RoHS compliance is essential in today’s global marketplace, yet many companies, especially suppliers, are unsure of all the rules and regulations.
Non-compliant companies that sell into the European Union or have customers who sell into the EU face product bans, fines, penalties and retroactive fees. These financial consequences could prove devastating to small and medium sized enterprises.
Support for electrical and electronic manufacturers has been available for some time, but the supplier base, particulary the plastics and metal industries, has been largely unsupported.
Help is now at hand - RoHS and WEEE Specialists Ltd (RAWS) will undertake RoHS and WEEE training in February 2006 specifically targeted at New Zealand suppliers. The RoHS training is also suitable for mechanical engineers.
Attendees will learn about what substances are banned, the minimum levels, testing methods, alternatives to the banned substances, where to find RoHS information, plus what is a reasonable customer request regarding this information, how to obtain this information and the best formats for supplying the information back to the customer.
RAWS will also provide guidance on what documentation must be retained and how to reduce the risk of financial penalties imposed by legislation, which can be passed on to the "weakest link" in the supply chain.
The one-day course follows training conducted by the company for equipment manufacturers in 2005, which was extremely well-received, according to RAWS.
RoHS training will be held in Christchurch on February 15, 2006 and in Auckland on February 22, 2006.
Electronic South Members and Canterbury Manufacturers Association members can obtain a discount on the RoHS training.