REACH & RoHS: European compliance of the Ultimate Star Filter®
REACH and RoHS are European regulatory frameworks relating to material safety: chemical substances, thresholds, and restrictions. They do not measure filtration performance, which is assessed through independent laboratory analyses.
In summary — Material safety
- REACH regulates the registration, evaluation and restriction of chemical substances in order to protect health and the environment.
- RoHS limits certain hazardous substances (lead, mercury, cadmium, etc.) and also regulates certain phthalates.
- Checks apply to elements such as plastics, silicone and assembly adhesives.
- These frameworks ensure the safety of materials with regard to applicable thresholds, not filtration performance.
- Performance is documented separately through multi-stage laboratory testing.
To understand the full system (architecture, materials, design): Design & architecture of the Ultimate Star Filter® filter.
Why these regulations matter
A water filter is a device in contact with water: the question is not only what it removes, but also the safety of the materials it is made of. REACH and RoHS are European reference frameworks that precisely regulate certain substances.
Important: REACH/RoHS ≠ filtration performance. They relate to the safety of materials. Performance is compared on the basis of measured data. See: Laboratory test results (measured performance).
REACH / RoHS
- Scope: material safety
- Framework: restricted substances + thresholds
- Purpose: regulatory compliance
Laboratory analyses
- Scope: filtration performance
- Framework: multi-stage measurements
- Purpose: real performance & stability
REACH
REACH: Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals
REACH is the European regulation that organizes the registration, evaluation and restriction of chemical substances. Its objective is to protect human health and the environment by regulating the substances used in products placed on the market.
What REACH guarantees
- Compliance with regard to restricted substances and regulatory thresholds.
- A reference framework for the chemical safety of materials.
- A responsibility requirement concerning safety from a regulatory perspective.
What REACH does not guarantee
- Filtration performance (effectiveness against contaminants).
- The stability of performance over time.
These aspects are assessed through laboratory analyses: Laboratory test results.
RoHS
RoHS: Restriction of Hazardous Substances
RoHS limits the use of certain hazardous substances (lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, etc.) and also regulates certain phthalates. Although RoHS was historically linked to certain types of equipment, it provides a clear reference framework for controlling components and materials.
In the case of the Ultimate Star Filter®, this notably concerns elements such as: plastics (food-grade polypropylene), silicone and assembly adhesives. For a complete overview of the materials and their role: Technology & composition (materials and filtration layers).
BPA & phthalates
BPA and phthalates: understanding the scope of the checks
BPA (bisphenol A) and certain phthalates are among the substances monitored under various regulatory frameworks because of their potential effects.
The checks carried out within the REACH/RoHS framework confirm the absence of BPA and regulated phthalates in the relevant components, in accordance with applicable requirements.
This compliance concerns the safety of materials. It is complementary — and distinct — from performance evidence, which is based on measured data rather than statements.
Short and factual answers about REACH, RoHS, BPA and phthalates — and what these regulatory frameworks mean for a water filter.
Key points
- REACH/RoHS = material safety with regard to thresholds and restrictions.
- Performance = independent laboratory analyses (dedicated page).
- BPA/phthalates = targeted checks on the relevant components.
FAQ
Does REACH prove filtration performance?
No. REACH governs the chemical safety of materials. Performance is demonstrated through independent laboratory analyses, documented separately.
Why refer to RoHS if the filter is not electrical?
RoHS limits certain hazardous substances and also regulates some phthalates. It is a useful reference to verify components such as plastics, seals and adhesives with regard to applicable thresholds.
Do REACH/RoHS mean “free from any substance”?
No. These frameworks define restricted substances and thresholds. Compliance means meeting the applicable requirements.
Does the filter contain BPA or phthalates?
The checks carried out confirm the absence of BPA and regulated phthalates in the relevant components, in accordance with applicable requirements.
Where can the official REACH and RoHS documents be found?
Download links (PDF) are available on this page, in the REACH and RoHS sections.
Conclusion: REACH and RoHS regulate material safety. Filtration performance and its stability are documented separately through independent analyses.