Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are organic substances that persist in the environment, accumulate in living organisms, and pose significant risks to human health and the environment. They can be transported over long distances by air, water, and migratory species, making them a global concern. The EU POPs Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 implements the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants within the European Union, aiming to protect human health and the environment by prohibiting, phasing out, or restricting the production and use of POPs.
At Balford, we are fully committed to complying with all applicable environmental regulations, including the EU POPs Regulation. This declaration outlines our compliance stance, the substances we monitor, and our ongoing commitment to responsible manufacturing and supply chain management.
Balford hereby declares, under our sole responsibility, that all products, components, materials, and packaging supplied by us are in full compliance with Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on Persistent Organic Pollutants (the “EU POPs Regulation”), as amended periodically.
Specifically, we confirm that:
The EU POPs Regulation currently covers a comprehensive list of persistent organic pollutants. Below are some of the key substance groups relevant to our industry that we rigorously monitor and control:
PBDEs are brominated flame retardants widely used in plastics, electronics, and textiles. The EU has significantly tightened controls on five PBDEs — tetraBDE, pentaBDE, hexaBDE, heptaBDE, and decaBDE. Under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1482, which took effect on 17 November 2025:
Balford ensures that all our products meet or exceed these stringent requirements, with particular attention to materials sourced from recycling streams.
PFOS is a persistent organic pollutant widely used in industrial and consumer applications. Under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/718, effective from 17 July 2025 (with limit revisions taking effect from 3 December 2025):
Balford actively monitors our supply chain to ensure PFOS and its derivatives are either eliminated or maintained well below these thresholds.
On 25 September 2025, the European Commission officially added Dechlorane Plus and its isomers to the POPs list via Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1930:
Certain exemptions apply for aerospace, defense, medical imaging, radiotherapy equipment, and spare parts for specific products.
Balford is actively working with our suppliers to phase out Dechlorane Plus from our products ahead of the regulatory deadlines.
UV-328 (CAS No. 25973-55-1) was added to the POPs list via Regulation (EU) 2025/843, effective from 4 August 2025. The concentration limit is 100 mg/kg. UV-328 is commonly used as a light stabilizer in coatings, plastics, and rubber.
Balford has implemented testing protocols to ensure our products do not contain UV-328 above the prescribed limit.
On 30 June 2026, the European Commission formally added Chlorpyrifos (CAS No. 2921-88-2) to Annex I, Part A of the EU POPs Regulation. The UTC limit is set at 0.01 mg/kg. No specific exemptions apply.
Balford is taking immediate action to trace and eliminate Chlorpyrifos from our supply chain.
The European Commission has proposed to add the following substances to Annex I of the EU POPs Regulation:
| Substance | Proposed Limit |
|---|---|
| Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (MCCPs) | ≤ 1,000 mg/kg (0.1%) |
| Long-Chain Perfluorocarboxylic Acids (C9–C21 PFCAs), their salts and related compounds | ≤ 0.025 mg/kg (25 ppb) |
Balford is proactively preparing for these upcoming restrictions by working with our suppliers to identify and eliminate these substances from our products.
Balford recognizes that POPs compliance extends beyond our own manufacturing operations — it requires end-to-end supply chain accountability. We have therefore implemented the following measures:
This declaration is based on:
We declare this to the best of our knowledge and belief.
Sustainability and regulatory compliance are not destinations — they are ongoing journeys. At Balford, we remain dedicated to:
Balford is proud to be a responsible manufacturer and supplier, committed to protecting human health and the environment by fully complying with the EU POPs Regulation (EU) 2019/1021. We invite our clients, partners, and communities to join us in this mission — because a cleaner, safer world is a better world for everyone.
Issued by:
Balford
[MAY 2, 2016]
[shawn@balford.net]
This declaration is subject to periodic review and will be updated as the EU POPs Regulation is amended or as new information becomes available.
