Here is an update on the use of cadmium in electrical contacts. According to the Unofficial Note of the Technical Adaptation Committee on the WEEE and RoHS Directives, Brussels, 10 Dec. 2004, http://www.dti.gov.uk/sustainability/weee/TAC_10_December.pdf, paragraph 8 of the RoHS Annex, which lists material exemptions, will be replaced by this provision:

Cadmium and its compounds in electrical contacts and cadmium plating except for applications banned under Directive 91/338/EEC amending Directive 76/769/EEC relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations. 

The Note was prepared by a delegate to the TAC from the UK Department of Trade and Industry, which is tasked with preparing implementing legislation. It states "the Member States voted to adopt these proposals by an overwhelming majority. The draft decision will now be translated into the EU's official languages, followed by publication in the Official Journal", which should "take some ten to twelve weeks".
 
Although the note is unofficial, since it was issued not by the TAC but by a participant, it seems to me that the use of cadmium contacts will be allowed.
 
Gordon Davy 
Baltimore, MD 
[log in to unmask] 
410-993-7399 

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