European Chemical Standards — What are RoHS and REACH?

There are two European standards that govern the use of chemicals in consumer products, and they may affect your products for sale across the European Union.

Here we explore the RoHS and REACH standards and what they mean for your business.

What is RoHS?

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) is a European standard that was adopted in 2003 to oversee the use of chemicals in electrical and electronic equipment.

RoHS specifically restricts the use of materials like lead and mercury in electronic products. The goal is to prevent hazardous chemicals from entering the waste and/or recycling streams.

What is REACH?

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) is a European standard that entered into law in 2007, and has since evolved to meet modern-day standards for the use and handling of chemicals.

In short, REACH aims to protect the health of consumers and the environment by overseeing the use of chemicals in consumer products. The standard governs the registration, reporting and evaluation of products that include chemicals.

How Do RoHS and REACH Affect My Product?

If you sell any type of product in the EU, you must comply with RoHS and REACH standards. At American Law Label, we have found that many customers across the United States, like hospitals, have also pledged themselves to products that adhere to these standards.

American Law Label has multiple materials and printing methods that are compliant with REACH and RoHS. Rest assured that your products will comply with all relevant standards, no matter where they are sold.