Restricted substance testing verifies that the content of regulated chemicals in a product meets regulatory requirements. RoHS targets electrical and electronic products; REACH has broader scope. Both are necessary compliance items for export to the EU.
The ten RoHS restricted substances
Lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (Cr6+).
Brominated flame retardants PBB and PBDE.
Phthalates DEHP, DBP, BBP and DIBP (DINP).
Four plasticisers — DEHP, BBP, DBP and DIBP — are the current focus of RoHS 3 control.
The REACH SVHC list
REACH maintains a candidate list of substances of very high concern (SVHC) that is continuously updated and currently exceeds 200 entries.
Where a listed substance is present above 0.1% by weight, information must be passed on with the product or its packaging.
Products exported to the EU must be checked against the current list version, so that newly added substances do not create non-compliance.
Test methods
Wet chemistry (digestion plus spectrophotometry or ICP): suited to heavy metals and relatively low cost.
XRF elemental analysis: usable for screening, but with limited capability for brominated and organophosphorus flame retardants.
GC-MS / LC-MS: the main methods for organics and SVHC, with high sensitivity and broad coverage.
Screening before precise measurement is recommended, to avoid unnecessary cost.
Special requirements in the automotive industry
Automotive electronic parts commonly require both RoHS and REACH SVHC.
Some OEMs add their own restricted substance lists on top of the regulation; the customer requirement governs.
Plating and solder also need attention: lead-free requirements, nickel release (for contact materials) and hexavalent chromium reduction testing.
Material reports must be traceable to supplier and batch, which is a focus of OEM audits.
Frequently asked questions
The REACH list keeps being updated — is periodic re-testing needed?
Yes. The SVHC list is updated several times a year and many substances have been added. If the product is exported to the EU, update the list version annually and assess whether it is affected. Where newly listed substances are involved, assess whether the existing product needs corrective action.
How is RoHS testing done on plated parts?
Plated parts are usually screened by XRF, but the plating interferes with the substrate result (the hexavalent chromium reduction method exists for this reason). Where high accuracy is needed, submit to a third-party laboratory using the standard method; the report will state how the plating was handled.
Service notes
Our laboratory holds both CMA and CNAS accreditation, covers about 10,000 m2 and runs more than 500 sets of equipment. All testing is carried out in our own laboratories — nothing is subcontracted. Plant visits and on-site witnessed testing are welcome.
Scheduling follows the actual project pipeline. You can state your preferred lead time when you submit samples; we will confirm a feasible plan against current capacity and keep you updated at each milestone. Once the report is issued we send the electronic copy; corrective-action advice can be arranged separately.
