RoHS vs EN 1090
RoHS
EU regulation restricting hazardous substances in electrical equipment
EN 1090
EU standard for execution of steel and aluminium structures
Quick Verdict
RoHS restricts hazardous substances in electronics for safer recycling across global markets, while EN 1090 mandates certified execution of structural steel/aluminium for EU construction safety. Companies adopt RoHS for market access and sustainability; EN 1090 for legal CE marking and liability control.
RoHS
Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2)
Key Features
- Restricts 10 hazardous substances at 0.1% in homogeneous materials
- Open-scope: applies to all EEE unless explicitly excluded
- Time-limited exemptions reviewed via delegated directives
- Requires technical documentation and EU Declaration of Conformity
- Tiered verification: XRF screening plus IEC 62321 confirmatory testing
EN 1090
EN 1090: Execution of steel and aluminium structures
Key Features
- Risk-based Execution Classes EXC1-EXC4
- Factory Production Control FPC certification
- CE marking and Declaration of Performance
- Welding management aligned with ISO 3834
- Material traceability and NDT inspection
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 substances during waste management, using an open-scope approach applying to all EEE unless excluded, with homogeneous material concentration limits.
Key Components
- Restricts 10 substances (e.g., Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr(VI), phthalates) at 0.1% (Cd at 0.01%) by weight.
- Annexes III/IV provide time-limited exemptions.
- Requires technical documentation, EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC), and CE marking.
- Built on risk-based evidence via IEC 63000 and testing per IEC 62321.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for EU market access; reduces waste risks, ensures level playing field. Mitigates recalls, fines; enhances recyclability, supply chain integrity, ESG reputation.
Implementation Overview
Phased: scope analysis, BoM review, supplier declarations, tiered testing (XRF/ICP-MS), technical files. Applies to manufacturers/importers of EEE; 6-18 months typical; no central certification, but market surveillance audits.
EN 1090 Details
What It Is
EN 1090 is a harmonized European standard family (EN 1090-1, -2, -3) regulating execution and conformity assessment of structural steel and aluminium components under the CPR. It ensures safe fabrication, assembly, and CE marking for load-bearing kits in construction. Adopts a risk-based methodology via Execution Classes (EXC1-EXC4) scaling requirements by failure consequence, service, and production factors.
Key Components
- EN 1090-1FPC** system, DoP, Notified Body certification, surveillance.
- **EN 1090-2/-3Technical rules for materials, welding, tolerances, corrosion, NDT.
- ISO 3834 welding alignment; traceability; inspection regimes.
- AVCP systems with third-party oversight.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for EU/EEA market access and CE marking.
- Mitigates liability, reduces rework, ensures quality.
- Enables high-risk projects (EXC3/4); builds stakeholder trust.
- Competitive edge via certified capability.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, FPC build, welding quals, NB audits (3-12 months). Targets fabricators; requires training, digital traceability, ongoing surveillance.
Key Differences
| Aspect | RoHS | EN 1090 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Hazardous substances in EEE materials | Execution of steel/aluminium structures |
| Industry | Electronics manufacturing, global | Construction/structural fabrication, EU |
| Nature | Product substance restriction directive | Harmonized conformity assessment standard |
| Testing | XRF/ICP-MS on homogeneous materials | FPC certification, welding/NDT audits |
| Penalties | Decentralized MS fines, market withdrawal | CE mark suspension, market exclusion |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about RoHS and EN 1090
RoHS FAQ
EN 1090 FAQ
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