SG 080/26
The China RoHS 2026 Catalogue expands Category I by adding 23 new product categories and 5 expanded categories.
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), alongside seven other state departments, has officially released the Standard Achieving Management Catalogue for the Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical Appliances and Electronic Products (2026 Edition) and its accompanying Exemption List.
The 2026 Edition marks a major expansion of China RoHS scope by adding 23 product categories to Category I and expanding five existing categories. Category I covers products in the Standard Achieving Management Catalogue that are subject to substance restriction and conformity assessment requirements. The 2026 Catalogue and Exemption List take effect from the official announcement date, while requirements for the newly added categories apply from August 1, 2027, in line with GB 26572-2025.
What are the key updates?
The expansion follows China RoHS’s recent transition to a 10-substance restriction framework, which now includes four key phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP). The applicable requirements and implementation dates are defined by GB 26572-2025 and the 2026 Standard Achieving Management Catalogue, with the Exemption List updated accordingly.
The 23 newly added product categories target high-growth consumer segments and digital devices, including:
- Daily household and similar-use products: microwave ovens, electric rice cookers, water dispensers, projectors and portable power banks, etc.
- Products driven by rapid development of information technology: smart watches and bracelets, earphones, smart speakers, robot vacuum cleaners, electronic smart locks, servers, network switches and routers, etc.
- Products related to safety and health concerns: electric toys, reading and writing desk lamps, electronic blood pressure monitors, blood glucose meters, hearing aids and other commonly used household or medical electronic devices, etc.
Compliance timelines & testing framework
To ensure market predictability and provide enterprises with ample time to restructure supply chains, the MIIT has outlined a structural timeline:
Action plan for business
The transition from Category II to Category I means higher compliance risks for global electronics manufacturers. Companies selling the newly regulated products in the Chinese market should promptly review the applicable requirements and prepare for compliance by the relevant effective dates:
- Audit supply chains: verify that components – especially plastics, wiring and adhesives – do not exceed the limits for the 10 hazardous substances
- Conduct conformity assessments: arrange for product testing and submit the required compliance declarations via the official China RoHS Public Service Platform
- Update product marking: ensure correct environmental labeling and compliance marks are properly applied before the applicable deadline to reduce compliance and market access risks
How we help manufacturers ensure chemical safety and regulatory compliance
- Advanced chemical testing: provides testing services for E&E products, related components and materials for the 10 restricted substances, in accordance with the GB/T 39560 series of standards
- CN regulatory compliance: provides voluntary certification services under the China RoHS conformity assessment system for products within the Standard Achieving Management Catalogue.
Who is impacted?
This update affects stakeholders across the electrical appliances and electronic products chain, including manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers operating in China.
When does it apply?
Existing catalogued products and the 2026 Exemption List take effect from the official publication date. Requirements for the expanded scope of five existing categories and the newly added 23 categories apply from August 1, 2027.
Manufacturers, retailers and suppliers of electrical and electronic products must meet various Restriction of Hazardous Substances regulations based on their target markets. With 30 accredited RoHS laboratories worldwide, we are your trusted compliance partner. Visit our website or contact us to learn more. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested.
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