RoHS
EU regulation restricting hazardous substances in EEE
BRC
Global standard for food safety certification
Quick Verdict
RoHS restricts hazardous substances in electronics for EU market access, while BRC certifies food safety management. Companies adopt RoHS for legal compliance and recyclability; BRC for retailer approval and supply chain trust.
RoHS
Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2)
Key Features
- Restricts 10 substances at 0.1% in homogeneous materials
- Open scope covers all EEE unless explicitly excluded
- Time-limited exemptions renewed via delegated directives
- Requires technical file and EU Declaration of Conformity
- Tiered verification using IEC 62321 testing methods
BRC
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety
Key Features
- Senior management commitment and culture plan
- Codex HACCP-based food safety plan
- Fundamental requirements for non-conformities
- Site standards and risk zoning controls
- Environmental monitoring and food defence
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
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). Its primary purpose is protecting health and environment by limiting risks in EEE waste management, improving recyclability alongside WEEE Directive. Scope is open: all EEE unless excluded. Key approach: homogeneous material thresholds (0.1% w/w most substances, 0.01% cadmium).
Key Components
- **10 restricted substancesPb, Hg, Cd, Cr(VI), PBB, PBDE, DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP.
- **AnnexesII (substances), III/IV (time-limited exemptions).
- **Compliance modelTechnical documentation per EN IEC 63000, EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC), CE marking where applicable; no central certification.
- Built on risk-based evidence: supplier declarations, targeted testing (IEC 62321).
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for EU market access; prevents fines, recalls, bans. Drives supply chain governance, substitution innovation, ESG alignment. Enhances recyclability, stakeholder trust, global competitiveness (e.g., vs China RoHS 2).
Implementation Overview
Phased: scope analysis, BoM review, supplier qualification, testing (XRF/ICP-MS), technical files. Applies to manufacturers/importers of EEE; scales by portfolio complexity. Retain docs 10 years for surveillance; ongoing exemption tracking essential. (178 words)
BRC Details
What It Is
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety is a GFSI-benchmarked certification framework for food manufacturers, processors, and packers. It ensures product safety, legality, authenticity, and quality through a structured management system combining senior commitment, Codex HACCP-based plans, and prerequisite programs like GMP/GHP.
Key Components
- Nine core clauses: senior management, HACCP plan, FSQMS, site standards, product/process controls, personnel, risk zones, traded products.
- Fundamental requirements (e.g., traceability, allergens, CAPA) critical for certification.
- Built on risk assessments, internal audits, and root cause analysis.
- Annual audits with grading (AA/A/B/C/D).
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets retailer mandates for supply chain access.
- Reduces recalls via robust controls on allergens, pathogens, labelling.
- Builds trust, evidences due diligence, supports FSMA compliance.
- Drives continuous improvement and operational resilience.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: gap analysis, HACCP development, training, mock audits. Applies to manufacturers globally; requires CAPEX for site upgrades, digital tools. Certification via accredited bodies with announced/unannounced options. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | RoHS | BRC |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Hazardous substances in EEE materials | Food safety management systems |
| Industry | Electronics manufacturing, global | Food manufacturing and packaging |
| Nature | Mandatory EU directive for market access | Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked certification |
| Testing | XRF screening, IEC 62321 lab analysis | Annual site audits, internal verification |
| Penalties | Decentralized fines, product withdrawal | Certification loss, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about RoHS and BRC
RoHS FAQ
BRC FAQ
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