REACH Vs RoHS: Key Differences, Similarities, And Compliance Strategies for Manufacturers

In today's global manufacturing landscape, regulatory compliance isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a full-fledged strategy that impacts everything from market access to brand reputation. If you’re involved in manufacturing, especially in sectors involving electronics, consumer goods, or chemical processing, you’ve likely come across two heavyweight regulations: REACH and RoHS. Though they’re often mentioned in the same breath, these two European Union regulations serve different purposes, follow different scopes, and affect different stages of your supply chain.

What they do have in common is critical: both are designed to protect human health and the environment from hazardous substances. Whether you’re manufacturing printed circuit boards, automotive parts, or even packaging materials, understanding REACH and RoHS can mean the difference between seamless EU market access—or a costly product recall, fine, or outright ban.

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about REACH vs RoHS, including their definitions, key differences, similarities, compliance requirements, and strategies to stay ahead of the curve. We'll also offer insight into proactive compliance measures, available tools, and future trends.

Let’s break down these two crucial frameworks so you can confidently navigate your compliance journey.

What is the EU REACH Regulation?

The Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation is one of the most comprehensive chemical safety laws in the world. It came into force in the European Union on June 1, 2007, and applies to nearly every product—whether it's a household cleaner, a car component, or even the paint on a toy.

At its core, REACH requires manufacturers and importers to gather and share data on the chemical substances used in their products. This includes understanding the risks those substances pose to human health and the environment and communicating that information down the supply chain. One of REACH’s hallmark principles is that the burden of proof is on companies. That means if you’re placing a product on the EU market, it’s your job to prove that it’s safe.

REACH isn’t limited to just a list of chemicals—it’s a framework regulation, meaning it’s intended to evolve and expand. The regulation impacts all industries, not just chemical manufacturers. If your company sells products in the EU, REACH compliance is likely relevant, even if you don’t make chemicals directly.

What makes REACH unique is its four-fold structure:

Registration: Companies must register substances they manufacture or import in quantities over 1 ton/year with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

Evaluation: ECHA assesses registered data to ensure it meets required standards.

Authorisation: Certain Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) are placed on an authorisation list (Annex XIV), and companies need explicit permission to use them.

Restriction: Some substances are outright banned or restricted in use (Annex XVII).

It’s a living regulation, which means the lists of substances and requirements are updated regularly, and staying compliant is an ongoing effort—not a one-time task.

Substances Regulated Under REACH

REACH regulation casts a wide net when it comes to substances, but the stars of the show are the Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs). As of early 2023, there are 233 SVHCs on the Candidate List, and this number keeps growing. These include substances that are:

Carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction (CMRs)

Persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT)

Endocrine disruptors

Substances of equivalent concern

When a substance is added to the Candidate List, companies must communicate its presence to consumers and downstream users if it’s present above 0.1% weight by weight in any article. This is where REACH becomes especially challenging for manufacturers—because “articles” include components of a product, not just the final product itself.

In addition to SVHCs, REACH includes:

Annex XIV: The Authorisation List. Companies can only use these substances with specific approval.

Annex XVII: The Restriction List. These substances are banned or limited in concentration across products sold in the EU.

An emerging focus under REACH is PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)—dubbed “forever chemicals” due to their extreme persistence. Many PFAS are already under scrutiny, and more will be regulated in the near future, making it critical for companies to screen their supply chains for these chemicals proactively.

What’s crucial to understand is that REACH doesn’t just regulate based on industry—it’s about use. Whether you’re a textile producer or an electronics manufacturer, if you’re using restricted substances, you must comply with REACH requirements.

How REACH Affects Manufacturers

For manufacturers, REACH isn’t just a chemical compliance program—it’s a supply chain challenge. Every component, material, or additive must be traced back to its origin to ensure it meets REACH standards. This requires extensive data gathering, cross-border coordination, and ongoing updates.

