✔ RoHS Guide

California RoHS vs EU RoHS

California RoHS comes from the Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 (SB 20, amended by SB 50), administered by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). It applies to covered electronic devices (CEDs) - mainly products with video display screens larger than 4 inches measured diagonally, such as televisions, computer monitors, laptops, tablets and portable DVD players.

How California RoHS differs from EU RoHS

• Substances - four heavy metals only: lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium. The flame retardants (PBB, PBDE) and the four phthalates restricted by EU RoHS 3 are not covered.
• Limits - a covered device may not be sold in California if EU RoHS would prohibit it from sale because of those four metals, so the EU concentration limits and exemptions apply by reference.
• Scope - display devices only, not the 11 EU RoHS categories.
• Recycling fee - retailers collect an Electronic Waste Recycling Fee on covered devices at the point of sale, which funds the state collection system.

Products sold in California may also need Proposition 65 warnings, which work separately from RoHS-style restrictions.