Getting Ready for RoHS

July 1, 2006 is the effective date for the European Union’s Reduction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS). This directive restricts the use of hazardous materials in the manufacture of various types of electronic and electrical equipment. OFS Specialty Photonics Division has been preparing for the deadline in a variety of ways.

"We have a cross-functional team working toward being RoHS compliant by July first. The objective is to ensure that all products are compliant to the greatest extent possible," says Debra Simoff, Coatings Supervisor.

The directive seeks to eliminate or reduce the concentration of six substances:

• Lead
• Mercury
• Cadmium
• Hexavalent chromium
• Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB)
• Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)

OFS Specialty Photonics Division has taken steps to restrict the use of these substances in our products. This process included a complete survey of all vendors to ensure that the raw materials used by OFS Specialty Photonics are in compliance.

If customers have questions about any product, they should contact customer service for additional information and verification of RoHS compliance. Note that some OFS products are used in applications that are exempt from the RoHS Directive and may contain RoHS listed substances.

Customers planning to use OFS Specialty Photonics Division products in applications that require RoHS compliance should contact OFS customer service and verify the compliance status of specific products. Customers may request a letter that states a particular product is compliant.

According to Brenda Eighmey, Trade Compliance Coordinator, OFS continues to monitor the possibility of additional restrictions that may come into play after July 1. "Each country within the European Union has the option of adopting more stringent restrictions. In addition, China and Japan are considering similar regulations," she says.