ROHS & REACH Compliance for Protective Cases: 2026 Guide
B2B compliance essentials. Substance restrictions, testing, certification, supplier audit for EU/US markets.
ROHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) 2026
Scope: All electronic and electrical equipment, including cases with electronic components (locks, sensors).
Restricted substances (10):
- Lead (Pb) - < 0.1% (1,000 ppm)
- Mercury (Hg) - < 0.1% (1,000 ppm)
- Cadmium (Cd) - < 0.01% (100 ppm)
- Hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) - < 0.1% (1,000 ppm)
- 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%
ROHS 3 (effective 2019): Added 4 phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP) to restricted list.
For protective cases: Plastic enclosures (PP, ABS, PP+GF) are typically compliant. Risk areas: paint, printing, anti-static coating, metal hardware (zinc, lead-containing plating).
REACH (EU Chemicals Regulation) 2026
Scope: All chemical substances used in products imported to EU, regardless of industry.
SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern): 235 substances (as of 2026, ECHA updates 2x/year). Manufacturers/importers must communicate if SVHC > 0.1% by weight.
For protective cases:
- Most common SVHCs to check: phthalates (plasticizers), brominated flame retardants, lead chromate (yellow pigments)
- Standard PP/ABS/PP+GF pellets: typically SVHC-free
- Custom colors and additives require testing
- Anti-static coating may contain SVHCs (verify per material)
Testing & Certification Process
For B2B protective cases:
- Material testing: Test plastic pellets, colorants, additives for 10 ROHS + 235 SVHC substances. Test by accredited lab (SGS, TUV Rheinland, BV, Intertek). Cost: $500-1,500 per material formulation. Lead time: 5-15 days.
- Final product testing: XRF screening for heavy metals + solvent extraction for phthalates. Cost: $300-800 per sample. Lead time: 3-7 days.
- Certificate issuance: Lab issues ROHS certificate + REACH SVHC declaration. Validity: 1-3 years depending on material change.
- Ongoing monitoring: ECHA updates SVHC list 2x/year. Re-test if formulation changes or SVHC list adds relevant substances.
Regional Variations (2026)
| Region | Standard | Threshold | Certification Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Union | ROHS 3 + REACH | ROHS 0.1% / REACH 0.1% SVHC | CE marking, Declaration of Conformity |
| USA | ROHS-like (CA, NY, NJ state laws) | 0.1% (4 phthalates) | State-specific labeling |
| China | GB/T 26572 (ROHS equivalent) | 0.1% | China RoHS marking |
| Japan | JIS C 0950 | 0.1% | J-MOSS marking |
| South Korea | Korean RoHS | 0.1% | KCC marking |
| California | Proposition 65 | Specific SVHCs | Warning label |
Documentation Required for B2B Orders
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS): For all plastic pellets, colorants, additives
- ROHS Test Report: From accredited lab, dated within 24 months
- REACH SVHC Declaration: Self-declaration + supporting lab reports
- Declaration of Conformity (CE): For EU sales, signed by manufacturer/importer
- Test reports (batch-level): For orders 5,000+ units, optional batch-level testing
Common Non-Compliance Issues
- Paint/coating: Yellow pigments may contain lead chromate. Verify with supplier or use lead-free alternatives.
- Anti-static foam: Some anti-static additives contain SVHCs. Verify with foam supplier.
- Metal hardware: Zinc plating may contain hexavalent chromium. Specify RoHS-compliant plating (trivalent chromium or zinc-nickel).
- Recycled materials: Recycled PP/ABS may contain legacy contaminants. Test thoroughly.
- Adhesives: Foam-to-case adhesives may contain phthalates. Specify low-VOC, phthalate-free adhesives.
Supplier Audit Checklist
When auditing suppliers for compliance:
- ✓ ROHS test report dated within 24 months
- ✓ REACH SVHC declaration with supporting lab data
- ✓ Material SDS for all plastic formulations
- ✓ Manufacturing process documentation (no banned substances in production)
- ✓ Third-party lab audit (annual) for ongoing compliance
- ✓ Batch-level test report for orders 5,000+ units
- ✓ Recall/withdrawal policy if non-compliance found
- ✓ Insurance/liability coverage for compliance violations
Cost & Lead Time Summary
| Test/Cert | Cost (USD) | Lead Time | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROHS test (10 substances) | $300-800 | 3-7 days | Material change / 24 months |
| REACH SVHC screening (235 substances) | $500-1,500 | 5-15 days | ECHA update / 6 months |
| Full material SDS | $200-500 | 3-5 days | Formulation change |
| CE marking + Declaration | $1,000-3,000 | 7-14 days | Annual |
KeXinMaterials Compliance
- All standard materials: ROHS 3 compliant (tested annually)
- REACH SVHC declaration available (updated semi-annually per ECHA)
- ISO 9001, ISO 14001 certified manufacturing
- Material SDS for all standard colors and additives
- Free ROHS test report provided with orders 1,000+ units
- Custom color testing: 7-day lead time, $300-500 per formulation
2026 Trend: Sustainability Compliance
Beyond ROHS/REACH, 2026 buyers increasingly require:
- Recycled content documentation (30% recycled PP+GF as standard)
- Carbon footprint declaration (per ISO 14064)
- End-of-life recycling program (closed-loop for OEM orders)
- Bio-based material options (sugarcane-based ABS, 8% premium)
Next Steps
For ROHS/REACH test reports, REACH SVHC declaration, or compliance audit, email kexin@beeaa.com or WhatsApp +86 13590555309. We provide free ROHS test report with orders 1,000+ units, REACH SVHC declaration on request.
Email: kexin@beeaa.com | WhatsApp: +86 13590555309