Re: Difference between IMDS, RoHS, REACH-SVHC, Material composition declaration certs
Systems are about standardizing different customer requests. So why am I (and I am sure there are many people like me) getting requests from different customers for IMDS, RoHS, REACH-SVHC, Material composition declaration certs. etc?
Isn’t the intent of all these the same? Can someone please clarify the difference between all these requirements?
Do these substitutes each other?
I went though lots of individual threads on this subject matter. I am planning to make an excel sheet which will include all the requirements / differences of each for a quick reference (after I am done with submitting to my customer what he requires)
Thanks.
Dazed and Confused.
Yes, it is confusing and it will not get any better in the near future.
Substitutes, not really.
From one perspective, REACh and ELV are opposites.
ELV lists the substances (6 basic and several 1000s derived) that have restrictions and applies to cars only. RoHS is similar to ELV, but then applied to electronics and electrical equipment.
REACh applies to all substances (except substances that are regulated by other regulation such as drugs and nuclear) and manufacturers and importers have to register these substances and have to proof that they are save. Words commonly used with REACh are SVHCs, Articles, Preparations and Substances.
In short: ELV and RoHS ban certain substances. REACh bans everything unless it is proven safe. All three of them are European regulations, but have a world wide following. It will effect the way you do business.
IMDS is an internet database used by the automotive industry to declare all substances in a vehicle to identify restricted substances from ELV and REACh.
Besides ELV, REACh and RoHS, there are many other under development and under implementation, such as California Green Chemistry, Canadian Challenge List, GHS, Chemical Branding, TSCA rewrite.
It is imperative for global companies that they know what substances they have in their product, so that they can respond to the different regulation in a quick and confident manner. (in short: No Market, No Data)
Many of these regulations include fines and sometimes jail time. Not to mention to loss of a companies image when violations become public. (and they will !)
So, if you receive one of those letters or some one requests that your document compliance, be very careful with what you sign. Your companies upper management have to know about it and some one with authority must sign this letter (if requested). More than likely by signing, your company is binding itself legally.
One last thing, if you buy parts / components from suppliers, your suppliers also have to be compliant with whatever your customer requires. It is imperative that your company sets up a process / system to manage all these requirements and cascades it to your supply base. (For many of these regulations, "I did not know" is not a valid defense in a court room or in front of a TV camera).