ABSTRACT
Product-based regulations are becoming drivers for new product design and are causing product development teams to anticipate and monitor these requirements. The European Union Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations (the “RoHS Regulations”) has expanded into other categories beyond consumer electronics such as medical equipment. Addressing these requirements affects product design criteria.
Knowing that regulatory deadlines are approaching, design groups need to start discussions with their suppliers to begin the testing and validation of new RoHS compliant parts. To prevent barriers to the sale of your product, designs have to be changed years prior to the compliance date. Companies that can anticipate these regulations and make changes quicker than the competition can gain in the marketplace by appealing to purchasers that desire greener products, if they can certify compliance ahead of schedule. Various global environmental product regulations are discussed such as packaging requirements, REACH and China REACH, California Green Chemistry (Safer Consumer Products), Washington Children’s Safe Product Act, waste electrical and electronic equipment, and conflict minerals. Company management systems for product regulations such as Hewlett-Packard’s General Specification for the Environment are covered. Also emerging issue management of problems such as biomonitoring, nanotechnology, and use of materials of concern like PVC and BPA are covered.
