Q&A: NWML talks about RoHS compliance

Green SupplyLine: What trends have you found during your inspections?

Chris Smith, head of the RoHS team for the National Weights and Measures Laboratory (NWML): Companies are overlooking things. We'll get a product and test it and it will have lead-free solder and the components are good. Then we'll find a non-compliant grommet or the flex cable on the main side of the power supply non-compliant. It's been overlooked or missed. We've gone to the company and discussed it. It may be some stock they haven't tracked. It's happening more on the plastic side.

We are just doing screen testing using a XRF [x-ray fluorescence] gun and not going down the full analytical route. For example, we look for bromine. If we find it, we ask the company for the source of the bromine. We use testing as a route to dialog with a company.

Green SupplyLine: Did you expect a lot of violations after the deadline?

We had a worst case scenario. If we found an organization on July 1 non-compliant and went to talk to them and they were uncooperative we would go through a process. The earliest filing of papers with the court would have been late October, then the company would be taken to court in November. That hasn't happened. This industry is interested in complying. In terms of enforcement, we've found them to be responsible and helpful.

Green SupplyLine: Please discuss the EU-wide RoHS enforcement network.

Smith: U.K. authorities have created an informal RoHS enforcement network that meets five times a year to bring issues to the table and ideally create some basic harmonization across Europe. The network is purely voluntary. We find the richer, more industrialized nations send people; the smaller nations with constrained budgets tend not to attend. With the network, we hope to present a consistent front to industry. That's what's most useful to industry and there are indications that [some harmonization] is beginning.

In May 2006, the network released an enforcement guidance document.

Green SupplyLine: What advice can you give companies with product that is 99% compliant?

Smith:: The very simple message is that it's unlawful to place non-compliant product on the market on or after July 1. If you have a product not quite compliant and are working towards it, we will open dialog with you. Be honest with us. If you're honest with us, we have avenues to explore to work in a more cooperative manner. If you evade or try to mislead us, and we're aware of the problem, doors will be closed.

(See related article: Pass/Fail: RoHS deadline leaves no room for 99% compliant.)

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