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The EU ROHS directive is a directive that restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electronic and electrical equipment.

For PCB boards exported to the EU market, a ROHS testing certificate must be obtained to prove that the product meets the requirements of the ROHS directive. This article will introduce in detail the steps to apply for the EU ROHS testing certificate for PCB boards.

Preliminary preparation

1. Understand the ROHS Directive: Before applying for a ROHS testing certificate, you need to fully understand the content and requirements of the ROHS Directive, including the types of hazardous substances that are restricted in use and the limit requirements.
2. Choose a suitable testing agency: Choose an authoritative and professional testing agency. The agency should have ROHS testing qualifications and rich testing experience.
3. Prepare samples: According to the requirements of the testing agency, prepare PCB board samples that need to be tested. The quantity, specifications and packaging of samples should comply with the requirements of the testing agency.

Apply for ROHS testing

1. Submit application: Submit ROHS testing application to the selected testing agency, fill in the application form and provide relevant information, such as product instructions, material list, etc.
2. Confirm the testing plan: The testing agency will formulate a detailed testing plan based on the application materials, including testing items, methods, time and costs, etc. The applicant needs to carefully check and confirm the testing plan.
3. Payment of fees: Pay the corresponding testing fees according to the charging standards of the testing agency. Payment methods can be bank transfer, credit card payment, etc.

Send sample for testing

1. Sample delivery: Send the prepared PCB board samples to the location designated by the testing agency. Before sending samples, ensure that they are intact and clean, and be packaged and labeled in accordance with the requirements of the testing agency.
2. Receiving samples: After receiving the samples, the testing agency will register and number the samples, and arrange corresponding testing personnel for processing.
3. Start testing: Testers will conduct detailed testing and analysis of PCB board samples according to the confirmed testing plan, including determination of harmful substance content, material composition analysis, etc.

Test results and certificate issuance

1. Notification of test results: After completing the test, the testing agency will provide the applicant with a detailed test result report. The report will list the results of each test indicator and whether it meets the requirements of the ROHS directive.
2. Certificate issuance: If the test results meet the requirements of the ROHS directive, the testing agency will issue a ROHS test certificate. The certificate will contain basic information about the product, test results, validity period, etc.
3. Unqualified treatment: If the test results do not meet the requirements of the ROHS directive, the applicant needs to make corresponding rectifications based on the recommendations in the test result report and resubmit the sample for re-inspection.

Follow-up

1. Certificate management: The applicant must properly keep the ROHS testing certificate and present the certificate to EU customs when the product is exported to prove the product’s compliance.
2. Validity period and renewal: ROHS testing certificate has a certain validity period, usually one or two years. Before the certificate expires, the applicant needs to apply to the testing agency for renewal of the certificate in advance to ensure the continued compliance of the product.
3. Changes and expansions: If the design, materials or production process of the product are changed, which may affect the compliance with the ROHS directive, the applicant must report to the testing agency in a timely manner and conduct ROHS testing again.
4. Supervision and spot checks: The EU market regulatory authorities may conduct supervision and spot checks on products that have obtained ROHS testing certificates. The applicant must cooperate with the inspection work of the regulatory authorities and provide necessary support and information.

Summary and suggestions

Through the detailed introduction in this article, I believe readers will have a clearer understanding of the steps to apply for the EU ROHS testing certificate for PCB boards.

In order to ensure the smooth export of products and avoid potential legal risks, it is recommended that companies conduct ROHS testing and certification as early as possible before exporting PCB boards, and choose qualified and experienced testing agencies to cooperate.

At the same time, companies should also strengthen internal management to ensure that product design and production comply with the requirements of the ROHS directive to reduce the costs and risks of subsequent rectification and re-inspection.

PCB printed circuit board EU ROHS testing certification and PCB assembly manufacturing one-stop service manufacturer

Shenzhen Fumai Technology Co., Ltd. was established in 2007, focusing on one-stop services such as circuit board PCBA design and custom development, software programming, component procurement, SMT patching, DIP welding, assembly testing, and painting. It has nearly 20 years of rich industry experience and complete production and testing equipment.