do not wait for the listed expiry date before starting redesign work; the Commission page reports that decisions currently take 18 to 24 months. Sources for this answer: - [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 exemption assessment factors, renewal timing, and current decision-duration guidance. - [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 exemption conditions and deletion where conditions are no longer fulfilled. ### [When can spare parts rely on a RoHS transition rule?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/spare-parts.md#when-can-spare-parts-rely-on-a-rohs-transition-rule) *Module: [When can RoHS spare parts use transition rules?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/spare-parts.md)* Start with the exact role of the part. RoHS defines a spare part as a separate part of EEE that can replace a part of EEE, where the EEE cannot function as intended without it and functionality is restored or upgraded when the part is replaced. - Do not treat repair stock as automatically outside RoHS; Article 4(1) expressly includes spare parts. - Match the spare part to the supported EEE category and the supported product's original EU placing-on-the-market date. - If relying on a past Annex exemption, record the exact Annex entry and show that the relevant EEE was placed on the market before that exemption expired. - If the spare part is newly sourced and no legacy or Annex rule applies, assess the part against the RoHS restricted substances at homogeneous-material level. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS), consolidated 2025-01-01](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Article 3 defines spare part, Article 4(1) covers spare parts, and Article 4(4) lists legacy spare-part cases. - [Directive (EU) 2017/2102 amending RoHS scope and spare-part rules](https://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2017/2102/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Amending directive that clarified reused spare-part conditions and category 11 timing. ### [What are the reused spare-part cutoff dates?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/spare-parts.md#what-are-the-reused-spare-part-cutoff-dates) *Module: [When can RoHS spare parts use transition rules?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/spare-parts.md)* Article 4(5) is narrower than the general spare-part transition rule. It applies only where reuse happens in auditable closed-loop business-to-business return systems and the reuse of spare parts is notified to the consumer. - Keep evidence that the return system is auditable and business-to-business. - Keep the customer or consumer notification record for each reuse of parts. - Record both sides of the date test: the EEE from which the part was recovered and the EEE in which the part is used. - Do not apply the reused-part route to ordinary new replacement stock. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS), consolidated 2025-01-01](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Article 4(5) provides the closed-loop B2B reuse condition and date cutoffs for reused spare parts. - [Directive (EU) 2017/2102 amending RoHS scope and spare-part rules](https://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2017/2102/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Recitals explain the circular-economy purpose behind secondary-market repair and reuse changes. ### [How do Annex exemptions affect spare parts?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/spare-parts.md#how-do-annex-exemptions-affect-spare-parts) *Module: [When can RoHS spare parts use transition rules?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/spare-parts.md)* Article 4(6) excludes applications listed in Annex III and Annex IV from the Article 4(1) restriction. Those exemptions are application-specific and time-limited; they should not be treated as product-wide approval. - Use the exact Annex entry, not a generic material family description. - Check whether the entry is in Annex III or Annex IV and whether it applies to the product category at issue. - Track expiry and renewal status before each repair-stock release or service bulletin. - Where a renewal application was submitted on time, Article 5 says the existing exemption remains valid until the Commission decides. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS), consolidated 2025-01-01](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Article 4(6), Article 5, Annex III, and Annex IV govern application-specific RoHS exemptions and renewals. - [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 describing exemption requests, renewal timing, and evaluation process. ### [What evidence should a spare-parts decision file contain?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/spare-parts.md#what-evidence-should-a-spare-parts-decision-file-contain) *Module: [When can RoHS spare parts use transition rules?