GDPR
EU regulation for personal data protection and privacy
RoHS
EU regulation restricting hazardous substances in EEE
Quick Verdict
GDPR regulates personal data privacy globally for EU residents, mandating rights and accountability. RoHS restricts hazardous substances in electronics for EU market access, requiring material testing. Companies adopt GDPR for compliance and trust, RoHS to sell EEE legally.
GDPR
Regulation (EU) 2016/679 General Data Protection Regulation
Key Features
- Extraterritorial scope targets non-EU entities serving EU residents
- Accountability principle requires demonstrable compliance proof
- Fines up to 4% global annual turnover for breaches
- 72-hour mandatory personal data breach notification
- Enhanced data subject rights including right to erasure
RoHS
Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2)
Key Features
- Homogeneous material limits at 0.1% for 10 substances
- Open scope for all EEE unless explicitly excluded
- Time-limited exemptions via Annexes III/IV
- Technical file and EU DoC requirements
- Tiered testing with IEC 62321 methods
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
GDPR Details
What It Is
Regulation (EU) 2016/679, known as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), is a directly applicable EU regulation. Its primary purpose is protecting personal data of EU individuals, with global extraterritorial scope. It employs a risk-based, accountability-driven approach for lawful processing.
Key Components
- Seven core principles: lawfulness, purpose limitation, data minimization, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, accountability.
- Enhanced data subject rights (access, rectification, erasure, portability, objection).
- Obligations like DPIAs, DPO appointment, 72-hour breach notifications.
- Enforcement via fines up to 4% global turnover; no formal certification, but compliance demonstration required.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for processing EU data; mitigates legal risks, fines. Builds trust, enables Digital Single Market. Provides competitive edge via privacy-by-design, global benchmark influence.
Implementation Overview
Gap analysis, policy updates, training, DPIAs, ROPA maintenance. Applies to all sizes processing EU data, worldwide. Ongoing audits by DPAs; two-year transition historically, but continuous compliance needed.
RoHS Details
What It Is
RoHS (Directive 2011/65/EU, recast as RoHS 2) is an EU regulation restricting hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) to protect health and environment during waste management. It applies an open-scope approach to all EEE unless excluded, using homogeneous material concentration limits as the core methodology.
Key Components
- Restricts 10 substances (e.g., lead, mercury, phthalates) at 0.1% (Cd at 0.01%) in homogeneous materials.
- Annexes III/IV provide time-limited exemptions.
- Built on CE-marking framework with technical documentation and EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC).
- Compliance via IEC 63000 documentary methods and IEC 62321 testing.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for EU market access, preventing fines/recalls.
- Reduces supply chain risks, improves recyclability.
- Enhances ESG reputation and level playing field.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scoping, gap analysis, supplier controls, testing, documentation.
- Applies to manufacturers/importers of EEE globally selling to EU.
- No central certification; self-declared with 10-year retention for audits. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | GDPR | RoHS |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data processing and privacy | Hazardous substances in EEE |
| Industry | All sectors processing EU data globally | EEE manufacturers and importers in EU |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation with fines | Mandatory EU directive with exemptions |
| Testing | DPIAs and compliance audits | XRF/ICP-MS for substances in materials |
| Penalties | Up to 4% global turnover fines | Product recalls and national fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about GDPR and RoHS
GDPR FAQ
RoHS FAQ
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