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Introduction
Note: This document uses 'Pb' to denote the element Lead, and 'termination' to
denote component leads.
Zetex Pb-free Definition
Zetex, defines "lead-free" or "Pb-free" to be product that does not contain Pb
in the device terminal plating.
Legislation
The European Union (EU) has recently adopted the following new directives which affect the electronics' industry:
2002/95/EC - Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),
(As amended by 2005-618-EC,
2005/717/EC,
2005/747/EC and 2006/310/EC)
2002/96/EC - Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) (as amended by 2003/108/EC).
These directives restrict the use of certain substances, including lead (Pb), in electrical and electronic products and their component parts. The directives will be applicable throughout the EU. In addition to Pb, the directives also control the use of Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Hexavalent Chromium (Cr (VI)), Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB) and Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE).
There is also 2000/53/EC - End of Life Vehicles (ELV) which came into force on July 1, 2003
and 2003/11/EC - Pentabromodiphenyl ether and Octabromodiphenyl ether prohibitions which came into force on August 15, 2004.
In Asia, China has issued its own version of RoHS, see the DCA “China RoHS” website for further details.
In the US, California has enacted SB20, the Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003, their version of the EU directives. Amendment, AB901, was recently passed that delays the implementation from the original date of July 1, 2004. Material restrictions consistent with the EU directives take effect January 1, 2007. SB50, a new bill that both amends and clarifies SB20, was signed into law on September 29, 2004.
The United Kingdom Department of Trade and Industry's website has extensive information regarding WEEE, RoHS and ELV: http://www.dti.gov.uk/innovation/sustainability/index.html.
The European Community (EC) also has a dedicated RoHS and WEEE web site: http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/environment/waste/weee_index.htm.
Commitment
- Zetex is committed to compliance with the RoHS directive, and through this supporting its customers in their compliance with WEEE and ELV directives.
- Zetex components do not contain Cadmium, Lead, Mercury, Polybrominated biphenyls, Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, Hexavalent Chromium, Pentabromodiphenyl ether or Octabromodiphenyl ether above permitted levels. Product Chemical Content Policy
- Zetex recognizes the hazards associated with the restricted substances, and will be in full compliance with the directives prior to the implementation date. Conversion to Pb-free was completed in Q1/2005.
- Zetex is reviewing its manufacturing processes and products to ensure that they meet the directives, environmental standards, and 'Green' requirements from our customers.
- Zetex is committed to the development of technologies free of hazardous materials and to make a fast conversion to further reduce the impact on our environment.
- Zetex continues to evaluate substitute materials to ensure that they are technologically and economically feasible and do not compromise product performance, quality or reliability.
- Zetex believes that industry standard solutions to eliminate Pb are the best for everyone. We openly share information regarding alternatives to Pb in electronic components where sharing that information does not violate confidentiality agreements.
- Zetex is actively working with its supply chain partners and others in the industry to develop and demonstrate reliable, environmentally responsible alternatives to Pb, including industry consortia, material and component suppliers, subcontract manufacturers, and original equipment manufacturers.
- Zetex will offer the same product specification after conversion:
- Product performance and characteristics
- Data sheet & reliability
- Quality standards
- Moisture sensitivity level
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