Key obligations for manufacturers include:

Supplier Data Collection: You must know what substances are in every part you use. This often requires reaching out to Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers.

Communication: If your product contains SVHCs over the threshold, you must inform downstream users and even consumers upon request.

Registration or Notification: In some cases, especially if you’re importing substances into the EU, you’ll need to register or notify ECHA.

Product Audits: REACH encourages ongoing audits to ensure no unauthorized substances slip through.

One of the biggest pain points is that REACH compliance isn’t static. If a new substance is added to the Candidate List, you might suddenly find your product non-compliant unless you act quickly. That’s why having a proactive compliance program that continuously monitors updates and manages risk is essential.

In summary, REACH affects every corner of the manufacturing ecosystem. Even if you don’t make chemicals, chances are, your products include them in coatings, adhesives, flame retardants, or other materials. Knowing your exposure and having a response plan is no longer optional—it’s a competitive necessity.

What is the EU RoHS Directive?

The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive is a sector-specific EU law targeting Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE). First introduced in 2003 and recast in 2011 (RoHS 2) and again in 2015 (RoHS 3), its main objective is to limit the use of specific hazardous substances in electronics to protect both human health and the environment—especially at end-of-life stages like recycling and disposal.

RoHS applies to nearly all electrical and electronic equipment sold in the EU. This includes everything from smartphones, TVs, and laptops to home appliances, lighting, and medical devices. Essentially, if it has a plug or a battery and it's being sold in Europe, RoHS probably applies.

What makes RoHS unique is that it regulates substance use at the homogeneous material level. That means compliance isn't just about the product as a whole—each plastic, solder, wire insulation, and metal part must individually meet RoHS thresholds.

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Restricted Substances Under RoHS

RoHS restricts the use of 10 specific hazardous substances commonly found in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). These substances are chosen due to their toxicological profile—many are known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other serious health conditions—and their tendency to leach into the environment during disposal or recycling.

Here’s a breakdown of the 10 restricted substances and their maximum concentration limits (typically 0.1% by weight at the homogeneous material level, except for cadmium, which is 0.01%):

Lead (Pb)

Mercury (Hg)

Cadmium (Cd)

Hexavalent chromium (Cr6+)

Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB)

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)

Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP)

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)

Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)

These substances are often found in materials such as plastics, coatings, solders, and insulations. Even trace amounts above the limit can make a product non-compliant.

However, RoHS does provide specific exemptions under certain conditions. If a hazardous substance cannot be substituted due to technical or scientific reasons—and if its use is proven not to pose significant harm—an exemption can be granted. These are typically reviewed every 4–5 years and may be renewed, amended, or revoked based on new data.

Manufacturers must be able to demonstrate compliance by maintaining a technical file that includes test reports, declarations of conformity (DoC), risk assessments, and a bill of materials (BOM). This documentation must be available to authorities upon request and should be updated regularly.

In a nutshell, RoHS isn’t just about removing substances—it’s about ensuring that safe design practices are baked into the very foundation of your products. And if you're building a compliance program, understanding the chemical makeup of every tiny material is non-negotiable.

Implications for Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE)

For manufacturers of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE), RoHS compliance has a profound impact across the product life cycle—from design and engineering to supply chain management, and even aftermarket servicing.

RoHS mandates that each homogeneous material (i.e., a material that cannot be mechanically separated into different materials) in an EEE product must not exceed the restricted substance thresholds. This requirement can lead to significant design changes, especially for older products or legacy systems that pre-date RoHS regulations.

Key areas affected include:

Solder materials: Traditional solders often contain lead, which is restricted under RoHS. Manufacturers have shifted to lead-free alternatives like tin-silver-copper (SAC) alloys.

Plastic casings and cables: Many brominated flame retardants (like PBB and PBDE) are no longer permitted, prompting a shift to halogen-free plastics.

Flexible materials: Phthalates, used as plasticizers in flexible plastics, are restricted, impacting everything from power cords to vinyl enclosures.

