Why is RoHS Battery Certification Necessary? 

RoHS battery certification confirms that a battery complies with the EU’s RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive, which limits the use of toxic materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium and certain flame retardants in electrical and electronic products. For batteries, RoHS certification verifies that their cells, terminals, casings and internal components are manufactured within strict substance limits, making them safer to use, handle and recycle.

In this article, we will explain what RoHS battery certification is, why it matters for manufacturers and end users, how it supports product safety and environmental protection, and how it helps companies meet global compliance requirements and build trust in their battery-powered products.

Part 1. What is a RoHS battery certification?

A RoHS battery certification is formal evidence that a battery complies with the EU RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive, which limits the use of specific hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. For batteries, this means that the cells, connectors, casings and electronic components are all manufactured so that restricted substances remain below the maximum allowable concentration levels.

A RoHS-compliant battery is considered more environmentally friendly and safer to manufacture, use and recycle. It helps device makers meet regulatory requirements in the EU and in many other markets that follow similar substance restrictions.

RoHS-restricted substances and typical maximum concentration values in homogeneous materials include:

• Lead (Pb): max 0.1% (1000 ppm)
• Mercury (Hg): max 0.1% (1000 ppm)
• Cadmium (Cd): max 0.01% (100 ppm)
• Hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺): max 0.1% (1000 ppm)
• Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB): max 0.1% (1000 ppm)
• Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE): max 0.1% (1000 ppm)
• Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP): max 0.1% (1000 ppm)
• Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP): max 0.1% (1000 ppm)
• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP): max 0.1% (1000 ppm)
• Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP): max 0.1% (1000 ppm)

To obtain RoHS battery certification, manufacturers typically combine strict material control (supplier declarations, material specifications) with analytical testing (such as XRF screening or chemical analysis) and maintain technical documentation to support a declaration of conformity. This certification gives downstream customers and regulators confidence that the battery meets international expectations for reduced hazardous substance content and aligns with modern environmental and product safety requirements.

Part 2. The battery’s process for acquiring RoHS certification

2.1 Sample collection and preparation

Collection
Representative samples of battery components are taken from the production line or from controlled storage. These samples cover all relevant parts of the battery, such as cells, tabs, terminals, PCB assemblies and casings, so that the test reflects the actual materials used in mass production.

Preparation
To ensure accurate analysis, samples are prepared to achieve as much homogeneity as possible. Depending on the component, this may involve cutting, grinding or milling the material into fine pieces or powder. Proper preparation helps laboratory tests reflect the true average composition of the component rather than a single point on the surface.

2.2 Chemical analysis for restricted substances

Testing procedures
Prepared samples are subjected to chemical analysis to detect and quantify RoHS-restricted substances, including lead, cadmium, mercury and other regulated elements or compounds.

Acid digestion
For many metals and inorganic compounds, samples are first digested in acid. Controlled acid digestion dissolves the solid material, releasing the target elements into solution so they can be measured accurately.

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
ICP-MS is widely used to quantify trace levels of restricted substances. The digested solution is introduced into a plasma, where atoms are ionized and then detected based on their mass-to-charge ratio. ICP-MS provides highly sensitive and accurate measurements, allowing laboratories to verify that concentrations are below RoHS limits, even at very low ppm levels.

2.3 X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy

Principle
XRF spectroscopy is a non-destructive screening method used to determine the elemental composition of a sample. When the sample is exposed to primary X-rays, it emits secondary (fluorescent) X-rays characteristic of the elements present. By analyzing these emissions, the instrument can quickly identify and estimate the concentration of key elements such as lead, cadmium or chromium.

Instrumentation
A dedicated XRF spectrometer is used for this screening. It can rapidly scan multiple components and provide a good first indication of whether a material is likely to comply with RoHS substance limits or requires more detailed chemical testing.

2.4 Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)

Procedure
Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) is another technique for precise elemental analysis. In AAS, the concentration of a specific element is determined by measuring how much light at a characteristic wavelength is absorbed by its atoms in the sample.

Atomization
To perform AAS, the sample solution is introduced into a flame or graphite furnace, where it is atomized. Free atoms of the target element absorb light from a source lamp tuned to that element’s wavelength. The amount of absorbed light is proportional to the concentration of the element in the sample, allowing accurate quantification of restricted substances.

2.5 Documentation and reporting

Results compilation
All analytical results are compiled into a structured dataset showing the measured concentrations of each restricted substance in every tested component. These values are compared with RoHS maximum concentration limits.

Compliance assessment
Based on the measured concentrations and any applicable exemptions, the laboratory or compliance team determines whether the battery components meet RoHS requirements. Non-conforming materials must be corrected or replaced before a compliant product can be declared.

