On May 28, 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of China, together with several national agencies, officially published the 'Management Catalogue for the Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Products (2026 Edition)' and the corresponding 'List of Application Exemptions for Restricted Substances (2026 Edition)'. This move aims to implement the Ecological Environment Code and the 2016 MIIT Order No. 32, strengthening source reduction and substitution of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products.

The new catalogue and exemption list take effect immediately, replacing the previous 2018 edition. Products included in the catalogue must comply with strict limits for lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and several phthalates, according to specified timelines and standards. These products are also subject to the conformity assessment system for hazardous substances restriction.

The exemption list provides detailed allowances for specific applications, such as higher mercury content in certain lamps, lead in alloys and electronic components, and cadmium in optoelectronic devices. Each exemption is clearly defined by product type, application, and maximum allowable content, providing clarity for manufacturers.

The scope of the catalogue is broad, covering air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, TVs, mobile phones, computers, printers, smart devices, toys, home medical devices, and more. Some products are subject to immediate implementation, while others, such as industrial laundry equipment and certain smart devices, have an effective date of August 1, 2027.

The regulation also clarifies that listed products, when sold as standalone components without a defined end use, are subject to the catalogue requirements. This increases supply chain oversight and necessitates robust compliance documentation for all stakeholders involved in manufacturing, importing, and marketing these products in China.

This regulation is assessed as High Impact. Key reasons for high impact:

• Immediate and mandatory implementation for a wide range of electrical and electronic products.
• Introduction of new and updated hazardous substance limits, including for lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, brominated flame retardants, and phthalates.
• Replacement and repeal of the previous 2018 catalogue, requiring all stakeholders to update compliance processes.
• Broad product scope, affecting consumer, industrial, and medical devices.
• Mandatory conformity assessment and post-market controls.

Who is affected?

Manufacturers, importers, distributors, certification bodies, testing labs, and supply chain partners dealing with electrical and electronic products in China.

Conclusion:

Immediate compliance actions are required for a wide range of products, with significant operational, documentation, and supply chain implications.