As global awareness of environmental and social responsibility continues to grow, demand for sustainably produced products has never been higher. At Balford, we are committed to meeting this demand by integrating environmentally focused initiatives across all aspects of our operations. We believe that responsible manufacturing is not just an obligation—it is an opportunity to deliver greater value to our clients, protect our team members and communities, and contribute to a healthier planet.
Green manufacturing is the practice of using sustainable, eco-friendly, and energy-efficient production techniques to reduce a company’s environmental footprint. At Balford, we have made significant investments in research, development, capital upgrades, and employee training to ensure that our operations and products meet stringent environmental standards. Our goal is to remain at the forefront of our industry in adopting rigorous environmental practices that minimize waste, reduce emissions, and conserve natural resources.
We are actively reducing our energy consumption through the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and practices. Our facilities utilize LED lighting, optimized production scheduling, and monitored energy usage to minimize waste. We are also exploring renewable energy sources—including solar and wind—to power portions of our manufacturing processes, further reducing our carbon footprint.
Manufacturing inevitably generates waste, but we are committed to minimizing it at every stage. We have implemented comprehensive recycling programs, material repurposing systems, and waste stream audits to identify and eliminate sources of inefficiency. Wherever possible, we prioritize the use of recycled or reusable materials in both our products and packaging.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality are central to our environmental strategy. We have invested in advanced filtration and emission capture systems to process and eliminate pollutants before they enter the atmosphere. Our team is trained to monitor and manage emissions effectively, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations while continuously seeking opportunities for further reduction.
In our manufacturing processes, we have transitioned away from traditional chlorinated lubricants to state-of-the-art biodegradable alternatives that are environmentally friendly. We have also replaced solvent-based metal cleaners—such as trichloroethylene (TCE), which is regulated as a hazardous substance—with aqueous, water-based cleaning systems. These systems utilize vertically aligned agitation, high-pressure submerged spray, and ultrasonic technology to clean components effectively without generating hazardous waste. All wastewater from our cleaning processes meets or exceeds local, state, and federal guidelines.
Manufacturing is one of the largest industrial sectors, and even small improvements in environmental performance can have a profound cumulative impact. By adopting greener processes, we help curb the negative effects of energy consumption and material waste while minimizing the risk of human-caused environmental incidents. We are proud to do our part in building a more sustainable future for our industry and our communities.
Our commitment to green manufacturing delivers tangible benefits for our clients, our team, and our business:
Sustainability is not a destination—it is an ongoing journey. At Balford, we remain dedicated to continuous improvement in our environmental performance. We regularly review our processes, invest in new technologies, and train our employees on best practices across energy management, waste reduction, emissions control, and sustainable materials handling. We also work closely with our supply chain partners to ensure that our shared commitment to sustainability extends throughout the entire value chain.
Balford is proud to be a responsible manufacturer, delivering high-quality products while safeguarding the environment for future generations. We invite our clients, partners, and communities to join us in this mission—because a greener world is a better world for everyone.
For more information about Balford’s environmental initiatives, please contact us.
Since our founding, Balford has established a reputation as a comprehensive metal processing manufacturer in China, integrating design, manufacturing, processing, and trading . With over ten years of specialized experience in manufacturing motor housings, solenoid valve housings, and sensor housings, we have focused our expertise on difficult deep drawing and precision stamping processes .
Our commitment to quality is not merely a promise—it is embedded in our daily operations, guided by internationally recognized standards and a culture of continuous improvement.
Certifications demonstrate a company’s compliance with established industry requirements and standards. We are proud to have achieved and maintained the following certifications, which serve as the foundation of our quality management system:
ISO 9001:2015 – Balford passed ISO 9001 certification in 2017 and has since maintained this standard for our Quality Management System (QMS) . This certification confirms that our processes meet international requirements for consistent quality, customer focus, and continual improvement.
