RoHS
EU regulation restricting hazardous substances in EEE
PDPA
Southeast Asia's personal data protection regulations
Quick Verdict
RoHS restricts hazardous substances in EEE for EU market access and recyclability, while PDPA mandates personal data protection in Singapore/Thailand for privacy rights. Companies adopt RoHS for compliance/sales, PDPA to avoid fines and build trust.
RoHS
Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2)
Key Features
- Homogeneous material limits: 0.1% for most substances
- Restricts ten specific hazardous substances in EEE
- Open-scope: all EEE unless explicitly excluded
- Time-limited exemptions via delegated directives
- Requires technical file and Declaration of Conformity
PDPA
Personal Data Protection Act 2012
Key Features
- Consent and lawful processing bases with exceptions
- Mandatory breach notification within 72 hours
- Data subject rights including access and correction
- Accountability obligation with DPO appointment
- Cross-border transfer limitation safeguards
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) to protect health and environment during waste management. It uses an open-scope approach, covering all EEE unless excluded, with homogeneous material concentration limits (0.1% w/w generally, 0.01% for cadmium).
Key Components
- Ten restricted substances: Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr(VI), PBB, PBDE, DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP.
- Annexes III/IV for time-limited exemptions.
- Conformity via technical documentation (EN IEC 63000) and EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC).
- Tiered verification: screening (XRF) and confirmatory testing (IEC 62321).
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for EU market access; reduces waste risks, aids recyclability with WEEE. Manages supply chain liabilities, ensures level playing field, builds ESG trust, avoids fines/recalls.
Implementation Overview
Risk-based: scope analysis, BoM review, supplier declarations, testing high-risk materials, technical files (10-year retention). Applies to manufacturers/importers/distributors of EEE; phased for SMEs/large firms (3-18 months).
PDPA Details
What It Is
PDPA (Personal Data Protection Act) is a family of privacy regulations, prominently Singapore's Personal Data Protection Act 2012, Thailand's 2019 Act, and Taiwan's PDPA. These are mandatory legal frameworks governing collection, use, disclosure, and protection of personal data by organizations. Primary purpose: balance individual privacy rights with legitimate business needs via principles-based approaches like reasonable purposes, consent, and proportionality.
Key Components
- Core obligations: consent/notification, data subject rights (access/correction), accuracy, protection, retention limitation, transfer controls, accountability (DPO), breach notification, enforcement.
- Built on shared architecture: scope, lawful bases, transparency, security, rights (8-10 main elements).
- Compliance model: self-assessed with regulator guidance/audits; no central certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory compliance in jurisdictions to avoid fines (up to SGD 1M, THB 5M).
- Risk mitigation (breaches, enforcement); builds trust/reputation.
- Strategic: enables data-driven business, partnerships, market access.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: governance, data mapping, policies, controls, training, monitoring.
- Applies to organizations processing local data; risk-based for all sizes/industries.
- No certification; focuses on DPMP, audits, evidence of accountability. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | RoHS | PDPA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Hazardous substances in EEE materials | Personal data collection and processing |
| Industry | EEE manufacturers, EU/EEA focus | All organizations handling personal data, Singapore/Thailand/Taiwan |
| Nature | Mandatory EU product restriction directive | Mandatory national data protection acts |
| Testing | XRF screening, IEC 62321 lab analysis | Security assessments, DPIAs, audits |
| Penalties | Decentralized Member State fines, recalls | Fines up to SGD1M/THB5M, criminal liability |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about RoHS and PDPA
RoHS FAQ
PDPA FAQ
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