Environmental Standards Background and Resources      

RoHS

Beginning July 1st 2006 all electrical and electronic equipment that is “put on the Market” anywhere in the European Union must comply with EU Directive 2002/95/EC, or Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). The directive outlines restriction limits for the following 6 substances: Lead, Mercury, Hexavalent Chromium, Cadmium, PBE and PBDE.

EU Environmental Directives RoHS (2002/95/EC) (LINK)

WEEE

The purpose of the WEEE directive (officially called 2002/96/EC) is to promote the reduction of Waste in Electric and Electronic Equipment by emphasizing the reuse, recycling and other forms of recovery of such wastes in order to minimize disposal.

EU Environmental Directives WEEE (2002/96/EC) (LINK)

European Commission WEEE FAQ (LINK)

European Commission “Definition of Producer” (LINK)

Penalties

Article 8 of the RoHS Directive states: “Although they have not been firmly defined by any member state, £5,000). It is also worth noting that a “Green Violation” in the European market is viewed as a more serious issue than in the North American market, which might result in a damaged brand reputation.