Worldwide Customs & Regulatory Updates
August 9, 2006
New EU Regulation - Restriction on Hazardous Substances
With effect from 1st July 2006, the European Union (EU) had implemented a directive restricting the use of six hazardous substances in all Electronic & Electrical Equipment (EEE). These hazardous substances are lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB's (polybrominated biphenyls) and PBDE's (polybrominated diphenyl ethers).
All EEE producers are advised to use alternative environmental-friendly substitution in the manufacture of their products that is compatible with the health and safety of the users.
Exemptions will be permitted if the substitution is not possible from a scientific or technical point of view, or if the negative environmental and health impacts caused by the substitution outweighs the human and environmental benefits.
Based on the current available information, all EEE manufacturers who ship their products to EU must exercise the following actions for all 'Restriction of Use of Hazardous Substances' (RoHS) compliant products:
- Apply a 'crossed out waste bin' symbol on the EEE products
- Mark the date of introduction to the market on the EEE products
- Provide information about re-use of the EEE products (end of life)
- Define all RoHS-compliant components within the EEE products
For more information on the EU directives, please check the following European Union weblinks
For any inquiries on our service to Europe, please contact your local FedEx Customer Service team.