IPC guidebook reveals Reach implications

IPC has announced the release of a document entitled: 'Reach and the Electronics Industry Supply Chain: the Basics, the Impact and How to Survive'.

It provides an overview of the Reach (registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals) regulation that will impact the electronic interconnect industry and includes a timetable of activities and a review of Reach implications and obligations for each segment of the supply chain.

As the 30 November 2008 deadline for Reach pre-registration approaches, chemical manufacturers and suppliers, as well as manufacturers of components, PCBs and equipment, in and outside of the European Union, need to assess their company's compliance with the regulation.

The guidebook offers insight into both the pre-registration and registration processes and provides detailed information as to what substances are considered hazardous.

It was developed at the direction of the IPC Reach Blue Ribbon Task Force after a recent survey found a widespread lack of awareness and understanding of Reach within the electronics industry.

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