What Is RoHS Certificate?
A RoHS certificate is a compliance-related document that some PCB customers request as part of their purchasing, project approval, export, or internal documentation process. This page explains what RoHS certificate generally means, why PCB customers may request it, how it differs from REACH, and when you may need to ask for it in your PCB quote.
Basic Meaning of RoHS Certificate
In practical business use, a RoHS certificate is commonly understood as a compliance document related to restricted hazardous substances. For PCB fabrication customers, it is usually requested when a project, customer, purchasing department, or compliance process needs supporting documentation for product compliance records.
In other words, the customer may not only need the PCB itself, but may also need a related compliance document for record keeping, project approval, supply chain review, or shipment documentation.
Why Do PCB Customers Request a RoHS Certificate?
Not every PCB order requires a RoHS certificate. However, some customers ask for it because their company or end customer requires supporting compliance documents as part of the purchasing process.
- Internal purchasing or supplier approval requirements
- Project compliance document collection
- Customer or end-customer specification requirements
- Export-related document preparation
- Supply chain compliance review
If your company has a checklist for environmental or material compliance documents, a RoHS certificate may be one of the required items.
RoHS Certificate vs. REACH Certification
RoHS and REACH are not the same requirement. Customers sometimes confuse them, but they should be treated separately.
| Item | General Meaning |
|---|---|
| RoHS | Usually requested as a compliance-related document concerning restricted hazardous substances |
| REACH | Usually requested as a separate compliance requirement related to chemical substance requirements |
When Should You Request a RoHS Certificate?
You should request a RoHS certificate when your PCB order requires RoHS-related compliance documentation. In most cases, this requirement should be identified before you finish the quote process.
- Your company purchasing department requires it
- Your customer or end customer asks for it
- Your project file requires compliance documentation
- Your order needs environmental or material compliance records
The safest approach is to request a RoHS certificate at the quote stage, so the requirement is clearly shown in the quotation.
How RoHS Certificate Works in Our PCB Quote Process
On our website, if you need a RoHS certificate, you can request it during the online quote process by selecting the RoHS Certificate option in the quote form.
- Open the PCB quote page
- Expand Unusual PCB Features (Option)
- Change RoHS Certificate from No to Yes
- Continue the quote process
- Confirm that the generated quotation shows the RoHS Certificate option has been selected
Who May Need a RoHS Certificate?
A RoHS certificate is more commonly requested by customers who have stronger compliance, documentation, or purchasing controls.
- Industrial customers
- Customers supplying to larger organizations
- Projects with formal documentation requirements
- Orders that require compliance records for approval or archiving
If you are unsure whether a RoHS certificate is needed, check your internal purchasing requirements or confirm with your customer before placing the order.
Need to Request a RoHS Certificate in Your Quote?
If you already know your PCB order requires a RoHS certificate, please follow our step-by-step request guide.
Related Topic
If your order also needs REACH-related compliance documentation, please see our related guide.
RoHS Certificate FAQ
Is a RoHS certificate required for every PCB order?
No. Not every PCB order requires a RoHS certificate. It depends on the customer's project requirements, purchasing rules, or compliance document needs.
Is RoHS the same as REACH?
No. RoHS and REACH are different requirements. If your project needs both, they should be confirmed separately.
When should I request a RoHS certificate?
The best time is during the quote process, before the order is finalized, so the requirement is clearly included in the quotation.
Need Help?
If you are not sure whether your PCB order requires a RoHS certificate, please contact us before placing the order.