China publishes GB for RoHS regulation 
On Aug. 1, 2025, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation issued a new mandatory national standard, GB 26572-2025, titled Requirements for Restricted Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Products. The standard will take effect on Aug. 1, 2027.
Products manufactured or imported before the effective date are granted a grace period. These products are all allowed to comply with the standard starting from the 13th month after the enforcement date.
Key differences between GB 26572-2025 and existing standards GB/T 26572 and SJ/T 11364
While the new mandatory standard aligns with the content of GB/T 26572-2011 (including its first amendment sheet) and SJ/T 11364-2024, it introduces several updates:
| Item | Current Standards | GB 26572-2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Classification of inspection units | GB/T 26572-2011, Section 5.1
EEP-B: Metallic plating layers of components in electrical and electronic products |
Section 5.3.1: Classification and requirements for inspection units
EEP-B: Colorless or colored anti-corrosion coatings of components in electrical and electronic products |
| Labeling of exemptions | Not specified | Section 6.2: Marking requirements
If any material or component qualifies for exemption and does not meet the limits in Section 5.1, labeling must follow provision b) |
| Documentation retention | SJ/T 11364-2024, Section 7
Producers or importers of electrical and electronic products shall retain technical support documents related to the information sheet so that they can be provided when necessary. The retention period for documents shall comply with the requirements of laws and regulatory documents on the restriction of the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products. |
6.5 Document Retention
6.5.1 Producers or importers of electrical and electronic products shall retain technical support documents verifying the contents of the information sheet. 6.5.2 Producers or importers of electrical and electronic products must ensure the authenticity, validity, and traceability of the contents of technical support documents. 6.5.3 Technical support documents must be retained for at least three years after production ceases. |
| Grace period for products produced or imported before the implementation date | Not specified | Section 7. Implementation of the Standard
Products produced or imported before the implementation date of the standard shall comply with the requirements of the standard from the 13th month after the implementation date of the standard. |
Implementation Timeline
- From Jan. 1, 2026: GB/T 26572-2011 (first amendment sheet) and SJ/T 11364-2024 will be enforced simultaneously.
- From Aug. 1, 2027: GB 26572-2025 will take effect, and SJ/T 11364 will be repealed.
The full text of GB 26572-2025 is available at:
https://openstd.samr.gov.cn/bzgk/gb/newGbInfo?hcno=279928A31DAA3737BD0205BD3A0A4857
