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.