Review of China's Restriction of the Use of Hazardous Substances Directive and increased compliance by 2026 

Expanded Substance Restrictions:

Starting 1 January 2026, China will significantly broaden the scope of its RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive to encompass a total of 10 restricted hazardous substances. Among these are four phthalates—DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP—commonly used as plasticizers to enhance the flexibility of materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Phthalates are chemical compounds derived from phthalic acid and various alcohols, and they are primarily employed in the production of flexible plastics. This expansion underscores China's commitment to improving environmental and health safety standards, and businesses must adapt to these updated regulations to remain compliant in the market.

Obligations by Tier:

Tier 1: Scheduled electrical and electronic products—such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines—must not contain any of the 10 restricted hazardous substances above the specified maximum threshold. Compliance is mandatory to meet safety and environmental standards.

Tier 2: Non-listed products are required to comply with labelling provisions but are not obligated to reduce hazardous substance levels below the threshold.

Labelling Requirements:

Both Tier 1 and Tier 2 products must adhere to the labelling standards set forth in SJ/T 11364-2024. This includes clearly indicating the presence of hazardous substances and specifying the Environmentally Friendly Use Period (EFUP), ensuring transparency and supporting environmental sustainability.

Regulatory Impact:

Top Priority: Yes Type of Certificate: No Spectrum Bands: No Import Changes HS Codes: No Standard Changes: Yes Product Changes: No Label Changes: Yes