RoHS Certification Online in India

RoHS Certification verifies that electrical and electronic products comply with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS full form) Directive, limiting toxic materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium. It ensures products are environmentally safe and meet global safety standards.

The European Union introduced the RoHS Directive in 2003. Its goal was to limit the use of harmful substances, reduce environmental pollution, and encourage safer, greener technology. With the rapid rise in e-waste, toxic materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium were leaching into soil and water, posing serious risks to ecosystems and human health.

In 2011, the RoHS Directive was amended (RoHS 2 - Directive 2011/65/EU) to expand the list of restricted substances, improve enforcement, and include more product categories.

India first enforced RoHS under its E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2013, aiming to curb similar environmental harm caused by hazardous substances in electronics.

The directive also aimed to promote recycling and the sustainable disposal of electronic waste, making electronics more eco-friendly throughout their lifecycle.

Other Relevant Standards

While RoHS Certification focuses on restricting hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products, other standards also play a vital role in ensuring product safety and quality:

• ISO 9001 Certification: Unlike RoHS, which emphasizes environmental safety, ISO 9001 is a quality management standard. It ensures that organizations follow structured processes to consistently deliver high-quality products and services.
• RoHS vs. ISO 9001: RoHS deals with what materials can or cannot be used in electronics, while ISO 9001 deals with how organizations manage processes to maintain quality and customer satisfaction.

Together, both certifications complement each other; RoHS ensures environmental compliance, and ISO 9001 ensures overall quality management.

India’s E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022

The updated E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 came into effect on April 1, 2023. These rules aim to manage the growing problem of electronic waste in India by encouraging recycling and limiting the use of dangerous substances. One of the key features of the rules is the requirement for RoHS compliance for certain electronic and electrical items.

Yes, RoHS compliance is mandatory in India under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. While there is no separate "RoHS certificate" issued by the Indian government, producers of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) must ensure their products do not contain restricted hazardous substances beyond the allowed limits.

This rule applies to manufacturers, importers, and brand owners selling products in the Indian market. They must also provide a Declaration of Conformity as part of the compliance documentation.

Who Needs to Comply?

The following types of businesses must comply with RoHS rules in India:

• Manufacturers of electrical and electronic products
• Importers bringing such products into India
• Brand owners or sellers under their own label
• Producers listed under the E-Waste Rules, including items like computers, mobile phones, TVs, refrigerators, and more

Even small businesses must comply if they fall under the listed product categories. Non-compliance can lead to penalties and cancellation of registration with CPCB.

RoHS certification helps protect the environment and health while boosting business growth and market access both in India and globally.

• Environmental Protection: RoHS helps reduce the harmful impact of electronic waste on the environment by restricting the use of dangerous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium during both manufacturing and disposal.
• Health and Safety: It lowers the health risks for workers and consumers by reducing exposure to toxic substances.
• Market Access: Meeting RoHS standards is often required to sell electronic goods in the European Union and other countries with similar rules, making it easier to expand into global markets.
• Enhanced Brand Reputation: It shows that a company cares about safety and the environment, which builds customer trust and strengthens brand image.
• Cost Savings: Although testing and certification can cost money at first, RoHS compliance helps avoid expensive product recalls, penalties, and damage to brand reputation later on.
• Improved Product Design and Quality: It promotes the use of better, safer materials and production methods, which leads to higher-quality and more reliable products.
• Sustainable Practices: RoHS supports eco-friendly manufacturing, helping create a cleaner and more responsible electronics industry.

RoHS Certification is required for many types of electrical and electronic products to ensure they are free from harmful substances.

Below is a list of product categories that must comply:

Some products are not mandated to follow RoHS rules because of their specific use, size, or technical reasons.

Below is a list of such exempted products:

RoHS restricts the use of certain harmful substances in electronic and electrical products to protect human health and the environment. Here’s a list of those substances and where they are usually used:

Note: The four phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP) are restricted under EU RoHS 3. India's E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, currently enforce restrictions on the original six substances. However, global compliance often requires adhering to the stricter 10-substance list.

The RoHS certification process involves reviewing documents, testing materials, inspecting factories, and finally getting certified. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Documentation Review

The first step is checking all documents related to the product to make sure everything is properly recorded.

• Bills and Material Declarations: Make sure the Bill of Materials (BOM) and parts used in the product are correct and complete.
• Supplier Material Declarations (MDs): Compliance statements from each supplier confirming restricted substances are within allowed limits.
• Assembly Drawings: Check the drawings of how the product is put together to confirm all parts are included.
• Conformance Certifications: Certificates for components and materials uploaded into a consolidated Technical File, along with the proposed Declaration of Conformity (DoC) prepared by the manufacturer or importer.
• Test Results: Submit lab results that prove the product meets RoHS chemical limits.
• Compliance File: Create one complete file with all necessary documents, certificates, and test results for final RoHS review.

Step 2: Verification Process

This step checks if restricted chemicals are within the allowed limit.

Testing of Prohibited Chemicals: The product is tested for 10 restricted substances using two main methods:

• On-Site Testing: Portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers are used for fast, non-destructive screening of metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium directly at the manufacturing facility. XRF helps identify which components require further lab testing. Note: XRF is a screening tool and may not provide definitive results for all substances.
• Lab Testing: Definitive chemical analysis is conducted in NABL-accredited laboratories following the IEC 62321 series standards. Techniques include Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), and others to accurately measure restricted substances.

