Lead-Free Confusion Must Be Cleared Up, Says U.K.
By Richard Ball -- Electronics Weekly, 5/26/2004

A report commissioned by the U.K. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has
called for a clear definition of the term "homogeneous material" in the
European Union's Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive to
avoid confusion in the industry.

In the report by technology consultancy ERA Technology -- to be presented at
the next EU Technical Adaptation Committee (TAC) meeting -- ERA said there
is a "requirement for a clear understanding of how the definition of the
maximum concentration values will be interpreted."

"I think the TAC has to be clear what it really means," Paul Goodman,
co-author of ERA's report to the DTI, told Electronics Weekly.

Three interpretations of homogeneous material could be used: Assemblies like
modules or PCBs; components; or raw materials. The unclear definition could
create a loophole that circumnavigates the intent of RoHS, that of reducing
the content of lead and other ecologically hazardous materials in
electronics.

Most component manufacturers are working with the materials definition,
which would see lead and other dangerous materials removed almost entirely.

However, groups such as the European trade body EICTA are pushing for the
component classification of homogeneous matierals, which could lead to
problems. A component marked as 'RoHS Compliant' could use tin/lead
terminations, leading to poor reliability if used with a lead-free solder
process.

Manufacturers would be forced to test every batch of components they
received to see whether or not they contain lead.

Furthermore, Goodman pointed out that other materials covered by RoHS, such
as hexavalent chromium, are only applied in very thin layers, so the amounts
used would not need to be reduced at all in some components. Hexavalent
chromium is far more dangerous and carcinogenic than lead.

Tony Inskip, director of contract manufacturer Zirkon, which is supporting
the EICTA view, warned against changing the Directive: "I find the idea that
the authorities could contemplate making changes to an already ambiguous
piece of legislation so close to the implementation date is astounding."

The DTI said it will issue a set of draft regulations and guidelines
immediately after June's European elections. However, if the definition of
homogeneous material is not decided soon, the U.K. implementation of RoHS
law would be flawed. Under EU rules, governments must implement RoHS by
August 13.

A spokesman for the DTI said the U.K. government has a view on the best
definition of homogeneous, but is waiting to hear other member states'
opinions.

Electronics Weekly is the London-based sister pub of Electronic News.

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