Support Swells for U.S. Version of RoHS
By Colleen Taylor -- EDN, December 27, 2006
The results of a three-month online poll conducted by electronics distributor Newark InOne showed an "overwhelming" sentiment from respondents that Congress should enact a Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) law, the company said, thereby creating a single compliance standard for all U.S. states.
The European Union's RoHS directive took effect July 1 and restricts the amount of lead and five other substances that can be used in new electronic and electrical equipment sold to EU countries. Newark InOne has been a cheerleader for the enactment of a similar directive in the U.S. for months
The poll was launched in mid-September following an industry warning from Newark InOne's president, Paul Tallentire, that the upcoming California RoHS-style rule that takes effect January 1, sets a dangerous precedent.
"Increasing and varying state-by-state rules are already causing unnecessary complexity for electronic manufacturers and distributors who must try to track and meet them all, " he said. "Are we going to wait until we have 50 state laws with 50 flavors, before we enact a uniform national standard for our industry?"
According to the company, the final results of Newark InOne's online poll showed 1028 respondents clicked "yes", 478 clicked "no", and 78 were "unsure". The poll concluded December 12. Visitors to the site are primarily engineers and component buyers, Newark InOne said.
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I agree, only so far as to prevent 50 different states with 50 different flavors. And, I agree, why reinvent the wheel? just reuse the EU directive.
Too bad lead isn't the problem, it's the disposal of WEEE. RoHS was preceeded by the WEEE directive, so will Congress adopt that first? Only makes sense--deal with the real problem (improper disposal), instead of feel-good band-aids.
Shawn Upton - 2007-11-1 12:41:00 PST -
Its fine that companies such as Newark wish to engage in political
activism. It is also fine that I will hereinafter cease to spend money
with them, knowing it will go to advocate political positions that I find
distasteful.
Peter Merken - 2007-11-1 12:33:00 PST -
The "secret RoHS society" already exists. Can't wait for the professional auditors to start performing "RoHS" certificates, just like ISO, AS 1234 or 9000 or 9100 infinity, and all of the other "feel good" plagues on the wall...yes, I meant "plagues".
Audit Her - 2006-29-12 11:14:00 PST -
I don't understand why the US doesn't just adopt the EU directive on RoHS and have done with it. Save time and money. Any company wishing to export to the EU will need to comply anyway. Most suppliers/manufacturers already align themselves with it ??? Do I see the Society of RoHS consultants appearing on the horizon?
Bruce Winter - 2006-28-12 08:53:00 PST