This has created new challenges for quality assurance and procurement teams who now need to vet every supplier and part for RoHS conformity. Testing protocols like XRF (X-ray fluorescence) and lab analysis are common tools to detect restricted substances.

Moreover, RoHS compliance directly influences market access. Products that fail RoHS standards can be barred from entry into the EU market. That’s not just a setback—it could mean massive losses from unsold inventory, product recalls, fines, and damaged brand trust.

To meet these challenges, many companies implement Design for Compliance (DfC) strategies, ensuring that product development aligns with regulatory standards from the ground up. This proactive approach not only simplifies compliance but also reduces cost and time delays in getting products to market.

Ultimately, RoHS isn’t just a hurdle—it’s a design imperative. Companies that embed compliance early enjoy smoother launches, fewer recalls, and a more trustworthy reputation.

Key Similarities Between REACH and RoHS

Though REACH and RoHS are separate regulations, they share a number of foundational principles that often cause confusion among manufacturers. Understanding their similarities can help businesses streamline compliance efforts and avoid duplication.

Here are the core commonalities:

Hazardous Substance Control

Both regulations are fundamentally about restricting or controlling hazardous substances to protect human health and the environment. While REACH is broader, covering all substances, and RoHS is focused on electronics, the intent behind each law is similar.

Market Access Requirement

Non-compliance with either regulation can block products from being sold in the European market. For global companies, this makes compliance not just an ethical duty—but a business imperative.

Supply Chain Data Collection

To comply with both REACH and RoHS, companies must engage deeply with their supply chains. This means collecting full material disclosures (FMDs), substance declarations, safety data sheets (SDS), and other supporting documents from vendors and sub-vendors.

Legal and Financial Risks

Failing to comply with REACH or RoHS can lead to severe consequences, including:

Product recalls

Heavy fines

Customs delays

Bans from entering the EU market

Long-term damage to brand reputation

Ongoing Compliance Monitoring

Both REACH and RoHS are dynamic regulations—new substances get added, exemptions expire, and thresholds can shift. Therefore, compliance is not a one-time event. It requires continuous monitoring, supplier updates, and internal audits.

In short, REACH and RoHS may cover different scopes, but they speak the same regulatory language. Companies that treat them as part of a unified compliance strategy can save time, reduce risk, and respond faster to regulatory changes.

Risk of Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with REACH or RoHS isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s a serious liability with wide-ranging consequences that can ripple across a company’s operations, finances, and reputation.

Here’s what’s at stake:

Loss of Market Access

Both REACH and RoHS are mandatory for doing business in the European Union. If your product doesn’t meet these standards, it simply won’t be allowed to be sold. This not only impacts immediate sales but can disrupt product launch timelines, contracts, and partnerships.

Product Recalls

If authorities discover that your product violates either regulation, you may be required to recall all affected units—regardless of where they were sold. This can be devastating from both a financial and brand trust perspective.

Fines and Legal Penalties

Depending on the country, fines for REACH or RoHS violations can reach tens or even hundreds of thousands of euros. In some cases, company executives may also face legal consequences.

Damage to Reputation

In today’s transparent world, a public compliance failure can become headline news. For brands, particularly those with green or sustainability claims, this can lead to lasting damage that’s hard to repair.

Disruption to Supply Chain

A non-compliant part from a supplier can derail your entire product. This makes supplier selection and education critical—not just for sourcing but also for regulatory alignment.

Ultimately, the cost of non-compliance is far greater than the investment needed to set up a solid program. Proactive compliance isn’t just a best practice—it’s your insurance policy for smooth global operations.

Major Differences Between REACH and RoHS

Despite their common goal of reducing hazardous substances, REACH and RoHS differ significantly in scope, substance regulation, evaluation levels, and implementation frameworks. Understanding these differences is essential for any manufacturer aiming to comply with both.

