Directive Decoder

Often asked about Power Supplies and their RoHS status.
As finished goods these donot seem to fit any of the WEEE categories and would be deemed out of scope. However, thinking it through, the majority of power supplies are used as components in, or attached to, other equipment and may therefore have the same status as the equipment they are "part of".
A power supply inside a desk top computer is part of a Category 3 product and so will need to be RoHS compliant. However, if the same power supply is used in a Category 9 test instrument then it does not have to comply with RoHS.
The same can be said of battery chargers. These do not appear to be in any of the 10 WEEE categories but, when they are sold as accessories to other products, their status is the same as the equipment they are intended to charge. Therefore a charger for a mobile phone would be in scope, Category 3, whereas a charger for a portable test instrument is Category 9, and so outside scope.

Just a reminder that I will be in the Electronics Yorkshire seminar area at NEPCON at 2PM on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Directive Decoder

The EC has started its first review of RoHS with an invitation to stakeholders to comment on certain key topics.
The following list outlines some of the areas under review:
+ New product groups to be included, for example Categories 8 and 9
+ Other hazardous substances or materials used in electrical and electronic equipment
+ The relationship between WEEE and RoHS scope. Could, or should, they be separated and are all WEEE provisions applicable to RoHS?
+ Clarity of definitions such as "Put On The Market", spare parts etc
+ Enforcement and whether or not a more common approach across Member States can be achieved
+ The mechanism for exemption reviews, the criteria for granting, and if the process can be quicker

Further studies include compliance and cost benefits (why wasn't this done before I hear you cry!!) the costs of discontinuing products, using substitutes, design, higher failure rates, the delayed introduction of new products as well as capital expenditure and the gain, or loss, of jobs.
For more information:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/weee/pdf/review_2002_95_ec_directive.pdf

So, "RoHS 2" is on its way at some stage even though there are still so many unanswered questions. However, this is a sensible step forward in my opinion but, if you want to contribute, you will have to be quick as replies are requested by May 22nd.

See you at NEPCON, 2PM Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday in the Electronics Yorkshire seminar area.

Directive Decoder

Hi all......thought that would get your attention...read on!!
Wouldn't normally run promotions through this column but here are a few things I feel worthy of a mention.
First of all it was great to see so many of you at NEPCON. Around a hundred dropped in to my China RoHS presentations held in the Electronics Yorkshire seminar area. The RoHS and WEEE seminars run by Mark and Leigh of ECO3 were also very well attended.
The ECO3 guys have an interactive toolkit available to aid compliance with the RoHS and WEEE directives. Take a look:
http://www.e3toolkit.co.uk

Premier Farnell has launched a comprehensive range of labels to support phase one of the China RoHS Directive. The two symbols are required for use with Electronic Information Products to denote if hazardous substances are present below (green label) or above (orange label with Environmentally Friendly Use Period) the maximum permitted concentration values.
http://uk.farnell.com/images/en/ede/pdf/china_rohs_labels.pdf

Finally, mention of a new initiative from Premier Farnell....the Live Edge (Electronic Design for the Global Environment) environmental design challenge.
Premier Farnell is strongly committed to environmental protection. As part of continuing efforts to promote environmental awareness within, and beyond, the electronics industry they have organised a high-profile design competition that will be judged by a prestigious global panel of influential and respected individuals.
"EDGE" will encourage electronics engineers, academics and students around the world to submit designs for a product that will help to reduce or minimise environmental damage, for example by increasing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. Whether a totally self-contained system or a component that makes up a larger product, the winning entry will be supported from design towards production.
Launched simultaneously across the world the winner of the competition will receive a cash prize of $50,000 with a full support package valued at over $50,000 enabling the theory and concept to move towards production. A further 5 runners up will be recognised.
Take a look at the attached link and good luck if you have ago!!
http://www.live-edge.co.uk/

Directive Decoder