Industry leaders, representing key segments of the electronics supply chain, came together at an IPC workshop in Brussels on June 18, to address industry concerns with the Öko-Institut report on the proposed expansion of RoHS substance restrictions. Öko-Institut was contracted by the European Union Commission to study the inclusion of additional hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment under the RoHS Directive. In their draft report to the commission, the Öko-Institut recommended the restriction of Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), the flame retardant used to protect more than 80 percent of printed circuit boards and found to be safe by a comprehensive European Union risk assessment. In addition to TBBPA, Hexabromocylcododecanes (HBCDDs), several phthalate plasticizers and all organic compounds containing chlorine and bromine are included in the report as suggested bans.
“IPC is concerned that Öko-Institut’s recommendations are arbitrary and lack a sound scientific basis. Implemented, these recommendations will have a significant negative impact on our members,” explained Fern Abrams, IPC’s director of government relations and environmental policy.
A copy of the agenda and the workshop presentations are available at www.ipc.org/ipcbrussels
