RoHS vs. REACH: What's the Difference?

For businesses involved in manufacturing or distributing physical products (especially within the European Union) two regulatory frameworks often come up in compliance conversations: RoHS and REACH.

Both were created to protect human health and the environment from harmful substances, and both involve supply chain accountability. However, they differ significantly in scope, purpose, and implementation. Knowing these differences is essential not just for regulatory compliance, but also for maintaining global market access and a strong reputation.

In this article, we’ll explain what RoHS and REACH are, how they differ, and why understanding both is critical for companies managing complex supply chains.

What is RoHS?

RoHS, or the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, is a European Union regulation that restricts the use of specific hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). It was first adopted in 2003 (Directive 2002/95/EC), then updated through RoHS 2 (Directive 2011/65/EU) and RoHS 3 (Directive 2015/863/EU).

The main goal of RoHS is to reduce environmental and health risks associated with the disposal of electronic waste. When electronics containing toxic substances are dumped in landfills or incinerated, harmful chemicals can leach into soil, water, and air. RoHS aims to prevent this by requiring manufacturers to design safer, more sustainable products.

Which Substances Are Restricted?

As of the latest directive, RoHS restricts the following ten substances:

1. Lead (Pb)
   
   
2. Mercury (Hg)
   
   
3. Cadmium (Cd)
   
   
4. Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6+)
   
   
5. Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB)
   
   
6. Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE)
   
   
7. Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
   
   
8. Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP)
   
   
9. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
   
   
10. Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)
    
    

Each of these substances has a maximum concentration value (MCV) of 0.1% by weight in homogeneous materials (except cadmium, which is 0.01%).

What Products Does RoHS Apply To?

RoHS applies to nearly all categories of electrical and electronic equipment, including:

• Consumer electronics (laptops, phones, TVs)
  
  
• Household appliances
  
  
• Medical devices
  
  
• Lighting products
  
  
• Toys with electronic components
  
  
• IT and telecom equipment
  
  
• Monitoring and control instruments
  
  

Products covered under RoHS must bear the CE marking, indicating conformity with EU standards. Compliance documentation - including technical files and risk assessments - must be available in case of inspection by market surveillance authorities.

What is REACH?

REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals. It is one of the most comprehensive and complex chemical regulations in the world, introduced by the European Union in 2006 (Regulation EC 1907/2006).

Unlike RoHS, which is specific to electronic equipment, REACH covers all chemical substances manufactured or imported into the EU in quantities greater than one tonne per year. This includes substances used in industrial processes, everyday consumer products like paints, clothing, furniture and yes, electronics too.

What Does REACH Require?

REACH places the burden of proof on companies to demonstrate the safety of their chemical substances. Obligations vary depending on a company's role in the supply chain (manufacturer, importer, downstream user), but they typically include:

• Substance Registration: Companies must register chemicals with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), providing data on hazards, uses, and risk management measures.
  
  
• SVHC Communication: If an article contains a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) above 0.1% by weight, companies must inform customers and ECHA.
  
  
• Authorization and Restriction: Some substances may require prior authorization for use, or be subject to outright restrictions depending on their risks.
  
  

The Candidate List of SVHCs is regularly updated. As of mid-2025, there are over 240 SVHCs, including endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, and substances persistent in the environment.

RoHS vs. REACH: Understanding the Key Differences

While there is some overlap—such as concern over hazardous substances—RoHS and REACH differ in scope, purpose, enforcement, and requirements. Below is a detailed comparison:

Why Both Matter in Global Compliance

Global product compliance is no longer an optional afterthought—it is a strategic priority. Failure to comply with RoHS or REACH can result in:

• Regulatory fines
  
  
• Product recalls or bans from the EU market
  
  
• Loss of customer trust
  
  
• Delays in supply chain operations
  
  
• Heightened scrutiny from investors or watchdog groups
  
  

Moreover, RoHS and REACH are increasingly being used as models for global legislation. Countries like China, India, South Korea, and Turkey have introduced their own versions of RoHS and REACH. Understanding these EU regulations is the foundation for broader global compliance.

For businesses operating in the electronics, manufacturing, or retail sectors, it’s not a matter of if these regulations will apply, but how you manage them effectively.

How GoCompliance Helps You Navigate RoHS and REACH

GoCompliance is a purpose-built compliance platform designed to handle the complexities of regulations like RoHS and REACH. Integrated with Oracle Cloud PLM, it enables your team to track, verify, and report on substance use throughout your product lifecycle.

Our platform supports:

• Automated substance tracking across BOMs
  
  
• Declaration management for RoHS and REACH compliance
  
  
• AI-driven data extraction from supplier emails
  
  
• SVHC monitoring based on the latest ECHA updates
  
  
• Custom dashboards to visualize compliance risk
  
  
• Real-time alerts for regulatory changes or noncompliance
  
  

Whether you're migrating from Agile PG&C or looking to centralize compliance efforts, GoCompliance provides end-to-end support from data collection to declaration validation.

Conclusion: It’s Not RoHS or REACH - It’s RoHS and REACH

While RoHS and REACH are distinct, they are complementary regulations that together create a robust framework for environmental and chemical safety in the European market. Most manufacturers today must comply with both, especially if their products involve electronics or complex multi-material assemblies.

With increasing public and regulatory pressure for transparency, safety, and sustainability, mastering both RoHS and REACH is no longer optional. It’s a necessary step toward maintaining market access, protecting your brand, and fulfilling your corporate responsibilities.

GoCompliance Makes It Easier 

Want to see how we can help? Schedule a Demo to see how our platforms can streamline your compliance processes.