EU RoHS electronic hazardous material testing for smart watches
Date：2025-10-11 10:12:11 Classification
：【question】 Visits：
According to the EU RoHS Directive (Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment), smartwatches, as a type of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), must undergo mandatory RoHS testing for hazardous substances; otherwise, they cannot enter the EU market. The following is a detailed analysis and operational guidelines:
I. Necessity of Testing
1. Regulatory Mandatory Requirements
- The RoHS Directive applies to all electrical and electronic equipment that operates on electrical currents/electromagnetic fields and has a voltage below AC1000V/DC1500V. Smartwatches, as they contain electronic components such as circuit boards, batteries, and sensors, fall under mandatory testing.
- Products that fail testing and are seized by EU customs may face destruction, fines, and market bans.
2. Product Characteristics
- Smartwatches contain components made of various materials (such as medical rubber straps, metal casings, lithium batteries, circuit boards, printed coatings, etc.), all of which require separate testing for hazardous substance migration risks.
II. Testing Items and Limits
Based on material classification testing, the core items and limits are as follows:
| Material Type | Testing Items
| Metal Parts | Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd), Hexavalent Chromium (Cr⁶⁺)
| Plastics/Rubber/Coatings | Four New Phthalates (DEHP/BBP/DBP/DIBP)
+ Flame Retardants (PBBs/PBDEs)
| Batteries | Heavy Metals (Lead, Cadmium, Mercury)
> Note:
> - Non-metallic materials require testing for all 10 hazardous substances, while metal materials only require testing for 4 heavy metals.
> - The EU has tightened controls on phthalates after 2023, so please monitor for updates.
III. Testing Process and Material Preparation
1. Process Steps
- Submit Application: Complete the application form and provide the product BOM (Bill of Materials), technical specifications, and samples.
- Sample Separation: The laboratory tests samples by material (band, case, circuit board, etc.).
- Testing Cycle: Typically takes 5-7 working days.
- Obtaining a Certificate: Upon passing the test, a RoHS compliance report/certificate will be issued, generally valid for 3-5 years (material changes require retesting).
2. Required Materials
- 2-3 finished smartwatches;
- Circuit schematics, bill of materials (BOM), product manual;
- Individual samples of each material component (e.g., plastic, metal plating, battery).
IV. Corporate Compliance Recommendations
1. Supply Chain Management
- Require suppliers to provide RoHS compliance certification for raw materials, focusing on high-risk components such as plastics, batteries, and coatings.
2. Labeling and Market Advantages
- Products that pass the test can be affixed with the RoHS label, enhancing consumer trust and market competitiveness.
3. Dynamic Tracking
- Regularly review updates to the EU SVHC list and exemptions (e.g., medical implants).
Shen Gongwang Security: 44030602006947