IATF 16949 – Balford adheres to the rigorous IATF 16949 standard, the global benchmark for quality management in the automotive industry supply chain . This standard integrates defect prevention and the reduction of variation and waste in the supply chain, ensuring our components meet the strict demands of automotive applications.
RoHS & REACH Compliance – All standard Balford products comply with the European RoHS Directive (2015/863) and REACH regulations, ensuring they are free from hazardous substances above regulated limits. We provide our formal Declaration of Conformity for customer reference.
These certifications are not static achievements; they are living frameworks that guide our daily work and drive us to consistently improve our management levels through unity, self-discipline, diligence, and continuous innovation .
Our robust Quality Management System is built around the plan-do-check-act cycle, integrating engineering, tooling, operations, and inspection into a single, coordinated process.
Our quality program is designed to prevent defects, not just detect them. Production runs are supported by disciplined setup verification and defined in-process monitoring activities, which include:
We understand that tooling quality is fundamental to part quality. Our approach to tooling and equipment ensures consistency across all production runs:
Our quality standards are validated by the demanding industries we serve. Balford components are used in applications where precision and reliability are paramount:
For EV battery housings, solenoid valve housings, and sensor housings, our IATF 16949 certification ensures our processes meet automotive-grade requirements . We understand the need for traceability, defect prevention, and long-term reliability in high-volume automotive supply chains .
Our precision metal forming capabilities support medical applications requiring biocompatible materials (such as 316L stainless steel and titanium), corrosion resistance, and dimensional precision . Compliance with ISO 13485 is part of our quality roadmap .
For connector shells, battery casings, and EMI shields, we maintain tight wall-thickness tolerances and surface quality to meet the requirements of electronic applications.
We support aerospace applications requiring high strength-to-weight ratios and tight dimensional tolerances, working with aluminum, titanium, and nickel superalloys . Our commitment to AS9100 certification is part of our ongoing quality journey.
Q: Does Balford provide certificates of compliance with every shipment?
Yes, we can provide a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) specific to the material lot and batch, confirming RoHS, REACH, and material specifications for the shipped products upon request.
Q: What is Balford’s defective product rate?
Balford controls the rate of bad products within three-thousandth (0.3%), supported by our strict quality control standards and precision manufacturing capabilities .
Q: How does Balford ensure material traceability?
Each production batch is linked to specific material certificates from our approved suppliers. Our quality management system maintains full traceability from raw material receipt through to finished product shipment.
Q: Can Balford conduct third-party or custom testing?
Yes, for specific customer requirements, we can arrange third-party testing (e.g., SGS or Bureau Veritas) at an additional cost. We also have an in-house testing and verification lab for our core processes .
Q: Does Balford comply with additional industry standards?
Yes, we strictly adhere to the TS16949 and ISO9001:2015 standards as guiding principles for our daily work . We can also provide compliance declarations for China RoHS upon request.
Q: How does Balford approach continuous improvement?
We adhere to a steadfast and stable business approach, constantly improving management levels through unity, self-discipline, diligence, rigor, and continuous innovation . Our goal is to win clients’ trust with quality products, competitive prices, exceptional communication, punctual delivery, and gratifying after-sales support .
To Our Valued Customers,
Balford Manufacturing Co., Ltd. hereby certifies, to the best of our knowledge based on producing mill test reports and supplier declarations of compliance, that our standard precision metal stamped and deep drawn products are compliant with the RoHS (EU) Directive 2015/863 (commonly known as RoHS 3).