Scope and Applicability

REACH is a horizontal regulation, meaning it applies across all industries and products—not just one category. Whether it's clothing, furniture, packaging, or chemicals, REACH touches nearly every product placed on the EU market.

In contrast, RoHS is sector-specific, or vertical, applying only to Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE). This includes a defined list of product categories like IT equipment, lighting, medical devices, and consumer electronics. It does not apply to large-scale stationary equipment, active implantable devices, or products for military and space use.

Evaluation Levels

REACH evaluates products at the article level. For example, if you have a car door containing multiple parts, the door as a whole is considered an article. If SVHCs exceed 0.1% in that article, communication obligations are triggered.

RoHS, however, uses the homogeneous material level for assessment. That means each individual material within a product—like the plastic in a cable or the solder in a circuit—must be within compliance limits. Even a trace amount of lead in a solder joint can make the product non-compliant.

Legal Framework

REACH is an EU regulation, which means it’s automatically and uniformly enforced in all EU member states. No local transposition is needed.

RoHS is a directive, requiring each member state to create national laws with equivalent impact. This sometimes leads to slight variations in enforcement and documentation expectations.

Substance Coverage

REACH has a much broader list of regulated substances, including thousands under its SVHC, Authorization (Annex XIV), and Restriction (Annex XVII) lists.

RoHS focuses on a fixed list of 10 hazardous substances, though updates can occur as the EU evaluates emerging risks.

These core differences affect everything from compliance strategy to team roles and technical documentation. Treating them as one-size-fits-all can lead to costly mistakes—each regulation demands its own approach.

Differences in Compliance Strategy

When it comes to compliance execution, REACH and RoHS diverge sharply. Even though both require supplier data and documentation, the way companies achieve compliance is quite different.

Documentation Requirements

For REACH, compliance requires collecting detailed data about all chemicals in a product, particularly those on the Candidate List. Companies need:

Declarations of SVHC presence

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Evidence of supplier communication

REACH registration numbers for substances (when applicable)

RoHS compliance, on the other hand, demands technical documentation that proves restricted substances are below the permitted levels. This typically includes:

Bills of Materials (BOM)

Homogeneous material declarations

Lab testing reports (e.g., XRF analysis)

Declarations of Conformity (DoC)

Testing and Certification

REACH rarely requires product testing unless there's reason to believe SVHCs may be present. It’s more about substance declaration and supply chain transparency.

RoHS often involves substance testing, particularly for finished products entering the EU market. Manufacturers might need third-party labs to verify concentration limits of restricted substances in each component.

Managing Exemptions

REACH allows certain uses of restricted substances if the company obtains authorisation from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). This involves submitting data on safe use, alternatives, and socio-economic impacts.

RoHS exemptions, by contrast, are pre-defined and industry-specific. Companies can use restricted substances in exempted applications but must still declare them and stay alert for expiration dates.

Ongoing Obligations

REACH compliance is continuous. Any time a new SVHC is added, companies must assess whether it appears in their products. RoHS changes are less frequent, but exemptions and substance additions (like phthalates) can still shift the landscape.

Ultimately, REACH demands a chemicals management program, while RoHS requires a component-level compliance system. Understanding these differences can help allocate resources more effectively.

The Overlap and Interaction Between REACH and RoHS

Despite their different structures, REACH and RoHS occasionally overlap, especially when substances under scrutiny appear on both regulatory lists. This dual regulation can create confusion—but also a need for streamlined compliance strategies.

Overlapping Substances

Some substances are regulated under both REACH and RoHS. For instance:

Lead is restricted in electrical equipment under RoHS and considered an SVHC under REACH.

DEHP (a phthalate) appears on the RoHS restricted list and the REACH Candidate List.

Manufacturers must ensure they comply with both sets of obligations—especially if the product is an EEE that also includes materials subject to REACH disclosures.

Coordinated Enforcement

To reduce regulatory contradictions, EU authorities aim for coordinated enforcement. If a substance is restricted by RoHS, REACH will usually defer to RoHS when it comes to EEE. This avoids double-counting or conflicting restrictions.

