RoHS
EU directive restricting hazardous substances in EEE
GRI
Global framework for sustainability impact reporting
Quick Verdict
RoHS mandates hazardous substance limits in EEE for EU market access, while GRI enables voluntary sustainability impact reporting globally. Companies adopt RoHS for legal compliance and sales, GRI for stakeholder transparency and ESG credibility.
RoHS
Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2) restricting hazardous substances
Key Features
- Homogeneous material thresholds: 0.1% most substances, 0.01% cadmium
- Restricts ten specific hazardous substances in EEE
- Open-scope: all EEE unless explicitly excluded
- Time-limited exemptions via delegated directives
- Requires technical file and EU Declaration of Conformity
GRI
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards
Key Features
- Impact-based materiality process (GRI 3)
- Modular Universal, Sector, Topic Standards
- Mandatory GRI Content Index for traceability
- Broad worker scope including contractors (GRI 403)
- Supplier environmental and OHS assessments
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 waste management, complementing WEEE Directive. Scope is open: all EEE unless excluded. Key approach: homogeneous material concentration limits (0.1% w/w most substances, 0.01% cadmium).
Key Components
- Ten restricted substances: Pb, Hg, Cd, Cr(VI), PBB, PBDE, DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP.
- Annexes III/IV for time-limited exemptions.
- IEC 62321 testing methods; IEC 63000 for documentation.
- Conformity via EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and technical files (10-year retention).
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for EU market access; prevents fines, recalls. Drives supply chain governance, substitution innovation, recyclability. Enhances ESG reputation, level playing field.
Implementation Overview
Risk-based: scope analysis, BoM review, supplier declarations, tiered testing (XRF screening, ICP-MS/GC-MS confirmation), exemption tracking. Applies to manufacturers/importers of EEE; phased (3-18 months by size). No central certification; market surveillance by Member States.
GRI Details
What It Is
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards are the world's most widely used modular framework for sustainability reporting. They provide a global common language for organizations to disclose significant economic, environmental, and social impacts on stakeholders. The core approach is impact-centric materiality, requiring identification and prioritization of actual and potential impacts rather than solely financial ones.
Key Components
- Universal Standards (GRI 1: Foundation, GRI 2: General Disclosures, GRI 3: Material Topics) for baseline requirements.
- Sector Standards for high-impact industries like oil & gas, mining.
- Topic Standards (e.g., GRI 403 Occupational Health & Safety, GRI 308 Supplier Environmental Assessment) with specific disclosures and metrics.
- Built on principles like accuracy, balance, verifiability; includes mandatory GRI Content Index for traceability. No formal certification, but "in accordance" claims require full compliance.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives accountability, regulatory alignment (e.g., EU CSRD), and benchmarking. Enhances stakeholder trust, reduces risks, supports investor relations via interoperability with SASB/ISSB.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: materiality assessment, data systems build, management disclosures, content index. Applies to all sizes/industries globally; involves governance, training, assurance readiness.
Key Differences
| Aspect | RoHS | GRI |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Hazardous substances in EEE materials | Sustainability impacts on economy, environment, people |
| Industry | Electrical/electronic equipment manufacturers | All sectors and organization types worldwide |
| Nature | Mandatory EU product restriction directive | Voluntary modular reporting standards |
| Testing | XRF screening, IEC 62321 lab analysis | Materiality assessments, data verification |
| Penalties | Member state fines, product recalls | No legal penalties, reputational damage |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about RoHS and GRI
RoHS FAQ
GRI FAQ
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