Threshold Evaluation: Test results from lab reports are compared against RoHS limits to confirm product safety and compliance.

Step 3: End Product Analysis

This step includes inspection of finished products and the factory where they are made.

On-Site Inspection: The manufacturing site is checked to make sure RoHS rules are followed. This includes:

Review of Goods: Finished products are tested, and their results are compared against RoHS thresholds, such as EU-aligned limits:

• Lead (Pb) – 0.1% w/w
• Cadmium (Cd) – 0.01% w/w
• Mercury (Hg) – 0.1% w/w
• Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6+) – 0.1% w/w
• Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB) / Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE) – 0.1% w/w
• Restricted phthalates – 0.1% w/w

Note: Refer to India’s E-Waste Rules and schedules for any country-specific exemptions and updates.

Factory Inspection: Inspecting the entire factory setup, including quality checks and processes.

Auditing and Follow-Ups: Some agencies may do yearly checks to make sure the products continue to meet RoHS standards.

Step 4: Grant of License

After all checks are done, the final certification is issued.

• Successful Completion of Audit: If the product passes all audits and checks, the company is eligible for RoHS certification.
• Certificate of Conformity: A formal document, also called a Declaration of Conformity (DoC), certifying that the product meets all RoHS requirements.

To get RoHS certified, manufacturers or importers must prepare and submit a set of important documents. These help prove that the product does not contain restricted hazardous substances.

• Bill of Materials (BOM): A detailed list of all the materials and components used in the product.
• Material Declarations (MD): A statement from suppliers declaring the presence or absence of restricted substances in each component.
• Technical Construction File (TCF): Includes design documents, drawings, and technical specifications of the product.
• Test Reports from Accredited Labs: Lab results confirming that the product complies with RoHS limits for restricted substances.
• Conformity Assessment Certificates: Certificates from suppliers or third parties proving that materials and components meet RoHS standards.
• Assembly Drawings: Drawings that show how the product is assembled and which components are used.
• Compliance Declaration or Certificate of Conformity: A self-declaration by the manufacturer or importer stating that the product complies with RoHS requirements.
• Factory Audit Reports (if applicable): Reports from inspections or audits of the factory processes, especially for large manufacturers.

These documents collectively support the RoHS compliance certificate or, more accurately, the Declaration of Conformity.

The total cost of obtaining RoHS certification in India can vary depending on factors like product type, number of components, and testing requirements.

Here's a general breakdown:

Note: These are average estimates. Charges may vary depending on the product’s complexity and the lab you choose.

• RoHS Certification in India is valid for 5 years from the date of issue.
• After one year, recertification or renewal is required to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Retesting may be necessary if there are major changes in the product design, materials, or suppliers.

Renewal of RoHS Certification

To maintain RoHS compliance beyond the validity period, companies must renew their certification. The renewal process includes:

• Application for Renewal: Submit a renewal request before the certification expires, along with updated documentation reflecting any changes in the product or manufacturing process.
• Review of Changes: If there are significant changes in product design, materials, or suppliers, additional testing and factory audits may be required.
• Re-Testing and Inspection: The product may undergo fresh lab testing and factory inspections to verify continued compliance with RoHS limits.
• Issuance of Renewed Certificate: Upon successful verification, a renewed RoHS Certificate of Conformity is issued, extending validity for another 5 years.

RoHS, CE, and WEEE certifications are often confused, but each serves a different purpose related to product safety, environmental compliance, and waste management in the electronics industry.

Here’s a sample image of a RoHS Certificate for reference:

How to Download a RoHS Certificate?

Once your product successfully meets all RoHS compliance requirements, you will receive your certificate electronically.

1. Complete the Certification Process: Ensure your product has passed all documentation reviews, lab testing, and factory inspections required for RoHS compliance.
2. Receive Notification: Once approved, the certification body or agency will notify you via email or their online portal that your RoHS Certificate is ready.
3. Log in to the Certification Portal: Access the official website or online platform of the certification agency where you applied for RoHS certification using your credentials.
4. Access Your Dashboard: Find the section for “My Certifications” or “Completed Certifications” on your account dashboard.
5. Select Your Product Certification: Choose the specific product for which you want to download the RoHS Certificate.
6. Download the Certificate: Click the “Download” button or link, usually available in PDF format, and save the certificate to your device.
7. Print or Share: You can print the certificate for physical records or share the digital copy with customers, regulators, or partners as needed.

How to Check the Status of a RoHS Certificate Application?

After submitting your application, it’s important to track its progress to ensure timely certification. Here’s how you can check the status of your RoHS certificate application:

1. Log In to the Certification Portal: Use your registered credentials to access the official website or online platform of the certification agency.
2. Go to the Application Status Section: Look for a tab or menu labeled “Application Status,” “My Applications,” or “Track Application.”
3. Enter Application Details: Provide your application number, reference ID, or registered email to retrieve your application status.
4. View Status Updates: The portal will display current progress such as “Under Review,” “Testing in Progress,” “Approved,” or “Certificate Issued.”
5. Contact Support if Needed: If you don’t see updates or face issues, reach out to the certification body’s customer support for assistance.