California RoHS (CA EWRA)

California’s Electronic Waste Recycling Act (CA EWRA, Public Resources Code §42460 et seq.) is a state-level US regulation that restricts certain hazardous substances in covered electronic devices (CEDs) sold in California. The CA EWRA restricts four of the six EU RoHS 1 substances (Pb, Hg, Cd, Cr⁶⁺) at the same concentration limits as EU RoHS in CEDs. Covered devices are primarily video display devices with screens larger than four inches. California operates a state-level e-waste recycling fee system funded through the CEDs advance recycling fee (ARF). California’s ARF is paid at point-of-sale by consumers; manufacturers bear product compliance obligations.

California Public Resources Code §42460–42699 (Electronic Waste Recycling Act); California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle).

Manufacturers selling CEDs in California must ensure their products comply with CA EWRA substance restrictions. The CA EWRA applies to the same homogeneous material concept as EU RoHS. However, the CA EWRA scope is narrower than EU RoHS (focused on video display devices), and it does not include the four phthalates added by EU Directive 2015/863. EU RoHS-compliant products for the six restricted substances are generally compliant with CA EWRA, but manufacturers should verify scope applicability and advance recycling fee (ARF) collection obligations.