European Union

Compliance · Nº 10 · European Union

EU RoHS

RoHS restriction of hazardous substances

Applies to — Labels on electrical & electronic equipment sold in the EU

RoHS is the EU directive that limits ten hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. Compliance is shown via the CE mark plus a declaration of conformity — so a label on electronics sold in the EU is expected to be RoHS-compliant. Unlike REACH, RoHS compliance carries a visible mark.

What it covers

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) limits ten hazardous substances — including lead, mercury, cadmium and certain phthalates — in electrical and electronic equipment sold in the EU. A label applied to such equipment falls within scope and is expected to be RoHS-compliant.

How it is shown

RoHS compliance is demonstrated through the CE mark plus a declaration of conformity. This is the key difference from REACH: RoHS shows via the CE mark, while REACH needs no special mark but requires SVHC information. For a label on electronics, both frameworks can apply at once.

How to comply

Ask your material supplier for a RoHS declaration covering the facestock, adhesive and ink. If your labels go onto electronics or asset-tracked equipment sold in the EU, keep the declaration on file alongside your REACH/SVHC statement.

Common questions

Answered
straight.

What is RoHS?

An EU directive that limits ten hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. Compliance is shown through the CE mark plus a declaration of conformity, so labels on EU-sold electronics are expected to be RoHS-compliant.

What is the difference between RoHS and REACH?

RoHS limits specific hazardous substances in electronics and shows via the CE mark; REACH registers chemicals and requires SVHC disclosure above 0.1% by weight but needs no special mark. Electronics labels can fall under both.

General guidance — not legal advice

This is a plain-English overview to help you ask the right questions — not a legal opinion or a compliance certification. Requirements change and depend on your specific product, market, and packaging. Always confirm with your supplier’s compliance documents and, where it matters, a qualified regulatory advisor.

Official source · EUR-Lex — Directive 2011/65/EU ↗

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