Still, companies must assess both regulations independently to ensure full compliance. Just because a part is RoHS-compliant doesn’t automatically make it REACH-compliant, and vice versa.

Compliance Synergy

The best compliance strategies find synergy between the two frameworks:

Use the same supplier engagement process to gather data for both regulations.

Maintain centralized documentation repositories.

Implement automated tools to flag substances that appear in both REACH and RoHS.

SVHC Notifications vs. RoHS Restrictions

Here’s a major difference in practice: If your product contains an SVHC under REACH, you may still be able to sell it—as long as you disclose and notify properly. Under RoHS, exceeding a concentration threshold prohibits market access unless an exemption applies.

So while the same substance may appear under both regulations, the compliance pathways differ. Understanding this overlap allows manufacturers to design smarter, leaner, and more future-proof compliance programs.

Proactive Compliance Approaches

In today’s regulatory landscape, waiting until the last minute to react to REACH or RoHS changes is a dangerous game. The most successful companies are those that embrace proactive compliance—a forward-thinking strategy that integrates regulatory risk management into product design, sourcing, and supply chain operations.

Supplier Education and Engagement

Your compliance program is only as strong as your supplier network. That means:

Educating suppliers about their obligations under REACH and RoHS.

Creating standardized reporting formats.

Requiring substance declarations or Full Material Disclosures (FMDs).

Building strong supplier relationships pays off when new substances are added or documentation needs to be updated quickly.

Centralized Data Management

Scattered spreadsheets and outdated PDFs won’t cut it. Use centralized compliance platforms or Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems to:

Store compliance documents

Automate notifications for regulatory changes

Track testing results and exemptions

This also enables version control and audit readiness.

Automated Compliance Tools

Modern compliance platforms can automate:

Supplier outreach

Risk flagging for SVHCs

Exemption expiration alerts

Regulatory change tracking

Examples include Assent, BOMCheck, and IMDS (for automotive). These tools provide real-time insights and ensure you stay ahead of deadlines.

Monitor Evolving Regulations

Both REACH and RoHS are constantly evolving. New substances are added, thresholds change, and new interpretations are issued. Proactive compliance teams subscribe to ECHA updates, join regulatory forums, and work with legal advisors to stay current.

Being proactive isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the best way to protect your brand, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge.

The REACH Handbook: A Tool for Compliance

When facing the complexity of REACH regulations, the REACH Handbook emerges as a vital guide for manufacturers. It’s not just a collection of rules—it’s a strategy companion that helps businesses navigate substance monitoring, data collection, and communication responsibilities effectively.

Tracking SVHCs

The REACH Handbook offers practical insights into managing Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs). These are the highest-risk chemicals, and their presence above 0.1% in any article must be disclosed to customers, downstream users, and in some cases, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

It outlines how to:

Identify SVHCs in materials and components

Develop a notification plan

Set up systems to alert when new SVHCs are added to the list

Understanding PFAS Risks

With increasing attention on PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated substances), the handbook includes a detailed section on managing these persistent chemicals. PFAS regulations are evolving rapidly, and the handbook helps companies stay ahead by:

Outlining which PFAS are currently regulated

Explaining how to evaluate supply chains for PFAS presence

Providing steps to replace PFAS in formulations where possible

Authorisation and Restriction Guidelines

If your company uses a substance listed in Annex XIV (Authorization) or Annex XVII (Restriction), the REACH Handbook offers detailed instructions on:

Preparing for authorisation applications

Meeting substitution requirements

Avoiding restricted uses and understanding exemptions

Long-Term Strategy

REACH is more than a rulebook—it’s an ongoing compliance journey. The handbook promotes an approach centered around continuous improvement, encouraging companies to:

Build supplier collaboration

Maintain regular substance reviews

Implement compliance into design and development processes

In short, the REACH Handbook isn’t just informational—it’s transformational. It helps businesses reduce risk, ensure market access, and build trust with environmentally conscious customers.

