Information System on Substances in Products and Raw Materials as an Important Step to Reach Compliance with RoHS Directive in a Company

Abstract

RoHS directive restricts the use of certain substances in new electric and electronic equipment. Producers as well as importers must be able to demonstrate compliance by technical documentation or other information. A very important step within a compliance strategy is development of an internal information system to ensure the proper documentation. The documentation created internally and provided by suppliers shall fulfil the com-pany’s own information needs, as well as satisfy the enforcement authorities. RoHS directive provides no stan-dards for the documentation how to demonstrate compliance. Regarding such raw materials as chemicals, legis-lation like REACH prescribes very clear requirements for information (Safety Data Sheets). With regard to other raw materials, there are no exact rules. On one hand, it gives a room for innovation and free interpretation focus-ing on company’s own needs. On the other hand, it bears certain insecurity whether the information provided is proper and sufficient. It also means that internal standards for elaboration and checking of the documentation provided by suppliers are necessary. The existing situation in Latvia with product declarations regarding RoHS from the perspective of industrial companies and enforcement authorities is analyzed in this article. Main chal-lenges are identified and suggestions for improvement options of product declarations and internal information system are given