RoHS
EU regulation restricting hazardous substances in EEE
IATF 16949
Global standard for automotive quality management systems.
Quick Verdict
RoHS restricts hazardous substances in EEE for EU market access, while IATF 16949 mandates quality systems for automotive suppliers. Companies adopt RoHS to avoid bans and fines; IATF for OEM contracts and defect prevention.
RoHS
Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2)
Key Features
- Restricts 10 hazardous substances at 0.1% in homogeneous materials
- Open scope covers all EEE unless specifically excluded
- Time-limited exemptions renewed via delegated acts
- Requires EU Declaration of Conformity and technical files
- Tiered verification using IEC 62321 testing standards
IATF 16949
IATF 16949:2016
Key Features
- Mandates core tools: APQP, FMEA, PPAP, MSA, SPC
- Top management must manage, not delegate, quality
- Robust supplier development and second-party audits
- Product safety processes with risk analysis
- Customer-specific requirements (CSRs) integration
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 protects health and environment by limiting risks in waste management, applying open-scope to all EEE unless excluded. Core approach: homogeneous material concentration thresholds with exemptions.
Key Components
- 10 restricted substances (Pb, Hg, Cd, Cr(VI), PBB, PBDE, DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP)
- Thresholds: 0.1% w/w (Cd 0.01%)
- **Annex III/IV exemptionstime-limited, application-specific
- Compliance model: technical documentation, EU DoC, CE marking; no mandatory certification
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for EU/EEA market access
- Mitigates fines, recalls, enforcement risks
- Improves recyclability, aligns with WEEE
- Builds supply chain resilience, sustainability reputation
Implementation Overview
- Risk-based: supplier declarations + IEC 62321 testing
- Key steps: scoping, BoM analysis, exemptions tracking, files retention
- Applies to EEE manufacturers/importers globally; SMEs to enterprises
- 10-year audit-ready documentation (180 words)
IATF 16949 Details
What It Is
IATF 16949:2016 is the international quality management system (QMS) standard for automotive production and relevant service parts, building on ISO 9001:2015 with sector-specific requirements. Its primary purpose is defect prevention, variation reduction, and waste minimization in the automotive supply chain. It employs a risk-based thinking approach aligned with the PDCA cycle across Clauses 4–10.
Key Components
- Core tools: APQP, FMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, PPAP.
- Automotive additions: product safety, supplier management, CSRs, warranty systems.
- Built on ISO high-level structure; ~30 supplemental requirements.
- Certification via IATF-approved bodies with staged audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets OEM contractual demands; enables supply chain access.
- Reduces COPQ, recalls, warranty costs; enhances reliability.
- Builds stakeholder trust, competitive edge in automotive sector.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, core tool deployment, training, audits.
- Applies to OEMs/Tiers producing automotive parts globally.
- Involves leadership governance, process owners, 12-18 month timelines for certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | RoHS | IATF 16949 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Hazardous substances in EEE materials | Quality management for automotive production |
| Industry | Electrical/electronic equipment globally | Automotive supply chain organizations |
| Nature | EU directive, mandatory market access | Voluntary certification standard |
| Testing | XRF screening, IEC 62321 lab analysis | Core tools: MSA, SPC, PPAP audits |
| Penalties | Fines, recalls, market bans by states | Loss of certification, OEM contracts |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about RoHS and IATF 16949
RoHS FAQ
IATF 16949 FAQ
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