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/spare-parts.md)* A useful spare-parts decision file should let a reviewer re-run the RoHS logic without interviewing the service team. The key facts are the spare part identity, supported EEE identity, product category, placement dates, whether the part is new or recovered, and the exact legal route used. - Tie every spare-part SKU to the finished EEE or installed base it supports. - Retain the EU declaration of conformity and technical documentation for the EEE where required by the manufacturer's or importer's RoHS obligations. - Use EN IEC 63000 where relevant for the technical-documentation method rather than relying on informal supplier emails alone. - Reopen the file after a supplier, material, part design, supported product, Annex exemption, or harmonised-standard change. Sources for this answer: - [Directive 2011/65/EU on restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS), consolidated 2025-01-01](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02011L0065-20250101&ref=sorena.io) - Articles 7, 9, and 10 set documentation, conformity, and information duties for manufacturers, importers, and distributors. - [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 RoHS technical-documentation standard. ### [Which electrical and electronic equipment is in scope under EU RoHS?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/eee-scope.md#which-electrical-and-electronic-equipment-is-in-scope-under-eu-rohs) *Module: [Which EEE is in scope under EU RoHS?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/eee-scope.md)* A product is in RoHS scope when it meets the Directive's definition of electrical and electronic equipment, falls within one of the Annex I categories, is placed or made available on the EU market, and is not covered by an Article 2(4) exclusion. - Start with Article 3: does the product need electric currents or electromagnetic fields for at least one intended function, or generate, transfer, or measure them? - Confirm the voltage design limit in the EEE definition: not exceeding 1,000 V AC or 1,500 V DC. - Assign the product to one of the 11 Annex I categories, including category 11 for other EEE not covered by categories 1 to 10. - Check Article 2(4) exclusions, including large-scale stationary industrial tools, large-scale fixed installations, means of transport except non-type-approved electric two-wheel vehicles, active implantable medical devices, certain photovoltaic panels, business-to-business R&D-only equipment, and pipe organs. - If the product has both excluded and in-scope uses, treat it as in scope unless the evidence shows it is specifically designed and made available only for an excluded use. 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) - Primary legal source for the EEE definition, Annex I categories, Article 2 exclusions, Article 4 restriction rule, and manufacturer documentation duties. - [European Commission - restriction of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment](https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/rohs-directive_en?ref=sorena.io) - Commission overview supporting the broad RoHS scope statement that products with an electrical and electronic component must comply unless specifically excluded. - [European Commission RoHS 2 FAQ key guidance document](https://environment.ec.europa.eu/document/download/e34bb7d9-50dd-4ae2-91a2-a45cdc1692fd_en?filename=FAQ%20key%20guidance%20document%20-%20RoHS.pdf&ref=sorena.io) - Commission FAQ guidance used for practical scope examples on intended electrical functions, multiple-use products, components, cables, consumables, and large-scale exclusions. ### [Scope questions that usually change the answer](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/eee-scope.md#scope-questions-that-usually-change-the-answer) *Module: [Which EEE is in scope under EU RoHS?](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/eee-scope.md)* RoHS scope often turns on how the product is placed on the market, not only on what it contains. The same physical item may be assessed differently if it is sold as a finished EEE product, built into another EEE, sold only as a component for integration, or designed solely for an excluded application. - Finished EEE: if placed on the EU market for direct use by an end user and it meets the EEE definition, assess it under RoHS. - Components and parts: parts used in finished in-scope EEE must meet Article 4 substance restrictions, including non-electrical parts such as fasteners or plastic cases, but components do not automatically need separate CE marking. - Cables: cables are generally in RoHS scope unless they belong to EEE or a combination of EEE outside scope; external cables placed on the market separately need their own scope and conformity treatment. - Consumables: consumables are in scope only where they include an equipment constituent that meets the EEE definition, such as the Commission FAQ's printer-cartridge example. - Professional or industrial use: RoHS does not generally distinguish consumer from professional EEE, although specific Article 2 exclusions or timing rules may apply. - Multiple use: EEE with at least one intended in-scope use must comply; excluded-use evidence needs to show the product is made available only for the excluded use. 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) - Primary legal source for cables, spare parts, homogeneous-material restrictions, economic-operator roles, and the Annex I EEE categories. - [European Commission RoHS 2 FAQ key guidance document](https://environment.ec.europa.eu/document/download/e34bb7d9-50dd-4ae2-91a2-a45cdc1692fd_en?filename=FAQ%20key%20guidance%20document%20-%20RoHS.pdf&ref=sorena.io) - Commission FAQ guidance supporting the practical treatment of finished products, components, consumables, cables, professional use, and multiple-use equipment. ## 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: 2 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) [Previous page](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/items.md) | [Next page](/artifacts/eu/rohs-directive/faq/items/page/3.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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