Cenelec revised existing harmonized standard EN 50581:2012 which led to the adoption of standard EN IEC 63000:2018 setting out specifications for the technical documentation required for assessing materials, components and electrical and electronic equipment with respect to the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances. That new standard EN IEC 63000:2018 is based on existing international standard IEC 63000:2016 which itself is based on harmonized standard EN 50581:2012.

Standard EN IEC 63000:2018 drafted by Cenelec satisfies the requirements which it aims to cover and which are set out in Directive 2011/65/EU. It is therefore appropriate to publish the reference of that standard in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Since the standard replaces standard EN 50581:2012, it is necessary to withdraw the reference of standard EN 50581:2012. In order to give manufacturers sufficient time to adapt their products to the new standard, the withdrawal date of the existing harmonized standard is 18 November 2021.