The RoHS Handbook: Navigating Compliance Challenges

When it comes to complying with the RoHS Directive, the RoHS Handbook is your go-to guide for transforming complex rules into clear, actionable steps. It’s particularly helpful for EEE manufacturers navigating the fast-changing landscape of materials regulations, and it breaks down RoHS requirements into manageable chunks.

Managing Restricted Substances

The handbook provides tools to help companies:

Identify if restricted substances are present in any homogeneous material

Determine whether an exemption applies

Implement testing protocols to verify compliance

Whether you're dealing with phthalates in cable insulation or lead in solder joints, the RoHS Handbook offers detailed checklists and testing standards.

Handling Exemptions

RoHS exemptions can be tricky. They vary by industry and are subject to expiration. The handbook simplifies exemption management by:

Listing currently valid exemptions by product category

Explaining how to apply for and document an exemption

Providing timelines for when exemptions expire or must be renewed

This feature is especially useful for manufacturers using legacy components or operating in high-tech sectors like medical equipment or automotive.

Compliance Documentation

The RoHS Handbook outlines the must-have documents for proving compliance:

Technical Documentation (Tech Doc)

Declaration of Conformity (DoC)

CE marking requirements

BOM analysis and supplier declarations

It also explains how to audit your supply chain and maintain records that satisfy national enforcement bodies across the EU.

Audit Preparation

Inspections and audits can happen without notice. The handbook offers tips to prepare:

Conduct internal audits regularly

Maintain lab test results

Keep supplier declarations up to date

With the RoHS Handbook, compliance doesn’t have to be reactive. It empowers teams to prepare, plan, and adapt with confidence.

Steps to Achieve Full Compliance with REACH and RoHS

If you’re manufacturing or importing products for the EU market, achieving compliance with both REACH and RoHS is a non-negotiable mission. Here’s a step-by-step roadmap to help you get there:

Step 1: Inventory Your Products

Start by creating a comprehensive list of products, parts, and raw materials. Break these down to the article or homogeneous material level, depending on whether you're addressing REACH or RoHS.

Step 2: Assess Substance Presence

Compare your materials against:

The REACH Candidate List (SVHCs)

RoHS’s list of 10 restricted substances

Use supplier declarations and, where necessary, conduct lab testing to identify compliance risks.

Step 3: Identify Applicable Exemptions

Some uses of restricted substances may be exempt. For RoHS, check if your product falls under a listed exemption. For REACH, determine if you need an authorisation for use.

Step 4: Develop Compliance Documentation

Organize your technical files:

For RoHS: include BOM, DoC, and test reports

For REACH: include SVHC communications, SDS, and supplier confirmations

Ensure all documentation is ready for audits or customs checks.

Step 5: Implement Continuous Monitoring

Both regulations change frequently. Assign a compliance team to monitor updates from ECHA and EU authorities. Automate alerts using compliance platforms to stay ahead of deadlines and new additions.

Taking these steps will protect your market access, reduce risk exposure, and build a robust compliance culture that evolves with your business.

Challenges in Managing Compliance

Managing REACH and RoHS compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s a dynamic process that presents several ongoing challenges for companies of all sizes.

Regulatory Complexity

Both REACH and RoHS are extensive and constantly evolving. New substances are added frequently, exemption rules change, and enforcement interpretations vary across EU countries. Keeping track requires dedicated resources and subject-matter expertise.

Supply Chain Transparency

One of the biggest pain points is getting accurate information from suppliers, especially for Tier 2 and Tier 3. Many suppliers either don't understand EU compliance rules or hesitate to disclose their formulations due to confidentiality.

This lack of transparency can cause delays, increase risk, and require extensive follow-ups.

Cost of Testing and Data Collection

Lab testing, audits, and ongoing documentation can become expensive—especially for small and medium-sized businesses. But skipping testing opens the door to costly penalties or recalls.

