RoHS Directive (2002/95/EC)
The Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) Directive has been passed into law by the European Union (EU). It affects manufacturers, sellers, distributors and recyclers of electrical and electronic equipment containing lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chrome, polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE). After July 1, 2006 the use of these materials will be banned in new products sold in Europe.
Trade Grade Products currently ensure that any new supplier of electrical and electronic products confirm in writing that they were working towards these directives. Any new supplier unable to give Trade Grade Products these assurances will not be used as a source of supply. All existing suppliers have been requested to confirm the status of their RoHS programme.
All products, and their packaging materials, distributed by Trade Grade Products will be fully RoHS-compliant by July 1, 2006.
Trade Grade Products already stock a growing range of RoHS compliant products. As each product is confirmed RoHS compliant the packaging is amended to include the logo:
WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC)
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) applies to companies that manufacture, sell, distribute, recycle or treat electrical and electronic equipment and to consumers in the EU. It covers all large and small household appliances, IT equipment, radio and audio equipment, electrical tools and telecommunications equipment, aiming to reduce the waste arising from electrical and electronic equipment and to improve the environmental performance of all parts and processes involved in the life cycle of these products.
In line with the WEEE Directive Trade Grade Products has registered as a waste producer and is currently implementing appropriate disposal schemes.
