With a predicted annual growth of 3.92 % in 2024, China is the largest consumer electronics market in the world. Mobile handheld devices and cell phones make up the largest portion of this market, with current trends in technology also seeing growth in smart home devices. No surprise then to see China also taking the global lead with US$198.5bn of generated revenue so far in 2024.
In terms of market patterns, the EU follows the same trajectory as China. While generated revenue and predicted market growth are smaller, it is predicted that there will be more electronic devices per person in the EU than in China, and that individual buying power will be higher.
Rising electronics production intensifies the demand for environmental regulations. But how can manufacturers maintain their scale of operations and throughput when changes to regulations can happen frequently?
What are the RoHS Regulations for Electronics in China and the EU?
Electrical and electronic waste in the world has vastly increased due to global demand for electrical and electronic devices. In order to manage the growing volume of e-waste, new and updated regulations must be passed. The Restrictions of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) aim to make electronics and electrical equipment (EEE) safer to dispose of, significantly reducing the use of materials that are harmful to both the environment and human health. While the Regulations on Waste Electrical and Electronic Products (WEEE) aim to reduce the amount of waste generated and to boost recycling, China and the EU must do more for the environment.
Both China and the EU restrict the use of lead, mercury, cadmium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in electrical and electronic products. In China specifically, these regulations have affected 12 product categories, including refrigerators, air conditioners, water heaters, computers, and mobile handheld devices. In July 2019, the EU added 4 phthalates – DBP, DEHP, DIBP and BBP – to the list of restricted materials, and in March 2024, China also updated its RoHS regulations.
New Mandatory National Standard for China RoHS
The Standardization Administration of China (SAC) approved a new standard for electrical and electronic products effective in 1st of March, 2024. As a step towards a more ecological and environmentally conscious direction, the new RoHS requirement will now include devices and products which utilize or measure current and electromagnetic fields. The rated operating voltage of these devices should not exceed 1500V DC or 1000V AC. Devices that produce, transmit, and distribute electricity are, however, excluded from this criterion.
The new RoHS directive also focuses on the materials from which electronics are produced. The limit values of each homogenous material in a product – such as lead, mercury, and hexavalent chromium – should not exceed 0.1 % mass fraction. Furthermore, the cadmium content should not exceed 0.01 % by mass fraction.
These new national standards will have a global impact as China is the biggest exporter of electric and electronic devices in the world. Limits to operating voltages also further improve the safety of operations and the people using said devices. Material limitations in electronics production contribute to achieving stricter environmental goals and developing a more sustainable future.
Challenges of Mandatory Standards for Manufacturers
The EU's RoHS regulations, designed to limit hazardous substances in electronics, are constantly evolving, posing ongoing challenges for manufacturers. Keeping up with frequent updates often requires redesigning products, sourcing new materials, and altering production processes, which can be both time-consuming and costly.
For manufacturers operating in China and the EU, navigating different regulatory frameworks adds complexity. Ensuring compliance across diverse supply chains is critical, as any non-compliance can lead to production delays, fines, or market restrictions. Moreover, balancing innovation with regulatory demands can hinder product development, while maintaining operational efficiency under ever-changing rules adds further strain.
The Benchtop XRF Analyzer: A Smart Compliance Tool
A benchtop XRF analyzer offers a practical solution to these challenges. It enables manufacturers to quickly screen materials for RoHS compliance, detecting hazardous substances like lead and cadmium in real-time. This helps to:
With a benchtop XRF analyzer, manufacturers can meet regulatory demands while maintaining their competitive edge and operational flow.
Having a benchtop XRF analyzer will give companies and manufacturers confidence in adhering to RoHS compliance. In the EU, the benchtop XRF analyzer EA1400 is specifically designed for achieving rapid RoHS screening. The adaptability of this analyzer is a significant advantage – flexible calibrations ensure that companies and manufacturers can quickly adjust to new RoHS standards. The analyzer also has an option to measure coating thickness and offers flexible elemental analysis.
For China, the EA1280 is a cost-effective and analytically accurate XRF analyzer capable of meeting these requirements. The resolution of the silicon drift detector (SDD) covers a range from 130 to 150eV, with a maximum count rate of 150,000 cps to deliver the performance needed to provide rapid RoHS screening.
Contact us to learn more about our benchtop XRF analyzers, or book a demo to receive expert guidance for your needs.
