In May 2026, the Swedish Chemicals Agency (KEMI) published its annual market surveillance report on its inspections focusing on home electronics sourced from dozens of different companies.
The primary objective of these background investigations is to monitor compliance with vital environmental and product safety mandates, specifically looking at the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, the REACH regulation, and the POPs regulation. Focusing surveillance on inexpensive consumer items allows regulators to test compliance with environmental laws aimed at reducing human and ecological exposure to dangerous chemicals.
Key Findings
| Chemical-Related | Product Labeling Related |
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What’s next?
Upon discovering the deficiencies, most non-compliant companies chose to take voluntary action by withdrawing the non-compliant products and stopping their sales.
- This project resulted in 17 reports of suspected environmental crimes and 14 environmental penalty decisions.
- All products found to contain excessive prohibited substances were reported to the EU's Safety Gate and the Information and Communication System on Market Surveillance (ICSMS)
- The report emphasized that while these excessive substances do not pose an acute immediate risk to users, they contribute to the total everyday exposure to substances hazardous to health and the environment, which may lead to long-term negative effects.
- Since the inspection results show that there are still many electronic products containing prohibited substances on the market, the authorities will continue to conduct risk-based supervision targeting low-cost electronics, which have a known high deficiency rate.
How SGS Helps Manufacturers Ensure Compliance
SGS offers comprehensive, end-to-end chemical and material testing services to help manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers navigate complex international regulations. Whether you are a manufacturer, distributor, or supplier, we will support you in bringing safe, compliant products to market faster – while building trust with consumers.
Our holistic services include:
- Restricted Substance Testing: Rigorous screening and analysis for compliance with EU RoHS, REACH, POPs, and other global chemical restrictions
- Supply Chain & Technical Support: Tailored compliance strategies, supplier validations, and technical assistance to address administrative and labelling requirements.
- Digital Data Management: Secure, 24/7 access to test results and reporting tools via platforms like RSTS Cloud to ensure seamless quality control across your supply chain.
Ensure your electronics meet chemical regulations and sustainability standards with tailored testing, certification and compliance support.
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About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of over 100,000 dedicated professionals. With more than 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and a portfolio of trusted specialized brands, including Applied Technical Services, Brightsight, Bluesign and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN SW).
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