RoHS stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances.
The term refers to European legislation restricting the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. The main EU legal framework is Directive 2011/65/EU, commonly known as the RoHS Directive or RoHS 2. It replaced the earlier RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC and established restrictions on hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment placed on the EU market.
The European Commission describes RoHS as a measure designed to prevent risks to human health and the environment associated with electrical and electronic equipment and its waste management. It also supports recycling by reducing hazardous substances in electronic products.
For businesses, however, the practical question is usually much simpler:
Does my electronic product comply with RoHS requirements?
For products such as power adapters and battery chargers, the answer depends on the product design, materials, components, cables, plastics, soldering materials, and other parts used in manufacturing.
This is one of the most important points to understand.
People commonly say “RoHS certification”, “RoHS certificate,” or “RoHS certified.” However, RoHS is fundamentally a regulatory compliance requirement, rather than a single universal certification issued by one organization.
Under the EU framework, manufacturers have obligations related to conformity assessment, technical documentation, and an EU Declaration of Conformity. The RoHS Directive itself includes an EU Declaration of Conformity framework for covered electrical and electronic equipment.
A third-party laboratory may perform RoHS testing and issue a test report. A manufacturer may also provide a RoHS Declaration of Conformity or supplier declaration.
Therefore, when a customer asks:
“Do you have a RoHS certificate?”
they may actually be asking for one or more of the following:
A RoHS test report
A RoHS Declaration of Conformity
A material declaration
Supplier declarations for components
Evidence that the finished product complies with applicable RoHS restrictions
This distinction is particularly important when purchasing power supplies from overseas manufacturers.
The main objective of RoHS is to restrict hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
Electronic products contain many different materials. A single power adapter can include:
Plastic housings
Printed circuit boards
Copper conductors
Solder
Electronic components
Connectors
Cables
Insulation materials
Metal components
Adhesives
Labels
Flame-retardant materials
Some of these materials may potentially contain restricted substances.
RoHS helps reduce the use of certain hazardous substances and supports safer handling, recycling, and disposal of electronic products.
The European Commission states that RoHS restricts substances that can be substituted with safer alternatives and contributes to environmentally sound management of electronic equipment.
The current EU RoHS framework restricts 10 substances.
The maximum concentration values are generally evaluated by weight in homogeneous materials, rather than simply calculating the percentage across the entire finished product.
| Restricted Substance | Abbreviation | Maximum Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| Lead | Pb | 0.1% |
| Mercury | Hg | 0.1% |
| Cadmium | Cd | 0.01% |
| Hexavalent Chromium | Cr VI | 0.1% |
| Polybrominated Biphenyls | PBB | 0.1% |
| Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers | PBDE | 0.1% |
| Bis(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate | DEHP | 0.1% |
| Butyl Benzyl Phthalate | BBP | 0.1% |
| Dibutyl Phthalate | DBP | 0.1% |
| Diisobutyl Phthalate | DIBP | 0.1% |
The first six substances were included in the original RoHS framework. Four phthalates—DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP—were subsequently added through Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2015/863.
Lead has historically been used in solder, metal alloys, electronic components, and other manufacturing applications.
RoHS generally limits lead to 0.1% by weight in homogeneous materials, subject to applicable exemptions.
For modern power adapters and battery chargers, lead-free manufacturing and compliant component sourcing are therefore important parts of RoHS control.
Mercury is a hazardous heavy metal that has historically been used in certain electrical and electronic applications.
RoHS limits mercury to 0.1% in homogeneous materials, subject to specific exemptions.
Cadmium is restricted to a lower concentration level of 0.01%.
It has historically been used in certain electronic components, coatings, batteries, and other applications.
RoHS restricts hexavalent chromium to 0.1%.
It is important to distinguish hexavalent chromium from chromium in general. RoHS specifically identifies hexavalent chromium as the restricted substance.
PBBs are brominated flame-retardant substances.
They are restricted to 0.1% under RoHS.
PBDEs are another group of brominated flame-retardant substances.
They are also restricted to 0.1%.
DEHP stands for Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate.
It is a plasticizer that can be used to make certain plastics more flexible.
RoHS limits DEHP to 0.1% in homogeneous materials.
BBP stands for Butyl benzyl phthalate.
It is another phthalate plasticizer restricted under RoHS at 0.1%.
DBP stands for Dibutyl phthalate.
It is also restricted to 0.1%.
DIBP stands for Diisobutyl phthalate.
