Sustainable Products and Restricted Substances: A Guide to ESPR, RoHS, and China RoHS 2

This guide was published on 12th March 2025. Further regulatory developments may have occurred after publication. To keep up-to-date with the latest compliance news, sign up to our newsletter.

Are you ready for the latest changes to EU and China RoHS regulations?

The regulatory landscape for environmental compliance is constantly evolving, and staying informed is crucial for businesses to maintain market access and avoid potential penalties. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of key updates to EU environmental regulations, including the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and the latest RoHS exemptions, as well as significant changes to China RoHS.

Guide Overview:

This guide delves into the intricacies of the ESPR, a new regulation that aims to make products placed on the EU market more sustainable throughout their entire lifecycle. It also explores the findings of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) study on flame retardants, highlighting substances of concern and potential restrictions under REACH, alongside providing a comprehensive guide to the latest RoHS exemptions, including recent changes and implementation timelines. Furthermore, it examines the latest developments and requirements of China RoHS, such as the addition of four phthalates, mandatory testing, and the expansion of the scope. Finally, the guide discusses the challenges and possible actions for businesses to adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape.

Based on our popular webinar ‘Updates on Key EU Environmental Regulations and China RoHS,’ held in February 2025, in partnership with Design Chain Associates, we highlight the top themes and trends to be aware of, as well as highlighting potential challenges and actions for companies.

This Guide Covers:

• The eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and its impact on product design and development.
• The ECA’s study on flame retardants and potential restrictions under REACH.
• The latest updates on RoHS exemptions, including changes to the 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7C1 exemptions.
• The latest developments and requirements of China RoHS, including the addition of four phthalates and mandatory testing.
• The challenges and possible actions for businesses to adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape of environmental compliance.

Authors

Mike Kirschner, Consultant, Design Chain Associates, LLC

Mike helps manufacturers understand and ensure that their products comply with health and environmental regulatory, customer and market requirements. Mike has substantial expertise in areas including semiconductor quality and reliability, software design and development, hardware design, development, and manufacturing as well as manufacturing processes and supplier/supply base management.

Prior to co-founding Design Chain Associates in 2001, Mike held engineering and engineering management positions at various manufacturers including Intel, Tandem Computers, and Compaq.