Welcome to the resource centre for IECQ Restricted/hazardous Substance Process Management (HSPM) Certification
- Global legislation and frameworks
- EU Product recall and market alerts
- FAQ - Writing scopes for multisite IECQ HSPM certification
- Material declaration – IEC 62474 database
This page provides a central hub of resources supporting the effective implementation and management of IECQ HSPM certifications. It includes access to international legislation and frameworks, industry specifications, and regulatory alerts related to restricted and hazardous substances, as well as guidance on service delivery requirements—such as defining scopes for multisite certifications.
Whether you are a manufacturer, supplier, auditor, certification body, or regulator, this centre is designed to support informed decision-making and alignment with global best practices under the IECQ HSPM framework.
Global legislation and frameworks
Last Updated: 2025-04-06 : Provided and monitored by Subject Matter Expert Mr Hai-yen Wang
🇪🇺 European Union
RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU
Restriction of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment
This directive restricts the use of specific hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment to protect human health and the environment.
Overview | RoHS Directive Text | Implementation Guidance/ Exemptions | FAQ Document (Q&A)
WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment management and recovery
This directive establishes requirements for the collection, treatment, recycling, and disposal of electrical and electronic waste.
Overview | WEEE Directive Text | Implementation
Packaging Directive 94/62/EC
Management of packaging and packaging waste
This directive addresses the environmental impact of packaging by encouraging reuse and recycling and setting limits on heavy metals in packaging materials.
REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006)
Regulation for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals
REACH ensures the safe manufacture and use of chemical substances in the EU by requiring registration and data sharing across supply chains.
General Info | 2022 Legal Reference
Key REACH Lists:
• Annex XIV – Authorisation List
• Annex XVII – Restriction List
• Candidate List of SVHCs in Articles | Candidate list
🇨🇳 China Legislation
China RoHS 2
Administrative Measures for the Restriction of the Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Products
Effective since July 1, 2016, this legislation governs the control of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products placed on the China market.
Supporting Standards
GB/T 26572-2011 + Amendment-1 (2024-06-29)
Requirements of Concentration Limits for Certain Restricted Substances in Electrical and Electronic Products
This standard sets the tolerated maximum limits for substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBBs, PBDEs, and—under the 2024 amendment—four phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP), effective from January 1, 2026.
Reference: https://gma.caict.ac.cn/en/update/264
GB/T 39560-2020
Determination of Certain Substances in Electrical and Electronic Products
A series of test method standards used to determine the presence of hazardous substances. Part 1 provides an overview and guidance.
Reference: https://www.gbstandards.org/GB_standard_english2.asp?code=GB%2FT+39560.1-2020
SJ/T 11364-2014 + Amendment (2017-04-21)
Marking for the Restriction of the Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Products
This standard defines the marking requirements to indicate hazardous substance content and environmental protection use periods.
Reference: https://www.codeofchina.com/standard/SJT11364-2014XG1-2017.html
Corporate Material Specifications
Sony Global Requirements
Sony SS-00259 – Controlled Substances Specification
Twenty-Second Edition, 2024-05-01 (General Use)
This document outlines Sony’s substance control requirements for materials and components supplied to the company, supporting global regulatory compliance and internal environmental goals.
Sony Environmental Mid-Term Targets
Replacement of Chemical Substances According to Sony Group Environmental Mid-Term Targets
Sony Policy on BFR
Brominated Flame Retardants Policy
Apple Environmental Specification
Apple Regulated Substances Specification
Document 069-0135-M, Version Date: 2023-05-15
This specification outlines Apple’s restrictions on the use of certain chemical substances in materials, components, and products, supporting product safety and environmental responsibility throughout its global supply chain.
🇺🇸 U.S. Legislation
California Proposition 65
• Sample Warnings and Translations
• MC-6572-US WTO Guidance Document (PDF)
The European Union’s RAPEX system provides weekly alerts on products found to pose serious health or safety risks within the EU market.
This rapid alert mechanism is a key reference for identifying non-compliant or hazardous products, supporting preventive actions across supply chains. It is particularly useful for organizations involved in IECQ HSPM certification, helping them stay informed about market surveillance outcomes related to restricted substances.
FAQ: Writing scope of activity for multisite IECQ HSPM certifications
Understanding how to correctly define the “scope of activity” for multisite IECQ HSPM certifications is essential for clarity, compliance, and global recognition. This section answers common questions about structuring scopes across parent/master sites and additional sites, ensuring consistency with IECQ requirements. These FAQs are especially useful for certification bodies, auditors, and organizations seeking or maintaining IECQ HSPM certification.
What is the key principle when defining scopes for multisite IECQ Certifications?
The parent (master) certificate must cover the entire scope of activity for the organization across all sites, known as the Scope of Certification. Activities at each individual site, including the master site and additional sites, must be clearly and consistently described.
What should be included on the master site certificate?
The master site certificate should describe two scopes:
A. Scope of Certification:
Listed under “This Certificate is applicable for the following scope of activity”, this must reflect the full scope of activities carried out across all sites (master and additional).
B. Scope of Master Site:
Under “At this location” (or similar wording), list only the activities performed at the master site. If the master site performs fewer activities than those listed in the full certification scope, this must be clearly stated.
What should be included on additional site certificates?
Each additional site certificate must state the specific activities conducted at that site only. This must be clearly worded and consistent with the overall scope in the parent certificate.
Can you provide an example of correct scope wording for multisite certification?
Yes, for a certification involving design and manufacture of LED frames and lenses:
Master Site Certificate:
- Scope of Certification: Design and Manufacture of LED Frames and Lens
- At this location: Design of LED Frames and Lens; Manufacture of LED Frames
Additional Site Certificate:
- At this location: Manufacture of Lens
What IECQ rules apply to multisite certifications and scope descriptions?
The following clauses from IECQ 03-1:2023 are relevant:
Clause 5.2:
Certificates must be issued per site, with each site clearly identified in the online IECQ system and linked to the master certificate.
The scope of activity must be clearly described and relevant to the activities at that location.
Clause 8.1.4:
Certificates must include a clear, unambiguous, and detailed description of the scope of activity.
Annex D – One Management System:
Each site must have its scope of activity clearly stated.
The IECQ scope (i.e., “Scope of Certification”) must be identical on all certificates.
The master site is the head office and must always be clearly identified.
Why is this level of detail important?
Clear and consistent scope descriptions:
- Ensure transparency and traceability across all certified sites
- Support conformity with IECQ requirements
- Avoid ambiguity during assessments and surveillance
- Accurately reflect the certified capabilities of each location
Material Declaration – IEC 62474 Database
The IEC 62474 Database supports standardized material declarations for products in the electrotechnical industry, helping manufacturers and suppliers communicate substance content in a consistent, globally recognized format.
Developed by the IEC, this dynamic database provides reference lists of declarable substances, material classes, and exemption lists relevant to international regulations such as EU RoHS and REACH. The use of IEC 62474 promotes supply chain transparency, regulatory compliance, and alignment with the principles of IECQ HSPM systems.