RoHS
EU regulation restricting hazardous substances in EEE
ISO 27017
International code for cloud security controls
Quick Verdict
RoHS restricts hazardous substances in electronics for EU market access, while ISO 27017 provides cloud security guidance within ISO 27001 ISMS. Manufacturers adopt RoHS for compliance; CSPs and customers use 27017 for shared responsibility and audit assurance.
RoHS
Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2)
Key Features
- Restricts 10 hazardous substances at homogeneous material level
- Open scope applies to all EEE unless excluded
- Requires technical file and EU Declaration of Conformity
- Time-limited exemptions via delegated directives
- Tiered testing with IEC 62321 methods
ISO 27017
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Code of practice for cloud security
Key Features
- Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
- Adds 7 cloud-specific CLD security controls
- Provides guidance for 37 ISO 27002 cloud adaptations
- Addresses multi-tenancy segregation and VM hardening
- Integrates into ISO 27001 certification audits
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
RoHS Details
What It Is
RoHS (Directive 2011/65/EU, aka RoHS 2) is an EU regulation restricting hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). It aims to protect health/environment during waste management, improving recyclability. Scope is open: all EEE unless excluded. Key approach: homogeneous material concentration limits (0.1% most substances, 0.01% cadmium).
Key Components
- **10 restricted substancesPb, Hg, Cd, Cr(VI), PBB, PBDE, DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP.
- **Annexes III/IVtime-limited exemptions.
- **Conformity modeltechnical documentation, EU DoC, CE marking (where applicable).
- Built on New Legislative Framework; testing per IEC 62321.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for EU market access; prevents recalls/fines. Drives supply-chain governance, substitution innovation, circular economy alignment. Enhances ESG reputation, global competitiveness (e.g., vs China RoHS).
Implementation Overview
Risk-based: scope products, map BoMs, collect declarations, tiered testing (XRF/ICP-MS), build technical files. Applies to manufacturers/importers of EEE; SMEs to multinationals. No certification, but 10-year retention for audits. Phased: 6-18 months typical.
ISO 27017 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is a code of practice providing cloud-specific guidance for information security controls. It extends ISO/IEC 27002 to address shared responsibilities in cloud environments like IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. Its risk-based approach adapts general controls to cloud risks such as multi-tenancy and virtualization.
Key Components
- Cloud-specific guidance for 37 ISO 27002 controls
- 7 additional CLD controls on segregation, VM hardening, admin operations, monitoring, and asset lifecycle
- Built on ISO 27001 ISMS framework
- Integrated into ISO 27001 audits, no standalone certification
Why Organizations Use It
- Demonstrates cloud security maturity for CSPs and CSCs
- Meets procurement and regulatory demands (e.g., GDPR alignment)
- Reduces cloud incident risks via clear responsibilities
- Builds customer trust and competitive differentiation
- Enhances ISMS effectiveness in multi-cloud setups
Implementation Overview
- Extend existing ISO 27001 ISMS through risk assessment and control mapping
- Key activities: shared responsibility matrices, configurations, logging setups
- Suited for CSPs, CSCs of all sizes, globally
- Joint audits take 9-12 months typically
Key Differences
| Aspect | RoHS | ISO 27017 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Hazardous substances in EEE materials | Cloud-specific information security controls |
| Industry | EEE manufacturers, global electronics | Cloud providers and customers, IT services |
| Nature | EU product restriction directive | Voluntary cloud security guidance standard |
| Testing | Material analysis (XRF, ICP-MS) | ISO 27001 audits with cloud controls |
| Penalties | Fines, recalls by Member States | No legal penalties, certification loss |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about RoHS and ISO 27017
RoHS FAQ
ISO 27017 FAQ
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