It was added together with the other three phthalates and is restricted to 0.1%.
This is a key technical concept in RoHS compliance.
RoHS concentration limits are generally applied to homogeneous materials.
A homogeneous material is essentially a material with a uniform composition that cannot be mechanically separated into different materials.
For example, consider a power adapter:
Plastic housing
Copper wire
Metal connector
PCB solder
PCB substrate
Component body
These materials should not simply be treated as one combined mass when assessing RoHS concentration.
Instead, the relevant homogeneous materials and applicable requirements must be considered.
This is one reason why a professional RoHS compliance process requires more than simply testing the outside of a finished product.
In many cases, yes.
Power adapters are electrical and electronic equipment and may fall within the scope of applicable RoHS requirements depending on their classification and market.
The EU RoHS Directive covers multiple categories of electrical and electronic equipment, including consumer equipment, IT and telecommunications equipment, lighting equipment, electrical and electronic tools, toys and sports equipment, medical devices, monitoring and control instruments, automatic dispensers, and other EEE within the directive's scope.
This means that manufacturers and importers should not assume that a product is outside RoHS simply because it is “only a power supply.”
For example, an AC/DC adapter used with:
Audio equipment
CCTV systems
POS systems
Networking equipment
Industrial equipment
Robotics
LED lighting
Consumer electronics
Portable displays
Smart devices
may need to be evaluated for RoHS compliance according to the applicable product and market requirements.
For buyers looking for compliant AC/DC power adapters, youcan explore AC/DC Power Adapters.
Battery chargers are also electrical and electronic products and may fall within RoHS requirements depending on their intended use and market.
This is particularly relevant for chargers used with:
Lithium-ion batteries
LiFePO4 batteries
NMC battery packs
Mobility equipment
E-bikes and electric scooters
Portable power stations
Industrial equipment
Floor cleaning machines
Golf trolleys
Robotics systems
A battery charger contains multiple electronic and mechanical materials, so RoHS compliance must be considered at the product and material level.
For businesses sourcing battery chargers, it is useful to evaluate RoHS together with other applicable requirements such as electrical safety, EMC, energy-efficiency requirements, and market-specific regulations.
You can also explore Battery Chargers for different charging voltages, battery chemistries, form factors, and output power levels.
You may see several terms online:
RoHS
RoHS 2
RoHS 3
RoHS 2.0
2011/65/EU
2015/863
These names can be confusing.
The original EU RoHS framework was established through Directive 2002/95/EC.
Directive 2011/65/EU is commonly referred to as RoHS 2. It replaced the original directive and established a broader and more structured regulatory framework.
“RoHS 3” is commonly used commercially to describe the RoHS framework after the addition of four phthalates through Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2015/863.
The four added substances are:
DEHP
BBP
DBP
DIBP
The restrictions on these four substances generally became applicable from 22 July 2019 for relevant EEE categories, with later application dates for certain medical devices and monitoring/control instruments.
Therefore, when a supplier says a product is “RoHS 3 compliant,” it is important to confirm exactly which regulatory requirements and documents are being referenced.
RoHS testing is the process of evaluating materials or products to determine whether restricted substances are present above applicable concentration limits.
Testing may involve analytical techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) screening and, where necessary, laboratory chemical analysis.
A typical compliance process may include:
Identifying materials and components.
Reviewing supplier declarations.
Assessing high-risk materials.
Performing screening or laboratory testing.
Reviewing test results.
Evaluating applicable exemptions.
Maintaining technical documentation.
Preparing the appropriate declaration of conformity.
A test report is valuable evidence, but it is important to understand that a single laboratory report does not automatically replace the manufacturer's overall compliance responsibility.
A RoHS test report is a document issued by a testing laboratory after evaluating a product or selected materials against applicable RoHS requirements.
Depending on the laboratory and test scope, the report may identify:
Product name
Model number
Manufacturer
Sample description
Test method
Tested substances
Test results
Applicable limits
Testing laboratory
Test date
Conclusion
For procurement teams, the model number and product identity are particularly important.
If a supplier sends a RoHS report for Model A but you are purchasing Model B, you should not automatically assume that Model B is covered by the report.
When sourcing power adapters or battery chargers, a professional procurement process should consider several types of compliance evidence.
Depending on the market and product, you may request:
Useful for verifying that the tested product or materials meet the specified substance limits.
A manufacturer declaration stating that the product complies with applicable RoHS requirements.
