Glossary comparison
REACH vs RoHS: what is the difference?
The difference
RoHS is a separate EU directive that bans a fixed short list of substances in electrical and electronic equipment. REACH covers chemicals in general and works through registration, a growing Candidate List and disclosure duties.
REACH is a broader EU chemicals regulation that works through registration and a growing list of substances of very high concern. RoHS bans a fixed list of ten substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
The two terms
REACH
The European Union chemicals regulation requiring registration of substances and disclosure of Substances of Very High Concern present above threshold concentrations in articles.
RoHS
The European Union directive restricting lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, certain brominated flame retardants and phthalates in electrical and electronic equipment.
Side by side
| Field | REACH | RoHS |
|---|---|---|
| Stands for | Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals | Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive |
| Type | Acronym | Acronym |
| Domain | Standards & Organisations | Standards & Organisations |
| Group | Compliance & regulation | Compliance & regulation |