Reporting
A detailed test report is prepared, describing:

• Sample description and preparation methods
• Test methods and instruments used (e.g. ICP-MS, XRF, AAS)
• Measured concentrations versus RoHS limits
• A clear statement of compliance or non-compliance

This report supports the manufacturer’s technical documentation and is used as evidence when issuing a RoHS Declaration of Conformity or obtaining third-party RoHS certificates for the battery.

Part 3. What products does RoHS certification cover?

RoHS requirements apply to a broad range of electrical and electronic equipment, and batteries are often used in many of these categories. Manufacturers commonly seek RoHS certification or documented RoHS compliance for products such as:

Product category – Example products

Consumer electronics
Smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, cameras, game consoles

Home appliances
Washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, microwaves, vacuum cleaners

Lighting products
LED bulbs, fluorescent lamps, drivers, indoor and outdoor luminaires

IT and telecommunication equipment
Servers, network switches, routers, modems, telephones, communication terminals

Medical devices (where in scope of RoHS)
Certain diagnostic equipment, imaging systems, monitoring and home-use medical devices, according to applicable RoHS categories and timelines

Automotive and transportation electronics
Electronic control units (ECUs), infotainment systems, sensors and modules where customers or OEMs require RoHS-aligned material control, even if specific automotive regulations also apply

Industrial machinery and control
Manufacturing machinery, industrial robots, control panels, PLCs, power supplies and instrumentation integrated into larger systems

Toys and recreational products
Remote-controlled toys, electronic learning devices, sports and fitness equipment with electronic functions

It is important to note that the RoHS directive also defines specific categories, exemptions and transitional arrangements in its annexes. Certain products and applications (for example some types of military and aerospace equipment, large-scale stationary industrial tools or specialized monitoring and control devices) may have special rules, extended timelines or exemptions. Manufacturers should always refer to the current RoHS directive and annexes to confirm whether their product is fully in scope or covered by a specific exemption.

Part 4. Why is RoHS certification necessary?

Environmental protection
RoHS certification demonstrates that hazardous substances in electronic products, including batteries, are strictly controlled. This reduces toxic emissions and contamination during manufacturing, use and end-of-life treatment, helping to protect soil, water and air quality.

Regulatory compliance
For products placed on the EU market and in many other regions that follow RoHS-type regulations, controlling restricted substances is a legal requirement. Documented RoHS compliance helps companies avoid regulatory penalties, shipment blocks and recalls.

Market access
Many distributors, OEMs and international customers require RoHS-compliant products as a prerequisite for doing business. Achieving RoHS certification for batteries and finished devices enables access to global supply chains and simplifies export to multiple markets.

Brand reputation
RoHS certification signals that a company takes environmental responsibility and product safety seriously. This strengthens brand image, increases customer confidence and can be a differentiating factor in competitive B2B and B2C markets.

Supply chain management
Implementing RoHS control requires transparent material declarations, supplier auditing and documentation. This improves visibility and discipline across the supply chain, leading to fewer surprises, better quality control and more robust long-term supplier relationships.

Support for global standards
RoHS has become a reference point for hazardous substance control in electronics worldwide. Aligning with RoHS through formal certification helps harmonize product specifications across regions, reduces redesign effort for different markets and facilitates smoother international trade and cooperation.

Part 5. FAQs

What is a RoHS battery?
A RoHS battery is a battery whose materials and components comply with the EU RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive. This means that restricted substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB and PBDE are controlled below the maximum allowable limits in all relevant parts of the battery.

Is RoHS certification the same as CE?
No. RoHS and CE are related but not identical. RoHS focuses specifically on limiting certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. CE marking is a broader conformity mark that indicates a product meets all applicable EU directives, which may include RoHS, but also other requirements such as safety, EMC and sometimes eco-design.

Are RoHS and REACH the same?
No. RoHS restricts specific hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) is a wider chemicals regulation that governs the manufacture, import and use of chemical substances in the EU across many sectors, not just electronics. A product may need to comply with both RoHS and REACH, but they address different aspects.

Is RoHS certification required?
RoHS compliance is mandatory for in-scope electrical and electronic products placed on the EU market. There is no single “official” RoHS certificate issued by the EU; instead, manufacturers must ensure their products meet RoHS limits and keep technical documentation to support a Declaration of Conformity. In practice, many customers and supply chains ask for RoHS test reports or third-party certificates as evidence of compliance.

How long is a RoHS certificate valid for?
There is no fixed legal validity period defined in RoHS itself. In practice, many companies treat RoHS test reports or certificates as valid as long as:

• The product design and materials have not changed, and
• The RoHS directive and its substance list have not been updated in a way that affects the product.

Some buyers use a typical reference period (for example, up to five years) before requesting updated documentation, but any design change, supplier change or regulatory update may require an earlier review and renewal of the RoHS compliance documents.