China RoHS Update 2025 – Compliance Requirements for Electronics
🧾 Introduction
China will soon enforce its first mandatory RoHS national standard – GB 26572‑2025, Requirements for Restricted Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Products.
Approved on 1 August 2025 and taking effect on 1 August 2027, it replaces the previous recommended version, making RoHS compliance legally binding across the country.
The standard was published by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the Standardization Administration of China (SAC).
From this date forward, electrical and electronic products must meet defined substance limits and carry standardized labeling.
⚙️ What Is New in GB 26572‑2025
📜 Mandatory Application and Product Categories
China RoHS introduces two management categories:
- Category I – Products listed in the Compliance Management Catalogue must meet both substance limits (Clause 5) and labeling requirements (Clause 6).
- Category II – All other electrical and electronic products must follow labeling rules but are encouraged to comply voluntarily until listed.
Catalogue Category I items currently include TVs, printers, computers, and mobile phones, with updates expected under the new GB.
🧪 Ten Restricted Substances (aligned with EU RoHS)
Four phthalates – DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP – join the classic six (Pb, Hg, Cd, Cr(VI), PBB, PBDE).
This harmonizes China RoHS with EU RoHS substance listings.
🏷️ Labeling Standard SJ/T 11364‑2024
Referenced directly within GB 26572‑2025, this industry standard details how to apply marks, tables, and digital options.
Effective 1 April 2025, it sets rules for label content and placement on products, packaging, software interfaces, and websites.
🧩 Testing Alignment
Testing is standardized through China’s GB/T 39560 series (adopted from IEC 62321), establishing a unified screening and confirmation method.
🔁 Transition Rules
Products manufactured or imported before 1 August 2027 may continue to be sold or used from the 13th month after implementation,
but all new products produced after implementation must comply with the new requirements.
🧾 SJ/T 11364‑2024 – China RoHS Labeling Rule
🔄 Revised Title and Scope
The standard is now entitled “Labeling requirements for restricted use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products”, aligning its terms with the RoHS framework.
🧪 Hazardous Substances Expanded
The labeling table now includes all ten restricted substances, adding the four phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP) to the existing six.
📲 New Labeling Technologies
- QR Code Option – Permitted for the hazardous‑substance information table if it links directly to content post‑scan, with instructions on paper or packaging (QR cannot replace the on-product RoHS mark).
- Digital “Built‑in” Label – Allowed for devices with displays; must be read‑only and accessible via the user interface.
- Website Posting – Label content may be hosted on a company website accompanied by printed directions.
🗂️ Record Keeping
Manufacturers and importers must retain technical support documents verifying table data for regulator review.
🧾 China RoHS Hazardous Substance Information Table
Manufacturers and importers must create a table showing whether each component complies with limit values under GB 26572‑2025.
It must be included in manuals or packaging and show:
- O = Compliant: Substance below limit in all homogeneous materials.
- X = Non‑Compliant: At least one homogeneous material exceeds the limit.
- EFUP (Environmental Protection Use Period): The period (in years) during which hazardous substances remain stable without risk to health or environment.
- Date of Manufacture: Indicates start of EFUP.
EFUP values ≤10 years should be a whole number between 1–10; values > 10 years must be multiples of 5 (rounded down if needed).
🧠 China RoHS Compliance Process
1- Initial Labeling Stage (Implemented Since 2016)
Since 2016, manufacturers of electrical and electronic products have been required to label hazardous substances and indicate the Environmental Protection Use Period (EFUP).
This requirement applies to all products within scope, even those not yet listed in the Compliance Management Catalogue.
The purpose of this first step is to provide consumers and recyclers with transparent information on the presence of restricted substances and product lifespan expectations.
2-Catalogue Compliance Stage (12 Designated Product Categories)
The Compliance Management Catalogue identifies specific product types that must comply with both hazardous‑substance limits and formal conformity assessment procedures.
The current 12 categories include: refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, televisions, monitors, mobile phones, microcomputers, printers, copiers, fax machines, electric water heaters, and telephones.
From 1 November 2019, manufacturers of these products are required to obtain voluntary certification and issue a Declaration of Conformity under China RoHS 2.
This step formally links product design and manufacturing to validated compliance documentation.
3- Conformity Assessment Options
To demonstrate compliance with hazardous‑substance restrictions, manufacturers and importers may choose one of two methods:
- Laboratory Testing Report: Conducted by a qualified testing body to confirm that each product meets the defined limits.
- Self‑Declaration of Conformity: Based on pollutant determination for all components, parts, and raw materials, supported by technical documentation.
Only entities registered in China may file self‑declarations; foreign manufacturers must appoint a local representative or partner for submission.
🏢 State‑Supervised Voluntary Certification
Manufacturers may also choose to undergo a state‑supervised voluntary certification process conducted by authorized third‑party bodies.
Though technically optional, this government‑promoted certification is highly recognized for customs clearance, market entry, and regulatory inspection advantages.
🏷️ Placement of the RoHS Label
Once compliance is confirmed, the official China RoHS mark must be affixed:
- On the product itself if its surface area exceeds 5 mm × 5 mm.
- On the packaging if the product is too small to carry the mark legibly.
Applying the label on packaging is also recommended to simplify customs verification and market checks.
🤝 How ComplyMarket Can Help
Adhering to China’s expanded RoHS framework requires careful coordination of testing, labeling, and documentation. ComplyMarket supports manufacturers and importers by:
- Interpreting GB 26572‑2025 and SJ/T 11364‑2024 requirements,
- Organizing chemical testing through IEC/GB methods,
- Preparing Declaration of Conformity and EFUP labeling, and
- Guiding voluntary certification applications.
With expert support, businesses can achieve full RoHS compliance ahead of 2027 and maintain smooth market access in China.
Comments
Leave a comment or ask a question
No comments yet.