Introduction

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) testing is essential for drones sold in the EU, ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. This guide explains what drone RoHS testing entails, the substances tested, and the process to achieve compliance.

What is Drone RoHS Testing?

RoHS is an EU directive (2011/65/EU, amended by 2015/863) restricting 10 hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), including drones (operating <1000V AC or <1500V DC).

Objectives:

• Limit hazardous substances in drones.

• Enable CE marking for EU market entry (with REACH, LVD, EMC, RED).

• Meet e-commerce compliance (e.g., Amazon, eBay).

Scope: Quadcopters, fixed-wing drones, accessories (e.g., remote controllers, batteries). UK market requires UKCA compliance.

Regulations:

• RoHS 2 (2011/65/EU), 2015/863.

• EN IEC 63000:2018 (technical documentation).

• Related: REACH (EC 1907/2006), LVD (2014/35/EU), EMC (2014/30/EU), RED (2014/53/EU).

What Does Drone RoHS Testing Involve?

Restricted Substances

RoHS limits 10 substances in homogeneous materials:

• Lead (Pb): 0.1% (solder, pigments).

• Cadmium (Cd): 0.01% (pigments, batteries).

• Mercury (Hg): 0.1% (rare in drones).

• Hexavalent Chromium (Cr(VI)): 0.1% (metal coatings).

• PBB/PBDE: 0.1% (flame retardants).

• Phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP): 0.1% (PVC plasticizers).

Components Tested

• Plastics: Body, remote controller, propellers (phthalates, cadmium, PBB/PBDE).

• Circuit Boards: Solder (lead), flame retardants (PBB/PBDE).

• Batteries: Lithium batteries (cadmium, lead).

• Metals: Motors, frames (hexavalent chromium, lead).

• Wires/Cables: PVC insulation (phthalates).

• Others: Adhesives, coatings, cameras, packaging (lead, phthalates).

High-Risk Substances

• Phthalates: PVC shells, wires.

• Cadmium: Colored plastics, batteries.

• Lead: Solder, stabilizers.

• PBB/PBDE: Circuit boards, plastics.

• Hexavalent Chromium: Metal coatings.

Testing Methods

• XRF: Screens metals.

• ICP-MS: Quantifies metals.

• GC-MS: Detects phthalates, PBB/PBDE.

• UV-Vis: Measures hexavalent chromium.

How to Conduct RoHS Testing

1. Consult: Contact an accredited lab (e.g., Huabiao Testing) with product details.

2. Submit Samples: Provide 2–3 drones and accessories.

3. Testing: Lab tests homogeneous materials per EN IEC 63000:2018.

4. Report: Receive compliance report; reformulate if non-compliant.

5. CE Marking: Combine with LVD, EMC, RED tests for CE certification.

Why Choose Huabiao Testing?

Huabiao Testing offers comprehensive RoHS testing solutions with an experienced team and advanced equipment. Accredited with CMA/CNAS, our reliable data and internationally recognized reports help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and succeed globally.