REACH and RoHS Compliance Screening

Regulation and detection of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) can vary by industry and geographic region.

The European Union has passed legislation on many chemical substances. In 2002, 2011, and 2015, the European Union released directives on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in electrical and electronic products. Under RoHS, RoHS2, and RoHS3, businesses must comply with limitations on ten different substances, including lead, cadmium, mercury, and several phthalates. Some of the substances controlled by RoHS are also regulated by REACH. REACH, or the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals, was introduced to the European Union by the European Chemical Agency (ACHA) in 2007. A wide variety of chemical substances are regulated under REACH, from commercial cleaning solutions to household products. Under both RoHS and REACH, manufacturers are obligated to disclose the presence and quantity of these controlled substances in their products and demonstrate compliance.

One of the most well-known legislations is Prop 65. In 1986, the state of California enacted the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Reinforcement Act, also known as Proposition 65 or Prop 65. Under Prop 65, businesses selling any product in California are required to disclose whether the products contain one or more ingredients from a list of chemicals that may cause adverse health effects. The list is updated every year and currently contains more than 900 different chemicals.

Smithers can help your business evaluate products and materials associated with Prop 65, REACH, RoHS, and other regulatory requirements. Our team of analytical scientists can design and conduct a custom testing program to help you:

Identify Prop 65, REACH, RoHS, or other SVHCs in your product.
Help quantify levels for comparison with regulations such as the Prop 65 Safe Harbor Level.
Identify and validate alternate materials in the event that replacement is required.

Testing Capabilities