Standards Comparison

    NIS2

    Mandatory
    2022

    EU regulation strengthening cybersecurity for critical infrastructure sectors

    VS

    RoHS

    Mandatory
    2011

    EU regulation restricting hazardous substances in EEE

    Quick Verdict

    NIS2 mandates cybersecurity resilience for EU critical sectors via risk management and rapid incident reporting, while RoHS restricts hazardous substances in electronics for environmental safety through material testing. Companies adopt NIS2 for regulatory compliance and cyber defense; RoHS for EU market access and sustainability.

    Cybersecurity

    NIS2

    Directive (EU) 2022/2555 on critical entity resilience

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Expands scope with size-cap rule for medium/large entities
    • Mandates strict 24-hour early warning incident reporting
    • Imposes direct senior management accountability
    • Levies fines up to 2% global annual turnover
    • Requires continuous risk management and supply chain security
    Hazardous Substances

    RoHS

    Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2)

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Restricts 10 substances at 0.1% in homogeneous materials
    • Open scope: all EEE unless specifically excluded
    • Requires technical file and EU Declaration of Conformity
    • Time-limited exemptions renewed via delegated acts
    • Tiered testing: XRF screening and IEC 62321 confirmation

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    NIS2 Details

    What It Is

    NIS2 Directive (EU) 2022/2555 is an EU regulation expanding the original NIS Directive to enhance cybersecurity resilience across member states. It targets essential and important entities in broadened sectors like energy, transport, health, and digital services via a size-cap rule (50+ employees or €10M turnover). Adopting a risk-based, all-hazards approach, it mandates proactive measures against cyber threats.

    Key Components

    • **Four pillarsrisk management, incident reporting, business continuity, corporate accountability.
    • Strict timelines: 24-hour early warnings, 72-hour notifications, one-month final reports to CSIRTs.
    • Continuous assurance with supply chain security, access controls, encryption.
    • Senior management liability; no fixed control count, but aligns with ISO 27001, NIST CSF.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Legal compliance avoids fines up to 2% global turnover; builds resilience against threats like APTs, ransomware. Enhances trust, operational continuity, cross-border cooperation; strategic for multi-state operations.

    Implementation Overview

    Enterprise-wide transformation: gap assessments, risk registers, training, supplier audits. Applies to medium/large EU entities in covered sectors; transposition by Oct 2024, with audits/spot checks. Leverage standards for 12-18 month rollout.

    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 uses an open-scope approach (all EEE unless excluded) with homogeneous material concentration limits and time-limited exemptions.

    Key Components

    • Restricts 10 substances (e.g., Pb, Cd, Hg, phthalates) at 0.1% (Cd 0.01%) in homogeneous materials.
    • Annexes III/IV for exemptions; updated via delegated acts.
    • Built on CE-marking framework with technical documentation and EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC).
    • Compliance via risk-based supplier declarations and IEC 62321 testing.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory for EU market access; prevents fines, recalls.
    • Enhances recyclability, supply chain integrity, ESG reporting.
    • Reduces risks from exemptions expiry, global variants (e.g., China RoHS 2).
    • Builds stakeholder trust, competitive edge in sustainability.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: scoping, gap analysis, supplier controls, testing, documentation.
    • Applies to manufacturers/importers of EEE; all sizes, global reach.
    • No certification; 10-year technical file retention for audits.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    NIS2
    Cybersecurity risk management, incident reporting, resilience
    RoHS
    Hazardous substances restriction in EEE materials

    Industry

    NIS2
    Essential/important entities in EU sectors (energy, transport)
    RoHS
    Electrical/electronic equipment manufacturers EU-wide

    Nature

    NIS2
    Mandatory EU directive, national transposition, fines
    RoHS
    Mandatory EU product regulation, market surveillance

    Testing

    NIS2
    Risk assessments, audits, spot checks by authorities
    RoHS
    XRF screening, lab analysis (IEC 62321) of materials

    Penalties

    NIS2
    Up to 2% global turnover or €10M for essential entities
    RoHS
    Fines, product recalls, market bans by Member States

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about NIS2 and RoHS

    NIS2 FAQ

    RoHS FAQ

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