European Environmental Directives Impact The North American Machining Industry
The PMPA Technology Services Department has recently published a technical overview of five European directives and regulations. The report is available only to PMPA members.
The PMPA Technology Services Department has recently published a technical overview of five European directives and regulations. The report is available only to PMPA members.
The directives and regulations covered could affect manufacturers that sell to customers in Europe. In addition to the technical details of End of Life Vehicles (ELV); Restriction of Hazardous Substances, (RoHS); Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE); Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH); and Packaging and Packaging Waste, the report provides an overview of the European System and the Precautionary Principle. Additional relevant material regarding European Union requirements
on wood packing materials is provided as part of the Packaging and Packaging Waste report.
The impact of some of these directives has already reached our shores and companies. ELV and RoHS are now affecting the materials permitted and specified for use. This is causing confused customers to turn to us, their suppliers, for clarity on the directives. Suitability and acceptability of free-machining materials that contain lead are documented with the restriction clauses and exemption clauses (and grade-appropriate warnings) shown for the directives covering these materials.
The materials provided are the results of lengthy research, technical analysis and discussions with appropriate experts. They are not, and should not be considered, legal advice. The overview provides responses to potential customer questions on each of the five directives.
In the global market for precision machined products, no one company can afford, by itself, the expense to know and understand all issues from around the world. By combining their resources through the PMPA, our members are able to stay up-to-date on these challenges. This is accomplished by maintaining a staff dedicated to providing timely business intelligence on these and other issues in order to promote members’ sustainability and commercial success. Perhaps your company could benefit by belonging to the PMPA.
PMPA members can download the report at www.pmpa.org by clicking on “Breaking News Item: Business Intelligence Report – European Environmental Directives and Regulations” and entering a user name and password in the pop-up box.
