RoHS
EU directive restricting hazardous substances in EEE
SQF
GFSI-benchmarked certification for food safety management systems
Quick Verdict
RoHS restricts hazardous substances in electronics for EU market access, while SQF certifies food safety systems globally. Companies adopt RoHS to comply with law and sell in Europe; SQF for retailer approval and supply chain trust.
RoHS
Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2)
Key Features
- Homogeneous materials limited to 0.1% max for 10 substances
- Open-scope applies to all EEE unless explicitly excluded
- Time-limited exemptions with periodic review and renewal
- Requires technical file and EU Declaration of Conformity
- Tiered verification using IEC 62321 screening and testing
SQF
Safe Quality Food (SQF) Code Edition 9
Key Features
- Modular structure: Module 2 plus sector-specific GMPs
- HACCP-based food safety plan with validation
- Mandatory full-time SQF Practitioner role
- GFSI-benchmarked for global retailer recognition
- Annual audits with unannounced options and scoring
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 10 hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) to mitigate health and environmental risks from waste management. It uses a homogeneous material approach with maximum concentration values (MCVs) of 0.1% (Cd at 0.01%), applying to materials like solders, plastics, and coatings.
Key Components
- **10 restricted substancesPb, Hg, Cd, Cr(VI), PBB, PBDE, DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP.
- 11 EEE categories in Annex I plus open-scope 'other EEE'.
- **Annex III/IV exemptionstime-limited, application-specific.
- **Conformity modeltechnical documentation per EN IEC 63000, EU DoC, CE marking.
Why Organizations Use It
- Ensures EU market access and avoids fines/recalls.
- Enhances supply chain governance, recyclability, ESG reporting.
- Manages risks from exemptions expiry, substance reviews.
- Builds stakeholder trust, competitive sustainability edge.
Implementation Overview
- **Risk-basedBoM analysis, supplier declarations, tiered IEC 62321 testing (XRF screening, ICP-MS/GC-MS confirmation).
- Cross-functional for design, procurement, quality.
- Applies to EEE manufacturers/importers selling in EU/EEA.
- 10-year technical file retention for audits. (178 words)
SQF Details
What It Is
Safe Quality Food (SQF) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification program and HACCP-based management system for ensuring food safety and quality across the supply chain, from farm to fork. Its primary purpose is to verify preventive controls, PRPs, and continuous improvement in sectors like manufacturing, storage, and distribution. It employs a risk-based, modular approach grounded in Codex HACCP principles.
Key Components
- **Modular architectureUniversal Module 2 (System Elements) paired with sector-specific GMP modules (e.g., Module 11 for processing).
- Over 100 auditable clauses covering management commitment, HACCP plans, verification, traceability, food defense, allergens, and training.
- Built on 'say what you do, do what you say, prove it' philosophy.
- **Certification modelAnnual third-party audits by SQFI-licensed bodies, with scoring (E/G/C/F) and unannounced audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets retailer/brand requirements for market access.
- Reduces recalls, audit duplication, and supply chain risks.
- Enhances food safety culture and regulatory alignment (e.g., FSMA).
- Builds stakeholder trust via GFSI recognition.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification.
- Applies to all sizes, food sectors globally.
- Requires SQF Practitioner, cross-functional teams, and ongoing surveillance audits. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | RoHS | SQF |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Hazardous substances in EEE materials | Food safety management and quality systems |
| Industry | Electronics manufacturing, global | Food manufacturing, processing, global |
| Nature | Mandatory EU directive, market access | Voluntary GFSI certification standard |
| Testing | XRF screening, lab analysis (IEC 62321) | Internal audits, third-party certification audits |
| Penalties | Fines, recalls, market bans by states | Loss of certification, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about RoHS and SQF
RoHS FAQ
SQF FAQ
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