The Role of RoHS¹ and FCC in Modern Power Strip Compliance

Years ago, power strips were just about electricity and plugs. But today, with smart features and stricter safety laws, compliance standards like RoHS¹ and FCC have become critical checkpoints for both manufacturers and buyers.

RoHS¹ and FCC certification²s ensure that modern power strips are environmentally safe and free from harmful interference. RoHS¹ focuses on restricting toxic materials³, while FCC regulates electronic emissions. Together, they protect both users and the planet.

If you’re sourcing, selling, or building power strip products, here’s what you need to know to stay compliant—and trusted.

What Is RoHS¹ Compliance and Why It Matters for Power Strips

RoHS¹ might sound technical, but its purpose is simple: keep dangerous substances out of our electronics and out of our homes.

RoHS¹ (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) is a European directive that limits the use of six harmful materials—including lead, mercury, and cadmium—in electrical and electronic products like power strips.

Why RoHS¹ Is Crucial for Power Strips:

• Power strips contain internal wiring, solder, plastics, and PCBs that must be RoHS¹ compliant to be sold in the EU.
• Non-compliant products may contain toxic substances that harm health and the environment.
• RoHS¹ compliance is now expected not just in Europe, but globally.

For any buyer working with European supermarkets, tech stores, or wholesalers—RoHS¹ compliance isn’t optional. It’s a basic trust signal.

Understanding FCC Certification for Electronic Power Strips

These days, power strips aren’t always “dumb” devices. If they have USB chargers, Wi-Fi control, or smart features—they’re considered electronic transmitters.

FCC (Federal Communications Commission) certification is required for power strips that emit radio frequency signals or could cause electromagnetic interference⁴ (EMI) in the United States.

When Does FCC Apply?

• Smart power strips with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
• USB charging modules⁵ with switching power supplies
• Digital displays, timers, or control chips

FCC ensures these devices don’t disrupt other electronics—like routers, TVs, or medical gear.

If you’re selling on Amazon U.S. or any American retailer, FCC compliance is mandatory—especially for smart or USB-integrated models.

Key Differences Between RoHS¹ and FCC Compliance Requirements

Though both RoHS¹ and FCC are compliance standards, they serve very different roles in power strip production and approval.

RoHS¹ focuses on the materials inside the product, while FCC regulates how the product behaves electronically in its environment.

In short, RoHS¹ is about what’s in the product. FCC is about what comes out of it. And both are needed for responsible, global selling.

How to Ensure Your Power Strips Meet Both RoHS¹ and FCC Standards

So how do you actually make sure the power strip you’re selling—or buying—meets these certifications?

The safest way is to work with a supplier who can show real test reports, material declarations, and FCC registration numbers. Don’t take the label alone as proof.

Steps to Verify Compliance:

1. Request RoHS¹ test reports from a certified lab (like SGS, TÜV, or BV)
2. Check material declaration—the Bill of Materials⁶ (BOM) should avoid restricted substances
3. Ask for FCC ID or Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC)
4. Visit the FCC database⁷ (https://www.fcc.gov/oet/ea/fccid) and verify by FCC ID
5. Confirm packaging and product labels are clearly marked

At How-dy, for example, every smart and USB power strip we ship includes RoHS¹ material compliance and FCC test documentation—because no one wants to risk rejection at customs, or worse, safety recalls.

Conclusion

RoHS¹ and FCC aren’t just red tape—they’re signals of trust, safety, and quality. For modern power strips with smart or USB features, both are essential for compliance and credibility. If you’re serious about global distribution⁹, these certifications aren’t optional—they’re the minimum standard your customers expect.