EU Transfers Partial Scientific and Technical Tasks of RoHS to ECHA

On 12 December 2025, the Official Journal of the European Union published Directive (EU) 2025/2456, which amends Directive 2011/65/EU (commonly known as the RoHS Directive, or the Directive on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment). The amendment reassigns some scientific and technical tasks to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

Main Amendments

1. Changes to Substance Restrictions under Annex II

• ECHA is formally entrusted with responsibilities related to preparing dossiers for substance restrictions. Restriction proposals may be prepared by Member States or by ECHA upon request from the European Commission.
  
• The list of restricted substances in Annex II will be reviewed regularly, at least once every four years.
  

Effective Date: 13 August 2027

2. Changes to RoHS Exemption Procedures under Annex V

• Submission of exemption applications: Changed from the European Commission to ECHA.
  
• A new 45-day completeness check is introduced. In case of incomplete submissions, ECHA may grant an additional 60 days for supplementation (with a possible extension of 5 working days for decision-making).
  
• Once a complete dossier is confirmed, ECHA must obtain draft opinions from RAC/SEAC within 9 months and final opinions within 12 months, which are then forwarded to the European Commission. The European Commission must make an exemption decision within 9 months of receipt.
  
• Applications for exemption renewals must be submitted at least 18 months before expiry. Pending a decision by the European Commission, the original exemption remains valid.
  

Effective Date: 27 August 2027

This revision aims to implement the "one substance, one assessment" principle, harmonize chemical risk assessment standards, improve the quality, transparency, and efficiency of assessments, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance consistency and synergy among EU regulations.

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Further Information

OJ