Directive Decoder

Currently companies around Europe are assessing their position in the supply chain so as to determine their obligations under the REACH Regulations.

You no doubt will have heard many rumours and have probably been told that you "must" supply certain pieces of information.

ERA Technology is running more of its excellent courses during 2009 on topical legislative subjects. These include:

Complying with the eco design of the Energy using Products Directive (EuP) is on 17 June and 18 October.

RoHS in practice-how to maintain and demonstrate compliance to authorities and customers is on 23 April and 10 December.

Finally, REACH regulations-impact on equipment manufacturers and downstream chemical users is on 7 May.

For further details click here.

Directive Decoder

Farnell has become the first company in its industry sector to make specific REACH data available on its website.

Information on products, known as articles, that contain Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) can be accessed at line level. This will include both the appropriate safe use data (usually for an article) and material safety data sheet on these substances that can pose a risk to both human health and the environment.

For details of how to access the information, which is updated on a regular basis, click here.

Directive Decoder

The UK Government has adopted new rules relating to the collection, treatment and recycling of batteries.

With industry trying to get to grips with providing REACH information and supporting Safe Use data on 15 substances many are wondering when the European Chemicals Agency will publish the next batch of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC).

The only deadline regarding authorisation in REACH relates to the actual submission of recommendations to the European Commission referring to Annex XIV.

Many people felt an initial sense of relief that the changes announced as part of the so called "RoHS2"  proposals, back in December 2008, were not as widespread as feared. While new product categories (medical devices and monitoring and control instruments) will fall within scope, and it is likely that 4 new substances will be captured under RoHS (or REACH) and the separate review of exemptions will have some impact, the implementation dates of all three looked to be some way out in the future.

However, many appear to have overlooked the impact on industry of the proposed CE marking regime to RoHS.

If the proposals are adopted, which seems likely, RoHS compliance could well become a much more complex and resource sapping activity for everyone in the supply chain.

As promised here are more details around the recently published UK Battery Regulations.

BERR responses to the consultation paper

UK regulations

Directive Decoder