While the proposed introduction of new product categories and restricted substances will no doubt grab the headlines the requirements of the RoHS CE Mark will have a massive impact on industry.

For example:

This came despite 9.86% less electrical and electronic equipment being put on the market in 2009.

This still remains significantly behind the 65% collection target that the EC has proposed from 2016.

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The directive bans the sale of batteries containing 0.002% or more of cadmium by weight. Exemptions other than cordless power tools include emergency and alarm systems including emergency lighting and medical equipment.

Electrical and Electronic Equipment and the Environment 2010 - meeting the technical and regulatory challenges, now in its 11th year, takes place on 17-18 November at the Sheraton Skyline Hotel, Bath Road, in Heathrow.

Attracting high calibre speakers from around the world this is the one conference you should not miss to gain first hand knowledge and information not available elsewhere.

The link below will be updated as the programme evolves.

Conference 1010

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Here, chemicals expert Dr. Paul Goodman of ERA Technology, trading as Cobham Technical Services takes a look at the possible impact on EEE.

ECHA press release 8 March

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For a one page summary refer to this exclusive China REACH pdf.

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Ten product categories in phase one now have EU regulations in force and fourteen studies are underway on the categories in phase two.

Go to Linkedin.com then search for Legislation Eye

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Decission 2010/122/EU of 25 February finds that, technically, no suitable alternative has been found.

This will be exemption 39 for use in solid state illumination or display systems and will run until 1 July 2014.

The applicant for the exemption is 3M and it is for a new type of LED that is not yet on the market other than in sample quantities.

Potential future applications will include lighting (white LEDs), projectors (beamers) including small handheld devices and possibly even mobile phones.

The exemption has been published in the Official Journal and is therefore in effect now.

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With thanks to Dr. Paul Goodman, Cobham Technical Services

As it stands the European Commission, European Parliament and Council of Ministers have to agree the final draft, but there are still areas where their opinions differ.

For the latest position refer to the attached guide:

RoHS status March 2010

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This is clearly due to the general dearth of information and the lack of announcements from the Chinese authorities.

The first draft catalogue of Electronic Information Products that will be subject to China RoHS substance restrictions was published during October 2009.