These can provide additional information about components and materials used in the product.
Component suppliers may provide declarations confirming compliance of their materials.
Manufacturers should maintain appropriate technical records supporting their conformity assessment.
For OEM projects, documentation control becomes especially important because component substitutions can potentially affect compliance.
RoHS compliance should not be treated as a one-time laboratory test.
A robust manufacturing system should control the supply chain and production process.
For example, a power adapter manufacturer may control:
Component sourcing → Material verification → Supplier documentation → Incoming inspection → Production control → Finished product verification → Documentation
This approach helps reduce the risk that an uncontrolled component change introduces a restricted substance into an otherwise compliant product.
For customized power supplies, this becomes even more important because customers may specify:
Custom cable lengths
Custom connectors
Custom housings
Custom labels
Custom PCB configurations
Special mechanical parts
Alternative component suppliers
If the product specification changes, its compliance status should be reviewed accordingly.
For customers requiring customized power products, see Custom Power Adapter.
For a purchasing manager, RoHS compliance is more than a checkbox.
It can affect:
If a product is intended for a regulated market, applicable RoHS requirements may be part of the product compliance process.
Importers and distributors may need compliance documents from their suppliers.
OEM customers often require suppliers to provide RoHS declarations or laboratory reports.
Changing a PCB, cable, connector, plastic housing, or component supplier may affect material compliance.
Compliance should be maintained throughout the product lifecycle rather than only at the initial sample stage.
This is especially relevant for long-term OEM programs.
The cable should not be overlooked.
A power adapter may be RoHS compliant while the purchasing team focuses only on the main power supply.
However, cables contain multiple materials, including:
Copper
PVC or other insulation
Plastic compounds
Connector materials
Metal contacts
Shielding materials
Plasticizers
Because RoHS restrictions apply at the relevant material level, cable materials should be included in an appropriate compliance assessment.
This is particularly important for customized DC output cables.
If a customer specifies a non-standard cable, connector, or cable material, the manufacturer should verify that the new configuration remains compliant.
No.
RoHS and CE are not the same thing.
RoHS addresses restrictions on certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
CE marking, on the other hand, is a broader European conformity-marking framework applicable to products covered by relevant EU legislation.
A product may need to comply with multiple EU requirements at the same time.
For example, an AC/DC power adapter intended for the EU market may need to consider requirements related to:
Electrical safety
EMC
RoHS
Ecodesign/energy efficiency
Other applicable legislation
Therefore:
CE ≠ RoHS
RoHS may be one part of the overall conformity assessment supporting a product's EU market compliance.
For a broader overview of European product certifications, see Power Adapter Safety Certifications Explained.
You can also read What Is CE Certification?.
RoHS and REACH are also frequently confused.
Both relate to chemicals and environmental protection, but they have different regulatory purposes.
RoHS specifically restricts certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
REACH is a broader EU chemicals regulation covering the registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemical substances.
The RoHS Directive itself states that it applies without prejudice to EU chemicals legislation, including REACH.
Therefore, compliance with RoHS does not automatically mean that every REACH obligation has been satisfied.
For manufacturers and importers, the correct approach is to identify all regulations applicable to the specific product, market, and supply-chain role.
RoHS is primarily associated with EU requirements, but its influence extends well beyond Europe.
Many international customers request RoHS-compliant products even when their final market is not the EU.
This is common because:
Global OEM products may be sold in multiple markets.
International distributors often standardize supplier requirements.
RoHS compliance can simplify procurement.
Large companies frequently include restricted-substance requirements in supplier specifications.
There are also other national or regional hazardous-substance regulations around the world.
For this reason, a global power supply manufacturer should understand RoHS as an important part of international product compliance rather than simply a European paperwork requirement.
If you are sourcing an AC/DC adapter or battery charger for an OEM project, consider asking the manufacturer:
Is the exact model RoHS compliant?
Which RoHS version or regulatory framework is referenced?
Is there a current RoHS test report?
Does the test report identify the exact model?
Can you provide a RoHS Declaration of Conformity?
Are the cable and DC connector included in the compliance assessment?
How are component substitutions controlled?
Can you support RoHS documentation for customized products?
Are the materials controlled through qualified suppliers?
Can compliance documentation be updated if the product is modified?
These questions are particularly useful when comparing manufacturers.
A supplier that can provide only a generic “RoHS certificate” without identifying the product, model, test scope, or supporting documentation may require additional verification.
