What is the difference between RoHS and REACH?

Hello everyone, this is Yamazato from Hanshin Neji Co.,Ltd.

    In the past, I’ve received requests from customers in both Thailand and Japan, asking for “RoHS purchasing documents for fasteners” or requesting completion of attached REACH Excel files. Even for fasteners, environmental impact-related documentation is essential. Today, let’s dive into RoHS and REACH—what they’re all about and how they differ. If this information proves useful to all of you, let’s apply it together.  
 
RoHS is "the prohibition to use" and REACH is "notifying of what was used, and by how much each was used"

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances):
-    RoHS stands for “Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment.”
-    It limits the consumption of 10 hazardous materials, including lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, cadmium, and specific phthalates.
-    Any electrical or electronic devices exceeding the specified substance concentrations cannot be produced or sold within the EU.
-    RoHS regulations evolve, with the possibility of additional restricted substances being added to the list.

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals):
-    REACH covers a broader scope, applying to all products manufactured, imported, or sold within the EU.
-    It focuses on chemical substances, especially those classified as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC).
-    Manufacturers and importers must register substances produced above a set yearly volume.
-    REACH aims to manage information about chemical usage and assess potential risks to human health and the environment.
-    Permission is required only when necessary.      

Currently, there are 219 items that are classified as SVHCs. There is also a mechanism in place that allows EU member states to propose additional items the list. In addition, in the event that the central authority determines that there must be measures to mitigate the risks that may occur, they may impose (restrictions) for its use. 

          Humans and the world are the most important! 

    Remember, both RoHS and REACH, whether restricting unusable chemicals or substances requiring reporting, impose additional responsibilities and costs on producers and data managers. Despite initial criticism, these regulations prioritize people, nature, and the world. As we deal with industrial products like fasteners, let’s keep everyone smiling, no matter how many more fasteners we sell!