China RoHS Certification Overview

China RoHS certification, i.e., the "Administrative Measures on the Control of Pollution Caused by Electronic Information Products" (also known as "China RoHS"), is a mandatory regulatory framework implemented by the Chinese government to control the use of toxic and hazardous substances in electronic information products, reduce environmental pollution, and safeguard human health. The measures officially took effect on March 1, 2007, and are jointly supervised by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT, formerly the Ministry of Information Industry) and other relevant departments. They apply to electronic information products manufactured, sold, and imported within the territory of China.

Core Requirements of China RoHS

  1. Scope of Controlled Products
    Primarily covers electronic information products, including but not limited to:

    • End products such as computers, mobile phones, televisions, and communication equipment;

    • Supporting products such as electronic components, integrated circuits, and batteries;

    • Materials and parts used in electronic information products.

  2. Restricted Hazardous Substances
    Similar to EU RoHS, China RoHS restricts the following six hazardous substances (as updated in 2016):

    • Lead (Pb)

    • Mercury (Hg)

    • Cadmium (Cd)

    • Hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺)

    • Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs)

    • Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)
      The threshold limit for each substance is 0.1% (0.01% for cadmium); exemptions may be applied for under special circumstances.

  3. Key Compliance Obligations

    • Labeling Requirements: Electronic information products must indicate the names and concentrations of hazardous substances on the product label or in the user manual, in a format compliant with national standards (e.g., GB/T 26572).

    • Testing and Reporting: Enterprises must test products for hazardous substances or provide a compliant self-declaration; imported products require the importer to assume compliance responsibility.

    • Market Surveillance: Regulatory authorities conduct random inspections of products on the market; non-compliant products may be subject to corrective actions, suspension of sales, or even recall.

Differences Between China RoHS and EU RoHS

Comparison ItemChina RoHSEU RoHS
Legal BasisAdministrative Measures on the Control of Pollution Caused by Electronic Information ProductsEU Directives (e.g., 2011/65/EU and amendments)
Scope of ApplicationElectronic information products onlyVirtually all electrical and electronic equipment (11 categories)
Controlled Substances6 substances (same as EU base substances)6 base substances + 4 additional phthalates (for certain products)
Implementation ApproachSelf-declaration + labeling; no mandatory certificationMust meet requirements before affixing the CE mark; strict market surveillance
PenaltiesAdministrative penalties (fines, sales bans, etc.)Market exclusion from the EU; substantial fines

Steps for Enterprises to Comply with China RoHS

  1. Product Classification: Determine whether the product falls within the scope of electronic information products.

  2. Material Analysis: Inventory raw materials and components of the product to identify potentially present hazardous substances.

  3. Testing or Declaration: Engage an accredited laboratory for testing, or issue a self-declaration based on supply chain data.

  4. Labeling and Marking: Apply the relevant information on the product or in the user manual as required by GB/T 26572.

  5. Document Retention: Retain testing reports, self-declarations, and other documentation for regulatory inspections.

Relevant Standards and References


By achieving China RoHS compliance, enterprises can not only avoid market risks but also enhance their product's environmental credentials, aligning with China's domestic green development policy direction.