Online catalogue flags up RoHS compliance

RS is to help its customers to comply with the forthcoming RoHS Directive by marking products in its online catalogue with an RoHS component compliance status flag.

RS is to help its customers to comply with the forthcoming RoHS Directive by marking products in its online catalogue with an RoHS component compliance status flag.

The company is also producing a free of charge guide to further inform customers on how they can achieve compliance and the impact on lead free manufacturing.

The RoHS legislation, which comes into force across the EU on 1st July 2006, restricts the concentration of six hazardous substances contained within electrical and electronic equipment.

To help its customers make a smooth transition, RS has labelled those products in its online catalogue that are compliant with a green flag.

To further remove confusion, products that are exempt and products that don't comply will also be clearly marked.

The flags are displayed alongside components in all of the various search functions and at the point of ordering.

The move comes as uncertainty over compliance clouds companies' purchasing decisions, with many unaware of the electronic parts and components due to be affected.

To evaluate lead free soldering, RoHS compliant sample packs are available free of charge from RS (stock code 517 7278).

These contain lead-free solder and other electronic components that comply with the legislation.

Klaus Goeldenbot, RS UK General Manager said: "Using our relationships with manufacturers and customers we know not enough is being done to help UK companies comply with the RoHS legislation".

"There are major implications for not only technical manufacturing, but also supplier relations, logistics, and the supply chain".

Goeldenbot continues: "As the UK's leading supplier of electronic components we feel that it is our duty to do everything we can to support our customers, and the compliance flags mean everyone using our site will know exactly which products are safe".

The measures are part of an ongoing pledge from RS to use all its experience and technical knowhow to support the RoHS needs of its customers.

Combined with RS' flexible, multi-channel approach to ordering through the website, the catalogue, by phone, fax or via the nationwide RS Trade Counter network, it has never been easier to search for and find RoHS compliant products.

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