How to Conduct RoHS Testing for Bathroom Products?
In modern electronic product manufacturing, RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) testing is increasingly critical, particularly for companies targeting the EU market. RoHS testing ensures environmental compliance, enhances market competitiveness, and strengthens brand reputation. Today, the editor from Huabiao Testing explains how to conduct RoHS testing for bathroom products and details the substances tested.
Overview of RoHS Testing
The EU RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU, amended by 2015/863/EU) applies to Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE), including bathroom products with electronic components, such as smart toilets, sensor faucets, and LED bathroom mirrors. RoHS testing verifies that 10 hazardous substances in homogeneous materials are below specified limits, protecting human health and the environment. Upon passing, manufacturers must compile technical documentation, issue a Declaration of Conformity (DoC), and affix the CE mark to meet EU market entry requirements. Purely mechanical bathroom products (e.g., ceramic toilets, metal faucets) are typically exempt from RoHS testing but may require REACH testing.
RoHS Testing Substances for Bathroom Products
RoHS testing targets 10 hazardous substances in all homogeneous materials (e.g., plastic casings, circuit boards, LED lights, power cords) used in bathroom products with electronic components. The substances and their limits are as follows:
Lead (Pb)
Circuit boards: Solder may contain lead (common in smart toilet control boards or sensor faucet circuits).
Plastic casings: May contain lead stabilizers (e.g., smart toilet shells, bathroom mirror frames).
Coatings: Decorative coatings may include lead-based pigments.
Limit: ≤0.1% (1000 ppm, weight by weight).
Tested Components:
Risk: Found in low-cost solder or PVC plastics.
Mercury (Hg)
LED lights: May contain trace mercury (rare in modern LEDs).
Batteries: Some button batteries may contain mercury (uncommon in sensor faucets).
Limit: ≤0.1% (1000 ppm).
Tested Components:
Risk: Minimal in bathroom products but requires testing for batteries or light-emitting components.
Cadmium (Cd)
Plastic casings: May contain cadmium stabilizers or dyes (e.g., smart toilet shells, plastic buttons).
Coatings: Colored coatings may include cadmium pigments.
Electronic components: LED bulbs, resistors.
Limit: ≤0.01% (100 ppm).
Tested Components:
Risk: Common in vibrant plastics (e.g., red, yellow) or low-cost coatings.
Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6+)
Metal parts: Screws or connectors may have hexavalent chromium plating (e.g., inside sensor faucets).
Coatings: Anti-corrosion coatings may contain Cr6+.
Plastics: May include trace Cr6+ dyes.
Limit: ≤0.1% (1000 ppm).
Tested Components:
Risk: Primarily found in metal surface treatments.
Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB)
Plastic casings: May contain PBB flame retardants (e.g., smart toilet shells).
Circuit boards: Flame-retardant materials may include PBB.
Limit: ≤0.1% (1000 ppm).
Tested Components:
Risk: Common in older plastics or circuit boards, though use has decreased in modern products.
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE)
Plastic casings: May contain PBDE flame retardants.
Circuit boards: Flame-retardant materials may include PBDE.
Limit: ≤0.1% (1000 ppm).
Tested Components:
Risk: Similar to PBB, found in flame-retardant plastics.
7–10. Phthalates (4 Types)
Limit: ≤0.1% (1000 ppm) for each.
Substances:
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP).
Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP).
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP).
Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP).
Tested Components:
Soft plastics: Power cord insulation, soft buttons may contain phthalates as plasticizers.
Coatings: Soft coatings may include phthalates.
Risk: Common in PVC plastics or flexible components to enhance pliability.
Total Number of Substances Tested
10 Substances: Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd), Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6+), PBB, PBDE, DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP.
Test Scope: All homogeneous materials in the product, defined as materials that cannot be mechanically separated (e.g., plastic casings, circuit boards, power cords, LED lights, coatings, adhesives).
Huabiao Testing, with its experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment, provides comprehensive RoHS testing solutions for bathroom products. Accredited with CMA/CNAS qualifications, our test data is accurate and reliable, and our test reports carry international credibility. We help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and ensure their products succeed globally.
