RoHS
EU regulation restricting hazardous substances in EEE
CAA
U.S. federal law for air quality and emission standards
Quick Verdict
RoHS restricts hazardous substances in EEE for EU market access, while CAA regulates US air emissions via NAAQS and permits. Companies adopt RoHS for global sales compliance; CAA to avoid fines and ensure operational permits.
RoHS
Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2)
Key Features
- Homogeneous material thresholds: 0.1% most substances, 0.01% cadmium
- Restricts ten specific hazardous substances in EEE
- Open scope: all EEE unless specifically excluded
- Time-limited exemptions via delegated directives
- Requires technical file and EU Declaration of Conformity
CAA
Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq.)
Key Features
- National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
- State Implementation Plans (SIPs) and nonattainment rules
- New Source Performance Standards (NSPS)
- Title V operating permits for major sources
- Multi-layered enforcement and penalties
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
RoHS Details
What It Is
Directive 2011/65/EU (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 applying to all EEE unless excluded, with restrictions at the homogeneous material level.
Key Components
- Ten restricted substances: Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr(VI), PBB, PBDE, DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP.
- Thresholds: 0.1% w/w for most, 0.01% for Cd in homogeneous materials.
- Annex III/IV time-limited exemptions renewed via delegated acts.
- Compliance model: technical documentation per EN IEC 63000, EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC), CE marking.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for EU/EEA market access, avoiding fines, recalls, bans.
- Improves recyclability, supply chain governance, ESG alignment.
- Manages risks from decentralized enforcement, exemption expiries.
- Builds stakeholder trust, enables global market competitiveness.
Implementation Overview
Phased: scoping products, gap analysis on BoMs, supplier declarations, tiered testing (IEC 62321), technical file assembly. Applies to EEE manufacturers/importers/distributors across industries; SMEs to enterprises. No certification body, but 10-year retention for market surveillance audits; typically 6-18 months.
CAA Details
What It Is
The Clean Air Act (CAA), codified at 42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq., is the primary U.S. federal statute regulating air emissions from stationary and mobile sources to protect public health and welfare. It uses **cooperative federalismEPA sets national standards; states implement via plans and permits.
Key Components
- NAAQS for six criteria pollutants (ozone, PM, CO, Pb, SO2, NO2) with primary/secondary forms.
- SIPs and nonattainment planning (infrastructure, pollutant-specific).
- Technology standards: NSPS, NESHAPs/MACT for HAPs.
- Title V operating permits consolidating requirements.
- Titles II, IV, VI for mobile sources, acid rain trading, ozone protection. Enforceable via monitoring, reporting; no certification but federal oversight.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory compliance avoids penalties, sanctions, FIPs. Manages nonattainment risks, supports capital planning, ESG goals; enables market-based trading.
Implementation Overview
Phased: applicability assessment, permitting (Title V/NSR), controls/monitoring (CEMS), reporting (CEDRI/ECMPS). Applies to major sources nationwide; ongoing audits, state variations.
Key Differences
| Aspect | RoHS | CAA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Hazardous substances in EEE materials | Air quality and emissions from sources |
| Industry | EEE manufacturers, global with regional variants | All industries with air emissions, US-focused |
| Nature | EU product restriction directive, mandatory | US federal air pollution statute, mandatory |
| Testing | XRF screening, IEC 62321 lab confirmation | CEMS monitoring, stack testing, QA protocols |
| Penalties | Decentralized MS fines, product withdrawal | Civil penalties up to millions, sanctions |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about RoHS and CAA
RoHS FAQ
CAA FAQ
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