Our products do not exceed the maximum concentration values for the following restricted substances in any homogeneous material:
| Substance | Maximum Concentration Limit (Homogeneous Material) |
|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | 0.1% by weight (1000 ppm) |
| Mercury (Hg) | 0.1% by weight (1000 ppm) |
| Cadmium (Cd) | 0.01% by weight (100 ppm) |
| Hexavalent Chromium (Cr⁶⁺) | 0.1% by weight (1000 ppm) |
| Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB) | 0.1% by weight (1000 ppm) |
| Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE) | 0.1% by weight (1000 ppm) |
| Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) | 0.1% by weight (1000 ppm) |
| Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) | 0.1% by weight (1000 ppm) |
| Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) | 0.1% by weight (1000 ppm) |
| Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) | 0.1% by weight (1000 ppm) |
This declaration covers all standard products manufactured by Balford, including deep drawn enclosures, precision stamped components, progressive die parts, and metal diaphragms.
Balford Manufacturing Co., Ltd. hereby certifies that our standard products do not contain any Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) on the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) candidate list in concentrations exceeding 0.1% by weight (w/w).
Furthermore, our products do not contain substances listed in Annex XIV of the REACH Regulation (authorization list).
Nickel Content Disclosure
Nickel is a constituent element in several of our commonly processed alloys. For transparency, we provide the following nominal nickel content ranges for materials used in our manufacturing processes. The actual nickel concentration in finished products is determined by the specific alloy selected by the customer.
| Material | Nickel % wt/wt | Material | Nickel % wt/wt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Alloys (e.g., 1100, 3003) | < 0.05 | Nickel 200/201 | 99.0+ |
| Cold Rolled Steel (CRS) | < 0.1 | Nickel Silver | 16.5 – 18.5 |
| Stainless Steel 304 | 8.0 – 10.5 | Kovar | 29.0 |
| Stainless Steel 316 | 10.0 – 14.0 | Invar | 36.0 |
| Stainless Steel 410 | < 0.75 | Copper (C110) | < 0.05 |
| Stainless Steel 430 | < 0.75 | Brass (C260) | < 0.5 |
| Stainless Steel 17-7 PH | 6.5 – 7.75 | Phosphor Bronze | < 0.5 |
Our manufacturing processes are not exempt from Annex XVII of REACH (Entry 27), which restricts nickel in jewelry and articles intended for prolonged skin contact. Balford products are typically industrial components (enclosures, connectors, automotive parts), which are not covered by this restriction. For applications requiring nickel-free materials, we recommend aluminum, CRS, or copper alloys.
This declaration is based on certificates of compliance from our material suppliers and is valid as of the date of issue. Balford continuously monitors regulatory updates and will revise this declaration as necessary.
Q: Does Balford provide certificates of compliance with every shipment?
A: Yes, we can provide a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) specific to the material lot and batch, confirming RoHS and REACH conformity for the shipped products upon request. This is part of our standard quality documentation package.
Q: Are Balford’s products tested by a third-party laboratory?
A: Our compliance is based on producing mill test reports and supplier certifications, which are industry-standard practice for raw materials. For specific customer requirements, we can arrange third-party testing (e.g., SGS or Bureau Veritas) at an additional cost.
Q: What should I do if the SVHC list is updated?
A: Balford monitors the ECHA candidate list and will update our compliance statement as needed. We recommend customers check our website or contact us for the most current declaration.
Q: Does Balford comply with China RoHS for products exported to China?
A: Yes, we can provide a China RoHS declaration upon request, confirming compliance with the “Management Methods for the Restriction of the Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Products.”
Q: How does Balford manage material traceability for compliance?
A: Each production batch is linked to specific material certificates from our approved suppliers. Our quality management system maintains traceability from raw material receipt through to finished product shipment.
Q: Can Balford process materials that are not listed in the nickel content table?
A: Yes, we work with a wide range of materials. For any material not listed, please contact our engineering team with your specifications, and we will provide a compliance declaration based on the relevant supplier documentation.
Q: Does REACH require registration for metal alloys?
A: According to REACH, alloys are considered “preparations” and do not require registration themselves. However, constituent substances in the alloy that are exported to the EU in quantities exceeding one tonne per year must be registered. Balford’s responsibility is to ensure our products do not contain SVHCs above the limit and to provide disclosure based on our supply chain information.
