Why RoHS Compliance Testing?
In recent years, the focus on plastics and e-waste has been gathering momentum. The general public, shareholders and other pressure groups are holding manufacturers to account for how plastics used in their products are being disposed of at ‘end of life’.
The fact that these recyclable products are built to last for a long period of time can present problems for recycling facilities which need to be sure of the purity of the recycled material before passing it on to other users.
ACS provides an analytical RoHS Compliance Testing service by FTIR-STA which will determine the percentage by weight of the various plastics in a sample. Providing the sample is representative of the stockpile, we can provide a detailed report which delivers excellent results with a very high degree of certainty.
What is RoHS?
RoHS stands for the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). It’s an international directive that sets limits and regulates toxic, hazardous materials used in electrical and electronic products.
RoHS compliance testing helps to reduce human exposure to hazardous materials that can be harmful with long-term use. By complying with RoHS standards, your company can demonstrate your commitment to providing safe products that protect consumers and the planet.
ROHS also ensures legal compliance while allowing your business to remain competitive in a global market. Following the regulation will enable manufacturers to produce products that meet international standards, granting access to worldwide markets with fewer restrictions and without adjusting production processes.
3 Steps to Gaining RoHS Certification
Following a three-step process, we can ensure that your product meets RoHS requirements and has undergone rigorous RoHS compliance testing.
Step 1: Verification via testing
The first step is to test the samples for the presence of restricted substances. This can be done through on-site testing, XRF testing or lab phthalate solvent extraction.
Step 2: Separation and preparation of sample material
Once tested, we then begin our process of separating out all materials found in the sample that are not compliant with RoHS. These non-compliant materials are then carefully collected and stored away from other components.
Step 3: Final assessment
After the separation and preparation process is complete, a final assessment will take place to ensure all components comply with RoHS standards. If there are still any non-compliant materials present after this assessment, they will be removed and recycled separately.
Upon successful completion of this process, the product is considered RoHS certified.
Plastic Pollution – Restricted Contaminants
The RoHS-Directive (2011/65/EU) was enacted to:
- Minimise environmental damage due to plastic pollution
- Ensure consumer goods are safe for their intended use
- Promote sustainable production processes
- Reduce waste generated from electronics throughout their entire lifecycle
Substances restricted by this directive include:
- Lead
- Mercury
- Cadmium
- Hexavalent chromium
- Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs)
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)
- Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
- Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP)
- Di butyl phthalate (DBP)
- Di isobutyl phthalate (DIBP)
If you’re unsure whether these contaminants are present in your shredded waste and will meet the permitted thresholds, contact us, and we will assist in identifying and quantifying these compounds.
Documents to Supply for RoHS Compliance Testing
To perform RoHS compliance testing, we need you to provide documentation that gives a detailed description of the product components. This documentation will allow for the proper testing procedure to ensure compliance.
The documentation should include:
- Bill of materials
- Technical file
- A list of components, including the type and percentage of each material
- A list of part numbers with specifications
- Drawing of the item with exact dimensions
- Test reports
The RoHS tests are carried out by our experienced lab technicians at our UKAS accredited laboratory, certified to meet all industry standards.
Please see below for a list of the services provided by ACS:
Geo-Environmental Consultancy
The ACS Geo-Environmental Consultancy Department has been operating as part of ACS for over 10 years.
On-Site Testing Services
ACS offers a comprehensive range of professional on-site testing, all carried out by our fully trained site technicians.
Aggregates and Soils Testing
From our main laboratory in Poole, Dorset, ACS provide quality testing and material consultancy for the construction and civil engineering industry.
Bituminous Testing
ACS carries out testing on new bituminous binder material and testing on hardened material for physical and chemical properties. Circa pre 1980’s Tar (Carcinogenic effects) was also used as a binder, ACS staff can sample and test materials to assess if Tar was used.
Concrete Testing
Concrete was the first service to be offered by ACS back in 1987. Since then, we have increased our scope to cover a wide range of UKAS Accredited testing methods on fresh and hardened concrete.
Mortar and Screed Testing
ACS can sample and test new and hardened mortar. Hardened mortar for mix proportions and constituents, new mortar for compressive and flexural strength.
Contamination and WAC Testing
At ACS we offer an efficient and reliable chemical analysis service for waste soils and construction materials using various test solids and leaching procedures specified by the Environment Agency.
Chemical Testing
The ACS chemical laboratory was established in 2007. It complements the physical materials testing service provided by ACS by offering a range of chemical analytical services.
Leachate and Water Analysis
Our purpose-built analytical laboratory enables ACS to provide a comprehensive sampling, monitoring and analysis service on a wide range of leachate and water samples.
Natural Stone Testing
Our newly refurbished stone testing laboratory has given us the opportunity to expand our testing scope. In addition, we have increased production and improved on our turnaround of samples.
Site Laboratory Services
Over the last 35 years, ACS have supplied custom fitted site laboratories with technicians to many construction sites and projects worldwide.
Persistent Organic Pollutants
Our experienced lab technicians can provide detailed and accurate analysis of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in almost any sample matrix in line with the Stockholm Convention.
Energy From Waste
Experts in Energy from Waste residues, ACS offers a full range of services, including gasification, pyrolysis, syngas and tar sampling, and analysis and interpretation of analytical results for IBA and APCr.
RoHS Compliance Testing
At ACS, we undertake rigorous RoHS compliance testing to identify and quantify any contaminants in your shredded waste, ensuring your product meets strict RoHS requirements.
Energy Supply, Generation & Regulation
Our highly skilled team provide industry-leading waste fuel testing services for RDF, SRF, MSW, and Solid Biomass, helping you save costs and meet compliance standards for total peace of mind.
If you have any questions about RoHS compliance testing or the types of documents you need to submit, please get in touch for more information.