IEC/TR 62476 “Guidance for evaluation of product with respect to substance use restrictions in electrical and electronic equipment” provides a framework and guidance for restricted substance controls (RSC). The framework and recommendations are aligned with the requirements specified in the RoHS2 harmonized standard EN 50581 — in fact, EN 50581 subclause “4.3.4 Evaluation of information” references IEC/TR 62476.

The guidance document suggests internationally accepted standards, tools and practices and is applicable to companies that produce finished EEE product and to their supply chain. It segments restricted substance control (RSC) requirements into three areas: product planning and design, sources of information and data, and product evaluation.

A risk based approach is recommended when evaluating products for potential non-conformity. This is particularly relevant when assessing compliance to the RoHS Directive, given the large number of homogeneous materials in most EEE products. A risk based approach helps ensure that effort is directed where it can provide the most benefit. IEC/TR 62474 also discusses the possible sources of information and data, considerations for data selection and supplier information such as material declaration. ANNEX 2 – Elements to be evaluated in test reports provides a list of information that is important for a manufacturer to review and consider when they receive an analytical test report (whether the report is received from a supplier or directly from a test lab).

IEC/TR 62476 is useful to organizations in providing a high-level framework for restricted substance controls; however it stops short of providing sufficient information on how an organization may implement the framework. Contact us for additional information on IEC/TR 62476 or how to implement the framework in your organization’s RoHS/REACH confomity assurance system.