IPC releases REACH guidebook.
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Press Release Summary:
As November 30 deadline for REACH pre-registration approaches, IPC announces release of "REACH and the Electronics Industry Supply Chain: The Basics, the Impact and How to Survive" guidebook, which provides overview of registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemicals regulation that will impact electronic interconnect industry. Document includes timetable of activities and review of REACH implications and obligations for each segment of supply chain.
Original Press Release:
IPC Releases REACH Guidebook As Pre-Registration Deadline Approaches
BANNOCKBURN, Ill., USA, November 10, 2008 - IPC - Association Connecting Electronics Industries® announces the release of REACH & the Electronics Industry Supply Chain: The Basics, the Impact and How to Survive. This new document provides an overview of the registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals (REACH) regulation that will significantly 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 November 30, 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.
"The REACH regulation is extensive, containing hundreds of pages. IPC has essentially distilled it down so that our members in the electronic interconnect industry can gain a better grasp of what substances are deemed potentially hazardous and plan ahead to minimize costs and avoid disruption of their businesses as they work toward compliance," said Fern Abrams, director of environmental policy and government relations for IPC.
REACH took effect on June 1, 2007, and gives greater responsibility to industry to manage the risks from chemicals and to provide safety information on the substances used in their products. The guidebook was developed at the direction of the IPC REACH Blue Ribbon Task Force after a recent survey by the task force found a widespread lack of awareness and understanding of REACH within the electronics industry.
According to Abrams, "The impacts of REACH will be felt far beyond the chemical industry and likely will equal or exceed the effects of RoHS. It's vital for every company in the electronics supply chain to understand how this sweeping regulation will affect their business."
IPC member companies can download a copy of the guidebook for $25 at ipc.org/ReachGuidebook Nonmembers may purchase the download for $50. For more information, visit the IPC online bookstore at ipc.org/onlinestore or contact Fern Abrams, IPC director of government relations and environmental policy at +1 703-522-0225 or fernabrams@ipc.org.
About IPC
IPC (www.IPC.org) is a global trade association based in Bannockburn, Ill., dedicated to the competitive excellence and financial success of its 2,700 member companies which represent all facets of the electronics industry, including design, printed board manufacturing, electronics assembly and test. As a member-driven organization and leading source for industry standards, training, market research and public policy advocacy, IPC supports programs to meet the needs of an estimated $1.5 trillion global electronics industry. IPC maintains additional offices in Taos, N.M.; Arlington, Va.; Garden Grove, Calif.; Stockholm, Sweden; and Shanghai, China.
