EPC’s Compliance with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive

Even though it is not a current requirement in America, the global environmental community seems to be moving towards eliminating lead from all products possible, including lead used in electronics, such as PCB boards. This pressure to eliminate lead in electronic interconnection, will eventually come to the United States, and is already becoming a requirement in the Western European Countries.

The European Union (EU) has already implemented a Restriction on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and prohibited the use of lead and 5 other substances in electronics beginning July 1, 2006. The current draft of the definition of "lead free" by RoHS Indicates a maximum concentration value of 0.1% by weight in homogenous material for lead, mercury, hexavalin chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), and polybromintated diphenyls (PBDE). And will tolerate a weight for homogenous cadminium of 0.01%. Homogenous meaning "of uniform composition throughout". A semi-conductor package contains many homogenous materials which include plastic moulding material, tin electroplating coating on the lead frame, the lead frame alloys, and gold bond wires.

What does this mean to us?
The European Parliament has ordered that WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) have all businesses in the electronic equipment manufacturing industries have a recycle and collection plan implemented by Aug 13, 2005, and electronic equipment manufactured after July 1, 2006 must be lead free. EPC has completed the process of evaluating, testing, and specifying lead free solder alternatives, as well as other RoHS related issues. All our assembly technicians are now trained and certified in the latest lead free soldering techniques. Providing a quality product that is environmentally friendly is EPC's mission. Customers should contact a Customer Service Representative if they have any further questions or concerns.