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Focuses on the European Union's (EU) rules on the use of hazardous substances in electronic equipment that pose logistics challenges to U.S.-based manufacturers and component suppliers. Impact on manufacturing processes; Limits to the amount of hazardous materials used in electronics products imposed by the EU rules.

The article provides information on the utilization of energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence (XFR) as an inspection tool, in order to comply with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) in Europe. A jointly funded collaborative project has been undertaken to determine the suitability of these techniques for determining the presence and levels of any restricted substances in typical electronics components. The types of detectors used to analyze the emitted x-rays include SiLi detectors, Si-PIN photodiodes, and proportional counter. The coverage of the RoHS screening of plastic components is also discussed.

Reports on the compliance by electronics companies with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive implemented by the European Union in 2006. Percentage of electronics providers who expect their products to be fully RoHS-compliant; Compliance with the directive by smaller companies; Factors hindering companies to comply with the policy.

The article discusses the challenges of soap and detergent sector to comply with the European Union's (EU) Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemical (REACH) chemical control law in 2009 in Europe. It states that companies were busy to prepare to preregister its substances since the law effectively enforce in June 2007. In addition, companies are also busy to complete the full registration phase for higher hazard and volume substances on December 1, 2010.

The article reports that medical devices are being considered for inclusion to the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) by the European Commission (EC) in 2009. Under the proposed revision to WEEE, recycling rate for medical devices will be set, whereas the proposed RoHS amendment considers the coverage of hazardous substances already listed in the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals Directive (REACH).

The article focuses on the effects of the revised European Union Restriction on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) on the electronics industry. The proposed revisions to the RoHS Directive considered several goals set by the Green Party, which has been appointed a rapporteur to lead the revisions process in the European Parliament. These goals include the restriction of additional substances, further restriction on exemptions policy, and additional law enforcement procedures.

The article reports that the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has commenced a public consultation with regards to the registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals (REACH) recommendations. There are seven recommended substances that ECHA can include in the coverage of the REACH directive. Among the recommended substances are short-chain chlorinated paraffins, musk xylene and dibutyl phthalate.

The article reports on the opposition of European electronic industries to the expanded coverage of the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) of the European Union, particularly to its provisions on flame retardant limits. The retardant restriction is expected to lower halogen content in electronic products. The Institute for Interconnecting and Packaging Electronic Circuits (IPC) is questioning the rationale behind the restriction as some of the restricted retardants, such as Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA), are proven to be safe.

This article reports on the opposition of IPC, a trade group, to the inclusion of the flame retardant chemical known as Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) on a draft list of substances that could be added to the European Union (EU) Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive. TBBPA is a reactive flame retardant that is usually used in most printed circuit board laminates. According to IPC, TBBPA is not a risk and should not be included in future RoHD documents.

The article reports on the commitment of RS Components, which bills itself as Europe's leading distributor of industrial maintenance repair products, to helping its 700-plus suppliers and more than 1.5 million customers worldwide understand and achieve compliance with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive. RS Components U.K. is a giant international supplier of electric and electronic components and products.

Focuses on the compliance of companies to the European restriction of hazardous substances directive banning the use of lead in their products. Details on the production of lead-free MiniDisc players at Matsushita Electric-Panasonic; Key factor hampering information on the necessity to adopt the directive; Impact of the decision of Japanese original equipment manufacturers to remove lead from in-shore manufacturing capacity on China.

Presents news briefs on the chemical industry in Europe as of February 25, 2002. Ban on the sale of chemicals that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction proposed by the European Commission; Polymer polyol plant constructed by Shell at Pernis, the Netherlands.

Presents news briefs related to the chemical industry in Europe as of April 2001. Scheme started by the European Association of Chemical Distributors for the notification of hazardous chemicals banned or restricted for import/export under European Union legislation; Closure of the polyvinyl chloride and vinyl monomer plants of Solvin at Zandvliet, Belgium; Acquisition of two Helvar Merca terminals in Finland by Vopak company.

Discloses that the European chemical industry is making moves to involve environmental and consumer groups in assessing the risks posed by potentially hazardous chemicals. Regulations passed by the European Union for testing dangerous chemicals; Participation of the European Chemical Industry Council in the efforts.