For a power adapter or battery charger manufacturer, RoHS compliance needs to be integrated into product development, component sourcing, production, and documentation.
Guangdong QINX Technology Co., Ltd. manufactures AC/DC power adapters, battery chargers, LED power supplies, and customized power solutions for international customers.
Our product range covers applications including consumer electronics, industrial equipment, LED lighting, security systems, robotics, battery-powered equipment, and other electronic devices.
For standard products, RoHS requirements can be considered as part of the product compliance documentation and material-control process.
For OEM and customized projects, the compliance review becomes especially important because product specifications may include customized:
Output voltage
Output current
Output power
DC connector
Cable length
Housing
Labels
Input plug
Electrical configuration
When a customer requests a customized power solution, Guangdong QINX can work with the customer to review the required electrical specifications, mechanical requirements, connector configuration, and applicable compliance requirements.
For businesses looking for a customized solution, see OEM & Custom Power Supply Manufacturing.
For customers specifically looking for a manufacturer, see Power Adapter Manufacturer.
Before purchasing an AC/DC power adapter, you can use the following checklist:
Confirm whether RoHS applies to the product and target market.
Confirm the exact product model.
Request the latest RoHS test report where appropriate.
Request the manufacturer's RoHS Declaration of Conformity.
Verify that the tested product matches the supplied product.
Check whether cables and connectors are included in the compliance assessment.
Review component and material control procedures.
Confirm how engineering changes are managed.
Check applicable RoHS exemptions where relevant.
Keep compliance documentation with the product purchasing records.
This process can help procurement teams reduce compliance risks when selecting a new power supply supplier.
RoHS itself is an EU regulatory framework, not simply an optional certification program. Whether a specific product must comply depends on whether it falls within the scope of the applicable requirements and the target market.
No.
A RoHS test report is laboratory evidence based on the tested sample and scope. A RoHS Declaration of Conformity is a manufacturer's formal declaration of conformity. They serve different purposes.
The current EU RoHS framework restricts 10 substances: lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB, PBDE, DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP.
The maximum concentration value specified in Annex II is generally 0.1% by weight in homogeneous materials, subject to applicable exemptions.
The maximum concentration value is generally 0.01% by weight in homogeneous materials, subject to applicable exemptions.
Power adapters may be subject to RoHS requirements depending on their classification, application, and target market. A manufacturer should evaluate the exact product and maintain appropriate compliance documentation.
Battery chargers can fall within the scope of RoHS requirements. Compliance should be assessed based on the exact product, application, and applicable market requirements.
RoHS addresses specific hazardous-substance restrictions. It does not mean that a product automatically complies with every other safety, EMC, energy-efficiency, chemical, or environmental requirement.
No.
RoHS and CE are different regulatory concepts. RoHS may be one of the applicable EU requirements considered when establishing conformity for an electrical or electronic product.
RoHS is an important part of modern electronic product compliance.
For power adapters, battery chargers, LED power supplies, and other electronic power products, RoHS compliance involves more than placing a RoHS logo on a product label. It requires appropriate control of materials, components, suppliers, production processes, technical documentation, and product changes.
The EU RoHS framework currently restricts ten substances, with concentration limits generally evaluated at the homogeneous-material level.
For buyers, the best approach is to look beyond a simple “RoHS certified” statement. Check the exact product model, request appropriate compliance documentation, verify test reports where necessary, and confirm that customized components such as cables and connectors are properly controlled.
For manufacturers, RoHS compliance should be incorporated into the entire product lifecycle—from component selection and engineering design to production, quality control, and documentation.
At Guangdong QINX, we understand that international customers often need more than a standard power adapter. They may need a specific output voltage, current, connector, cable length, housing, plug configuration, power level, or documentation package.
That is why compliance requirements should be considered together with the electrical and mechanical specifications from the beginning of an OEM project.
If you are sourcing RoHS-compliant power adapters or battery chargers, Guangdong QINX can support standard and customized AC/DC power solutions for different applications and international markets.
Explore AC/DC Power Adapters, Battery Chargers, or Customized Power Products to learn more about available solutions.
For authoritative information, refer to the European Commission's RoHS overview and the official text of Directive 2011/65/EU and Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2015/863. The European Commission currently identifies ten restricted substances under the RoHS framework.
European Commission – RoHS Directive: RoHS Directive
EUR-Lex – Directive 2011/65/EU: Directive 2011/65/EU
EUR-Lex – Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2015/863: Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2015/863
