On August 1, 2025, the National Standardization Administration officially released GB 26572-2025 Requirements for Limitation of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Products, marking the upgrade of China‘s RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment) system from a voluntary standard to a mandatory national standard. The new standard will take effect on August 1, 2027, fully replacing GB/T 26572-2011, and will drive the electrical and electronic industry into a new phase of full-chain green control.
I. Core Changes in the Standard Upgrade
1. Expansion of hazardous substances: from 6 to 10 items
Four new phthalates (PAEs) are added:
• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
• Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)
• Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP)
• Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
2. Limit requirements: all ≤ 0.1% (1000 ppm), with cadmium (Cd) remaining at ≤ 0.01% (100 ppm), fully aligned with the EU RoHS Directive.
3. Testing method upgrade
The GB/T 39560 series of standards (equivalent to the international standard IEC 62321) will be uniformly adopted, replacing the original GB/T 26125, to improve testing accuracy and result consistency.
4. Innovation in Labeling and Documentation Management
Labeling format: supports digital markings such as QR codes and web links; removes the requirement for production date, simplifying the process.
Information retention: The hazardous substance information form must be retained for at least five years after the product ceases production.
5. Product Classification Management
For the first time, electrical and electronic products are divided into two categories:
• Category I: Products included in the compliance management directory (e.g., printers, mobile phones), which must meet both labeling and limit requirements.
• Category II: Non-directory products, which only need to meet labeling requirements.
II. Transition Arrangements and Key Milestones
The new standard introduces a phased implementation buffer period to ease the compliance burden on enterprises:
• Before January 1, 2026: Continue to implement GB/T 26572-2011 and SJ/T 11364-2006;
• January 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027: Transition period implementing GB/T 26572-2011 (including Amendment No. 1) and SJ/T 11364-2024;
• From August 1, 2027: Mandatory enforcement of GB 26572-2025. Products manufactured or imported prior to this date will benefit from a 13-month sell-off period (until September 1, 2028).
Note: As of March 1, 2024, the GB/T 39560 series of standards have been mandatorily adopted for testing methods. Enterprises should adapt in advance.
III. Enterprise Compliance Path and Response Strategies
1. In-Depth Supply Chain Review
• Prioritize screening for phthalates in plastics, coatings, and adhesives; require suppliers to provide compliance declarations and test reports.
• Prioritize testing high-risk materials (e.g., PVC cables, soft rubber components) using the GB/T 39560 method.
2. Labeling System Update
• The new version of the information sheet must cover 10 substances and supports consolidated labeling of similar components.
• Use QR codes linking to electronic manuals to reduce the cost of paper labels.
3. Documentation System Strengthening
• Retain BOMs, test reports, and compliance declarations to respond to market supervision spot checks.
• Establish an internal hazardous substance control database to enable automated traceability.
IV. Risks of Non-Compliance and Industry Impact
Penalties: product removal from shelves, market access prohibition;
Technological elimination pressure: small and medium-sized enterprises unable to meet the new standards may face the risk of exiting the market, accelerating industry consolidation;
Green innovation opportunities: promoting environmentally friendly plasticizers (such as polyester-based and bio-based materials) to replace traditional phthalates, with a surge in demand for supply chain transformation.
The mandatory implementation of GB 26572-2025 marks the shift of China‘s electrical and electronic industry from "passive compliance" to "proactive pollution control." Enterprises need to make good use of the two-year transition window:
• Restructure the supply chain: Establish a green material procurement system and prioritize pre-certified components;
• Integrate testing and labeling: Leverage digital tools to reduce compliance costs;
• Plan technological innovation: Invest in R&D of environmentally friendly processes to seize the first-mover advantage in the green market.
ChatNow