Expansion of China RoHS: 23 Product Categories Added to 2026 Catalogue

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), alongside seven other state departments, has officially released the Catalogue for Compliance Management of Restricted Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Products (2026 Edition) and its accompanying Exemption List.

Marking a major expansion of China RoHS, the 2026 Edition adds 23 new product categories to Category I enforcement, shifting them from basic information disclosure to strict substance restriction and mandatory conformity assessments. The new controls will take effect on August 1, 2027, aligning with the enforcement date of China’s mandatory national standard, GB 26572-2025.

Key Updates and Scope

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 timeline of the exemption list is also extended to cooperate with the regulation.

The 23 newly added product categories target high-growth consumer segments and digital devices, including:

• Smart Electronics & Wearables: Smartwatches, smart bands, headphones, smart speakers, and robotic vacuum cleaners.
• IT & Power Infrastructure: Network routers/switches, servers, and portable mobile power banks.
• Household & Health Appliances: Microwave ovens, electric rice cookers, water dispensers, electronic blood pressure monitors, blood glucose meters, hearing aids, table lamps, electronic door locks, projectors, air purifier and electric toys, etc.

Compliance Timelines & Testing Framework

To ensure market predictability and provide enterprises ample time to restructure supply chains, the MIIT has outlined a structural timeline:

Action Plan for Businesses

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 must immediately:

1. Audit Supply Chains: Verify that components—especially plastics, wiring, and adhesives—do not exceed the limits for the 10 hazardous substances.
2. Conduct Conformity Assessments: Arrange for product testing and submit the required compliance declarations via the official China RoHS Public Service Platform.
3. Update Product Marking: Ensure correct environmental labeling and compliance marks are properly applied before the 2027 deadline to avoid customs disruptions and market penalties.

How SGS Helps Manufacturers Ensure Chemical Safety and Regulatory Compliance

1. Advanced Chemical Testing: Provide analysis service on EE article with different materials for 10 restricted substances following GB/T 39560
2. EU Regulatory Compliance: With the success of EU RoHS service development, SGS guides manufacturers through complex requirements from China RoHS to ensure safe market access.
3. EU Label Review: From compulsory information, QR code to label format on SJ/T 11365-2024, SGS guides manufacturers through complex requirements to ensure proper labelling on your product.

With a global network of labs and specialists, SGS is your ideal partner to achieve compliance with RoHS.

For more information, please contact our Customer Service team.

To obtain a copy in PDF version, please click here.