This is a situation that is going to have large ramifications. I have been aware of these future restrictions for awhile, since my employer has a large stake involved in these decisions. The EU's decisions not only affect electronics, it also affects materials used to make everyday items. The interesting part is that there are many studies that show these chemicals and by-products they are targeting have been tested and the results show no significant harm.
The big problem with these new restrictions is that by eliminating these chemicals, most items characteristics are changed. Many companies are now going to have to spend a lot of money on R&D to comply with these regulations. I have also heard that getting exemptions is going to be extremely difficult.
Hi Barbara. Yes, that's right. They're looking specifically for socio-economic justification or proof that exposure is controlled during all phases of the chemical lifecycle if manufacturers insist on continuing to use any of these substances past the sunset date. The guidance document on how to prepare a socio-economic justification as part of an application for authorization is 260 pages long...
I happened to visit the EU Website when this was announced and read more of the edict than I usually do (mostly to make sure this was "new"--there are a lot of environmental mandates in progress overseas in various stages of implementation.) One of the impressions I came away with is, applying for an exception to this rule is going to be tough. It's not that RoHS is a rubber stamp or anything, but I think this rule leaves less room for debate or interpretation of scope than RoHS.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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