Companies must find a balance between cost efficiency and thorough compliance procedures.

Documentation Burden

Maintaining detailed and up-to-date technical files is a full-time job. These files must be readily accessible for up to 10 years and updated every time a change is made to the product or a new regulatory requirement comes into effect.

Employee Training and Awareness

Compliance is not the job of one person. From engineers to procurement managers, everyone must understand the impact of regulations on their responsibilities. Ongoing training is essential but often overlooked.

Overcoming these challenges requires a mix of technology, training, and team alignment. Businesses that build compliance into their culture—not just their checklists—are the ones best positioned for success.

Best Practices for Manufacturers

If you're aiming to future-proof your business and minimize the risks of non-compliance, adopting these best practices will give you a strategic advantage:

Start with Design for Compliance (DfC)

Design your products with regulatory compliance in mind. Use approved materials, standardize compliant parts, and work with suppliers who understand REACH and RoHS from the beginning.

Standardize Supplier Engagement

Develop a uniform approach to gathering supplier data. Provide templates, use FMDs, and set clear expectations for document updates. Automate outreach through compliance software where possible.

Integrate Compliance into PLM Systems

Link your compliance documentation with your product lifecycle management (PLM) or ERP systems. This ensures real-time visibility and reduces the chance of errors during design or procurement stages.

Schedule Regular Internal Audits

Don’t wait for an enforcement body to find an issue. Conduct regular audits to catch and correct errors before they become expensive problems. Review documentation, retest materials, and verify supplier declarations.

Stay Informed and Connected

Join regulatory mailing lists, industry associations, and compliance forums. Monitor updates from ECHA, IEC, and national enforcement bodies. Use resources like the REACH and RoHS Handbooks to keep your team educated and prepared.

These best practices not only ensure smoother operations but also demonstrate to partners and customers that your company is committed to quality, safety, and responsibility.

Conclusion

REACH and RoHS may seem like two sides of the same coin, but they’re more like different puzzle pieces that fit into the same bigger picture: protecting people and the planet from hazardous chemicals. While REACH casts a wide net over all industries and substances, RoHS zooms in on electronics and enforces substance-level restrictions.

Together, they demand a holistic, proactive, and informed approach to compliance. For manufacturers, the goal isn’t just to meet the bare minimum—it’s to build trust, ensure market access, and future-proof operations.

Compliance isn’t just a legal checkbox—it’s your competitive edge.

FAQs

1. What are the key substances regulated under REACH and RoHS?

REACH regulates thousands of substances, especially SVHCs, PFAS, and those in Annex XIV/XVII. RoHS restricts 10 specific substances in EEE, like lead, mercury, cadmium, and certain phthalates.

2. Can a product be REACH-compliant but not RoHS-compliant?

Yes. A product may meet REACH's disclosure requirements for SVHCs but still fail RoHS if it exceeds the allowable limits for restricted substances at the homogeneous level.

3. What is the role of ECHA in REACH compliance?

ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) oversees the implementation of REACH. It manages substance lists, evaluates registrations, and supports enforcement across EU member states.

4. How often do REACH and RoHS lists get updated?

REACH updates the Candidate List for SVHCs every 6 months. RoHS updates are less frequent but significant, such as when new substances like phthalates were added in 2019.

5. What tools can help automate compliance efforts?

Tools like Assent, BOMCheck, IMDS, and GreenSoft Technology help automate data collection, supplier communication, exemption tracking, and substance analysis.

External Resources:

Understanding REACH - ECHA
Official EU page explaining the REACH regulation.

RoHS Directive - European Commission
European Commission's overview of the RoHS directive.

REACH vs. RoHS Compliance Comparison
A detailed comparison between REACH and RoHS compliance.

REACH Compliance Requirements Guide
Guide outlining the steps for REACH compliance.

RoHS Compliance Guide
Comprehensive guide to achieving RoHS compliance.