Firstly, there are major differences between a regulation and a directive. A regulation is a legal act of the European Union that becomes immediately enforceable as law in all member states simultaneously. A directive is also a legal act, but requires member states to implement laws in order to achieve a particular result without dictating the means of achieving that result.

REACH and RoHSmeaning

Import, production and supply of jewellery in the UK and EU is controlled by the REACH regulations. Use our case study to learn the rules.

Both pieces of legislation are designed to protect human health and the environment from hazardous substances. However, RoHS applies only to certain electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) while REACH covers a much wider range of products. Additionally, REACH controls much more substances of concern.

REACH and RoHSsubstance list

RoHS and REACHcompliance Declaration

REACH and RoHScertificate

EU regulations means that the rules apply to all European Economic Area (EEA) countries equally while this may not be the case for directives.

Reach and rohs compliantlist

Suppliers and users of 4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol should submit an application for authorisation to avoid business continuity risks.

RoHS and REACH legislation applies to goods imported, manufactured and used in the EU. What are the key differences and how does this apply to you?

Steven is a Regulatory Consultant and helps companies to maintain compliance with chemical regulations. He writes about REACH, RoHS and other environmental regulations in his spare time.

REACH compliance is incumbent on your European customers. Find out how to support compliance for your product on the EU market.

If you plan to manufacture, import or use chemical substances on their own, in mixtures or in articles then it is imperative that you check your REACH requirements. If you are manufacturing or importing EEE then you need to check for RoHS obligations for each country and also REACH regulation requirements.