Dear Brian,

Unfortunately our influence on the European Commission and other legislative
bodies is not as great as you appear to believe. Anyone wishing to comment
on the WEEE directive, or any of the other EC directives affecting lead use,
is only permitted to make representation through a relevant European trade
organisation. ITRI is not classed as a trade organisation. In the case of
the WEEE directive the PCIF has been heavily involved with lobbying. I would
suggest that you direct any further comments to them. They will pass them to
the relevant people within the Commission if they feel that you raise any
new or helpful arguments.

However, as you are particularly interested in this issue I assume that you
attended the IPC 'Get the lead out' conference and the talk by Brian Haken
from the PCIF. You will therefore remember that the PCIF now believe the
introduction of the WEEE directive and a lead phase-out is inevitable. Their
efforts are currently directed towards a potential time extension and
helping the industry to make the change......hence their support of the ITRI
suggestions on alloy choice discussed at the conference and the IPC alloy
roadmap meeting.

Perhaps you can also remember that the statement that ITRI produced on alloy
choice was supported by a number of solder manufacturers. These
manufacturers are very well placed to judge the objectiveness of our
comments as they have all been involved in their own extensive research on
lead-free alloys for a number of years.

I am glad that you are in agreement with the PCIF and ITRI aim of ensuring
the electronics industry has a successful future, and I hope this answers
your enquiry.

Kay

+++++ Visit our lead-free.org website +++++
ITRI Ltd, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, Middx, UK, UB8 3PJ
tel: +44 (0)1895 272406  fax: +44 (0)1895 251841
email: [log in to unmask]  www.itri.co.uk and www.lead-free.org


-----Original Message-----
From: Brian Ellis [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 05 November 1999 14:42
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Enquiry


Is there a mechanism whereby Joe Bloggs can query/appeal against the
implementation of WEEE Directive 76/769/EEC on technical grounds? IMHO,
it is based on bad science, technocratic interference and a commercial
desire to increase tin consumption.

TIA

Brian Ellis

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