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.
Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)
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.
FAQs for Customers
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.
