What are the environmental certifications for Coaxial Cable Assemblies - Micro Coaxial Cable factory-(FRS)

Coaxial cable assemblies are critical components in telecommunications, aerospace, automotive electronics, and industrial control systems. As global environmental regulations tighten and market demand for sustainable products grows, obtaining recognized environmental certifications has become a key prerequisite for these assemblies to enter international and domestic markets. Below are the core environmental certifications relevant to coaxial cable assemblies, along with their practical requirements and application value.

1. RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)

Background and Governing Body

RoHS is a directive initiated by the European Union (EU), first established by Directive 2002/95/EC and later updated to RoHS 2.0 (Directive 2011/65/EU) and RoHS 3.0 (with four additional phthalates restricted in 2021). It is enforced by the European Commission and EU member states, but its requirements are widely adopted globally (e.g., China, South Korea, and Japan have implemented similar “RoHS-like” regulations).

Core Requirements for Coaxial Cable Assemblies

RoHS restricts the use of 10 hazardous substances in electronic and electrical equipment, including:

• Lead (Pb) ≤ 1000 ppm
• Cadmium (Cd) ≤ 100 ppm
• Mercury (Hg) ≤ 1000 ppm
• Hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺) ≤ 1000 ppm
• Four phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP) ≤ 1000 ppm each

For coaxial cable assemblies, this means:

• Insulation and sheath materials (e.g., PVC, PE) must not contain excessive phthalates.
• Solder used in connector assembly must be lead-free (e.g., tin-silver-copper alloys).
• Metal shielding layers (e.g., copper, aluminum) must not contain cadmium or hexavalent chromium.

Practical Value

Compliance with RoHS is mandatory for coaxial cable assemblies sold in the EU and most major markets. Non-compliant products face customs detention, fines, or market recall risks.

2. REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals)

Background and Governing Body

REACH is another key EU regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006) administered by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Unlike RoHS, which focuses on restricted substances, REACH regulates the entire lifecycle of chemicals, including their production, import, and use.

Core Requirements for Coaxial Cable Assemblies

The most relevant part of REACH for coaxial cable assemblies is the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). As of 2024, the list includes over 230 substances (e.g., certain flame retardants, plasticizers, and heavy metals) that pose risks to human health or the environment.

Key obligations for manufacturers:

• If an SVHC in a coaxial cable assembly exceeds 0.1% (weight by weight) and the product is sold in quantities ≥1 ton/year, the manufacturer must notify ECHA.
• Provide customers with safety information about SVHCs upon request (e.g., in technical datasheets).

Common SVHCs in coaxial cables:

• Decabromodiphenyl ether (a flame retardant once used in insulation).
• Lead chromate (a pigment historically used in cable jackets).

Practical Value

REACH compliance ensures access to the EU market and builds trust with customers seeking transparent chemical management. It also helps avoid supply chain disruptions caused by unreported SVHCs.

3. UL 94 (Flammability Standard for Plastic Materials)

Background and Governing Body

Developed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a U.S.-based safety certification organization, UL 94 is a global standard for evaluating the flammability of plastic materials. While not strictly an “environmental” certification, it is closely tied to eco-friendliness—since flame-retardant materials that meet UL 94 often reduce toxic gas emissions during combustion.

Core Requirements for Coaxial Cable Assemblies

UL 94 classifies materials into grades based on vertical burning tests, with the most common grades for coaxial cables being:

• V0: The highest grade—materials stop burning within 10 seconds after removing the flame, with no dripping that ignites cotton.
• V1: Burns for ≤30 seconds, with no dripping that ignites cotton.
• V2: Burns for ≤30 seconds, but dripping may ignite cotton.

Coaxial cable assemblies used in enclosed spaces (e.g., aircraft cabins, data centers) typically require UL 94 V0 certification. This ensures that in the event of a fire, the cables do not spread flames or release harmful smoke (e.g., chlorine gas from non-compliant PVC).

Practical Value

UL 94 certification is widely recognized in North America, Europe, and Asia. It is often a mandatory requirement for coaxial cables used in automotive, aerospace, and telecommunications industries.

4. CQC Environmental Certification (China Quality Certification Center)

Background and Governing Body

Administered by the China Quality Certification Center (CQC), this certification aligns with China’s national standards for environmental protection, such as GB/T 26572-2011 (Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electronic and Electrical Products)—China’s “RoHS-like” regulation.

Core Requirements for Coaxial Cable Assemblies

CQC environmental certification mirrors RoHS 3.0 requirements (restricting 10 hazardous substances) but adds additional testing for local environmental standards, such as:

• Emission limits for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cable jackets.
• Compliance with China’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulation (GB 18455-2019) for recyclability.

Practical Value

This certification is mandatory for coaxial cable assemblies sold in China. It also demonstrates compliance with global standards, making it easier for products to enter other Asian markets.

Why Environmental Certifications Matter for Coaxial Cable Assemblies

Beyond market access, these certifications deliver tangible benefits:

• Risk Mitigation: Avoids fines, recalls, or customs delays due to non-compliance.
• Brand Reputation: Signals a commitment to sustainability, attracting eco-conscious customers (e.g., telecom operators, automotive OEMs).
• Long-Term Cost Savings: Reduces waste from non-compliant materials and streamlines supply chain management.

When sourcing coaxial cable assemblies, prioritize manufacturers with verified certifications. FRS, a leading factory specializing in coaxial cable assemblies, ensures all products meet RoHS 3.0, REACH SVHC (latest list), UL 94 V0, and CQC standards. From raw material screening (e.g., eco-friendly insulation materials) to lead-free soldering processes and IEC 62321-compliant testing, FRS maintains strict environmental controls. Whether for EU, U.S., or Chinese markets, FRS delivers reliable, compliant coaxial cable assemblies that meet your sustainability and performance needs.