RoHS
EU regulation restricting hazardous substances in EEE
CMMI
Global framework for process maturity improvement
Quick Verdict
RoHS mandates hazardous substance limits in EEE for EU market access, while CMMI is a voluntary framework building process maturity for predictable delivery. Companies adopt RoHS to avoid penalties and sell in Europe; CMMI to boost quality, win contracts, and drive performance.
RoHS
Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2) restricting hazardous substances
Key Features
- Restricts 10 hazardous substances to 0.1% in homogeneous materials
- Open scope applies to all EEE unless explicitly excluded
- Time-limited exemptions reviewed via delegated acts
- Mandates technical documentation and EU Declaration of Conformity
- Tiered verification using IEC 62321 screening and lab methods
CMMI
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)
Key Features
- Maturity Levels 0-5 for organizational progression
- 25 Practice Areas in v2.0 across 4 categories
- SCAMPI Class A/B/C appraisals for benchmarking
- Staged and continuous capability representations
- Generic practices ensuring process institutionalization
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). It aims to protect health and environment by limiting risks in EEE waste management, complementing WEEE Directive. Scope is open: all EEE unless excluded, with restrictions at homogeneous material level using maximum concentration values (MCVs).
Key Components
- **10 restricted substancesPb, Cd, Hg, Cr(VI), PBB, PBDE, DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP (0.1% MCV; Cd 0.01%).
- **Annexes III/IV exemptionsTime-limited for specific applications.
- **Conformity modelTechnical file, EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC), CE marking.
- **VerificationIEC 63000 documentary approach; IEC 62321 testing (XRF screening, ICP-MS/GC-MS).
Why Organizations Use It
Ensures EU/EEA market access, avoids fines/recalls, manages supply chain risks. Drives substitution, recyclability, ESG goals, level playing field.
Implementation Overview
Risk-based: scope products, map BoMs, supplier declarations, tiered testing, technical files (10-year retention). Applies to manufacturers/importers globally selling EEE; no certification but market surveillance audits.
CMMI Details
What It Is
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) is a performance improvement framework developed by Carnegie Mellon’s SEI and now governed by ISACA. It provides a structured approach to process institutionalization across development, services, and acquisition, using maturity and capability levels to benchmark and enhance organizational performance.
Key Components
- 4 Category Areas (Doing, Managing, Enabling, Improving) with 12 Capability Areas and 25 Practice Areas in v2.0.
- Maturity Levels 0-5 (staged) or Capability Levels 0-3 (continuous).
- Generic goals/practices for institutionalization; specific practices per area.
- SCAMPI appraisals (Class A/B/C) for certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Improves predictability, reduces rework, boosts quality (e.g., 48% improvement).
- Meets contract requirements in defense, regulated sectors.
- Enhances risk management, stakeholder trust.
- Provides competitive benchmarking via published ratings.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: assessment, pilot, rollout, appraisal, sustainment.
- Applies to mid-large organizations in IT, software, services globally.
- Involves training, tooling, change management; SCAMPI A for official ratings. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | RoHS | CMMI |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Hazardous substances in EEE materials | Process improvement across development/services |
| Industry | EEE manufacturers, global with regional variations | Software, IT, defense, services worldwide |
| Nature | Mandatory EU product restriction directive | Voluntary process maturity framework |
| Testing | XRF screening, lab analysis of materials | SCAMPI appraisals of process evidence |
| Penalties | Fines, recalls, market bans by states | No legal penalties, lost contracts/certification |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about RoHS and CMMI
RoHS FAQ
CMMI FAQ
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