China Issues Mandatory RoHS Standard – GB 26572-2025

SafeGuardSHardgoods, Electrical & ElectronicsSep 18, 2025

SG 137/25

China has issued GB 26572-2025, its first mandatory restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) standard, effective August 1, 2027.

On August 1, 2025, China officially released GB 26572-2025 – ‘Requirements for Restricted Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Products’. This is China’s first mandatory RoHS standard, which will take effect on August 1, 2027, fully replacing the previous GB/T 26572-2011 standard. The new standard marks a significant step in strengthening environmental compliance for electrical and electronic products in the Chinese market.

Expansion in hazardous substances scope

The scope of China RoHS has been expanded from six to ten hazardous substances, with the addition of four phthalates, aligning it with global regulatory trends like EU RoHS:

No.	Substance	Abbreviation	Limit (% by weight)
1	Dibutyl phthalate	DBP	≤0.1
2	Diisobutyl phthalate	DIBP	≤0.1
3	Benzyl butyl phthalate	BBP	≤0.1
4	Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate	DEHP	≤0.1

This expansion underscores China's commitment to aligning with international standards and enhancing consumer safety protections.

Unified testing methods

GB 26572-2025 explicitly designates the GB/T 39560 series – ‘Determination of Certain Substances in Electrical and Electronic Products’ – as the sole testing methodology for the standard. This standardization ensures the accuracy, consistency and reliability of test results, improves comparability across the industry and reduces compliance uncertainties for enterprises.

New product classifications and requirements

The standard introduces a two-category system for electrical and electronic products:

Category I: products listed in the catalogue for compliance management must meet both substance concentration limits and labeling requirements
Category II: other products are subject only to labeling obligations, though compliance with substance limits is encouraged voluntarily

This categorization provides flexibility while maintaining strict oversight for high-priority products.

Mandatory labeling requirements

By incorporating the stipulations of SJ/T 11364-2024 into the mandatory GB 26572-2025, China has elevated labeling requirements to national standard status. This move underscores the country's commitment to enhancing market transparency for consumers and increasing accountability within the industry.

Updates to terms and definitions

The new standard refines terminology to reflect regulatory developments. The term ‘restricted substances’ has been replaced with ‘hazardous substances’ and three new terms have been added:

Environment-friendly use period
Catalogue for compliance management of restricted use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products
Exemption

These updates provide greater clarity for implementation and enforcement.

GB 26572-2025 represents a milestone in China’s regulatory framework for hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products. By expanding the scope of hazardous substances, harmonizing testing methods, refining product categorization, mandating labelling requirements and updating technical terminology, the standard substantially strengthens the country’s RoHS regime. Manufacturers supplying the Chinese market should promptly review their product portfolios, update compliance documentation and align testing and labeling practices ahead of the enforcement date in 2027. Proactive adaptation will not only secure market access but also reflect corporate commitment to sustainable development and environmental responsibility.

Manufacturers, retailers and suppliers of electrical and electronic products must meet various Restriction of Hazardous Substances regulations based on their target markets. With 28 accredited RoHS labs worldwide, we are your ideal compliance partner. Visit our website or contact us to learn more. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested.

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