Overview
For custom light art products exported to the European market, RoHS compliance is not optional — it is a legal requirement. The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive restricts the use of ten hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, ensuring environmental protection and consumer safety.
For Custom Lights used in Event Decorations, RoHS compliance is essential for EU market access. Products that fail to meet RoHS requirements cannot be legally sold or installed in EU member states, and non-compliance can result in fines, product recalls, and reputational damage.
This guide provides an overview of RoHS compliance for light art products — covering substance limits, testing standards, the certification process, and practical steps for ensuring your products meet EU requirements.
What Is RoHS?
RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) is a European Union directive that restricts the use of specific hazardous materials in electrical and electronic products. The current directive, 2011/65/EU amended by 2015/863/EU, restricts ten substances:
The Ten Restricted Substances:
Substance | Maximum Concentration (Homogeneous Material) |
|---|---|
Lead (Pb) | 1000 ppm (0.1%) |
Mercury (Hg) | 1000 ppm (0.1%) |
Cadmium (Cd) | 100 ppm (0.01%) |
Hexavalent Chromium (Cr VI) | 1000 ppm (0.1%) |
Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBs) | 1000 ppm (0.1%) |
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) | 1000 ppm (0.1%) |
Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP) | 1000 ppm (0.1%) |
Butyl Benzyl Phthalate (BBP) | 1000 ppm (0.1%) |
Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) | 1000 ppm (0.1%) |
Diisobutyl Phthalate (DIBP) | 1000 ppm (0.1%) |
RoHS applies to a wide range of electrical and electronic equipment, including lighting products and decorative light installations. Compliance is verified through testing and documented in a technical file.
Applicable Standards
RoHS compliance for light art products is demonstrated through testing to the following standard:
EN IEC 63000:2018
This standard specifies the technical documentation requirements for the assessment of electrical and electronic products with respect to the restriction of hazardous substances. It defines the processes and documentation needed to demonstrate compliance with RoHS requirements.
Key requirements of EN IEC 63000:2018:
Material declaration and documentation
Supply chain communication and transparency
Test results and compliance evidence
Technical file compilation and maintenance
Testing Methods
RoHS compliance testing uses internationally recognized methods to detect hazardous substances in materials and components.
Substance | Test Method | Detection Limit |
|---|---|---|
Lead (Pb) | IEC 62321-5:2013 (ICP-OES/AAS) | 2 mg/kg |
Cadmium (Cd) | IEC 62321-5:2013 (ICP-OES/AAS) | 2 mg/kg |
Mercury (Hg) | IEC 62321-4:2013+A1:2017 (ICP-OES) | 2 mg/kg |
Hexavalent Chromium [Cr(VI)] | IEC 62321-7-2:2017 (UV-VIS) | 5 mg/kg |
PBBs & PBDEs | IEC 62321-6:2015 (GC-MS) | 10 mg/kg |
DBP, BBP, DEHP, DIBP | IEC 62321-8:2017 (GC-MS) | 1000 mg/kg |
These test methods are specified in the relevant IEC standards and are recognized by EU regulatory authorities. For a complete understanding of product safety, see our Electrical Safety Standards for Custom Light Installations article.
Certification Evidence: RoHS Compliance
The Art Lantern product line has been independently tested and certified as RoHS compliant. Certification No. CTK20260528004ROHS confirms compliance with Directive 2011/65/EU as amended by 2015/863/EU, based on testing to EN IEC 63000:2018.
Certificate Summary:
Certificate Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Certificate No. | CTK20260528004ROHS |
Product Name | Art Lantern |
Models | JTYS-01-01 through JTYS-01-30 |
Applicable Standard | EN IEC 63000:2018 |
EU Directive | 2011/65/EU amended by 2015/863/EU |
Issued By | Guangzhou Certitek Testing Services Co., Ltd. |
Expiry Date | 15 June 2031 |
Reference: RoHS Certificate No. CTK20260528004ROHS
Key Compliance Steps
For event planners and procurement managers, understanding the steps required for RoHS compliance is essential when sourcing custom light art products for EU projects.
Step 1: Design for Compliance
Compliance begins at the design stage. Designers and engineers must:
Select materials that meet RoHS substance limits
Use components that are pre-certified as RoHS compliant
Avoid materials containing restricted substances
Document all material choices and suppliers
Step 2: Supply Chain Management
Supply chain transparency is essential for RoHS compliance:
Request RoHS declarations from all component suppliers
Maintain documentation of material compliance
Implement supplier evaluation and audit processes
Communicate RoHS requirements clearly to suppliers
Step 3: Testing and Verification
Independent testing verifies compliance:
Test all materials and components to the relevant methods
Engage accredited testing laboratories
Obtain test reports for each material or component
Compile all test results in a technical file
Step 4: Documentation and Certification
Complete documentation demonstrates compliance:
Compile the technical file (test reports, supplier declarations, material declarations)
Prepare the EU Declaration of Conformity
Obtain certificate from accredited testing body
Maintain documentation for the required period (typically 10 years)
Practical Implications for Event Planners
When sourcing custom light art products for EU events, consider the following:
1. Verify compliance before purchase
Request RoHS compliance documentation before committing to purchase. This should include test reports and certification from an accredited testing body.
2. Confirm certification scope
Ensure that the certification covers the specific product and all its materials. The certificate should list the product name, model number, and applicable standards.
3. Consider lead times
RoHS compliance testing can take several weeks. Plan ahead to avoid delays in product procurement and shipment.
4. Maintain documentation
Keep compliance documentation for your records. This is essential for due diligence and regulatory compliance.
5. Check certificate validity
Verify that the certificate is current and within its validity period. Certificates typically have a validity period of several years, after which re-testing may be required.
Conclusion
RoHS compliance is a legal requirement for custom light art products sold or installed in the European Union. Compliance involves selecting materials that meet substance limits, verifying compliance through testing, maintaining comprehensive documentation, and obtaining certification from an accredited testing body.
For event planners and procurement managers, verifying RoHS compliance is essential when sourcing products for EU projects. The Art Lantern product line (Certificates CTK20260528004ROHS) has been independently tested and certified as compliant with Directive 2011/65/EU amended by 2015/863/EU, providing assurance for EU market access.
For guidance on electrical safety, refer to our Electrical Safety Standards for Custom Light Installations article. For EMC compliance, see our upcoming article on EMC Compliance for Custom Light Installations.
References
Directive 2011/65/EU – Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment
Directive 2015/863/EU – Amending Annex II to Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2)
EN IEC 63000:2018 – Technical Documentation for the Assessment of Electrical and Electronic Products with Respect to the Restriction of Hazardous Substances
IEC 62321 Series – Test Methods for Determination of Certain Substances in Electrotechnical Products
RoHS Certificate No. CTK20260528004ROHS – Art Lantern Product Line