Directive 2002/95/EC on Restriction of use of certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS)

The European Union Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive is a single market Directive on the restriction of certain hazardous substances. It seeks to reduce environmental impact by restricting the use of certain hazardous substances during the manufacturing of electrical and electronics products.

Compatible Distribution is observing a multitude of regulatory requirements applicable to its products, including the RoHS Directive that will restrict the use of lead (Pb), mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium and two bromine-containing flame retardants: PBB (polybrominated biphenyls) and PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) in electrical and electronic products.

Compatible Distributions policy aims to virtually eliminate RoHS substances (to levels below legal limits) for all products Compatible Distribution distributed on the market (as defined below) after 1 July, 2006 and subject to the RoHS Directive, except where it is widely recognized that there is no technically feasible alternative (as indicated by exemptions under the EU RoHS Directive).

The term ‘distributing’ is defined uniformly throughout the EU. The term refers to “the initial action to distribute a product on the Community (EU) market, with a view to resell or use in the EU”. A product is therefore considered being made available on the EU market when it is transferred from the stage of manufacture with the intention of distribution or use on the EU market. 

Considering that a number of amendments to the RoHS Directive are yet to be finalized, to the best of its knowledge Compatible Distribution intends to place onto the EU market after 1st July 2006 products which are designed to comply with the RoHS Directive requirements. The suppliers of Compatible Distribution sources many components and materials used in its products from third party suppliers and it relies on representations of compliance, including disclosure of the presence of RoHS substances from these suppliers.

Compatible Distribution is in the process of establishing internal systems to ensure ongoing compliance with the RoHS Directive and monitoring the ongoing regulatory developments to ensure that its products comply with their requirements.

Because our suppliers have not yet certified all products in accordance with RoHS compliancy standards, a number of products have been concerned of longer than normal delivery periods. We expect at the latest Q3/Q4 that these products also carry the certificate in accordance with RoHS compliancy standards. Afterwards also at the latest in the 4th Quarter the delivery periods for these products will be standardised to normal again.

Should you have any specific questions regarding this matter, please feel free to contact your account manager.

Sincerely,

Robert de Keizer
General Manager, Compatible Distribution
Compatible Computer Solutions BV