ERA Technology has been awarded a contract by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to investigate the ways in which manufacturers can demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive. The project is being funded by the DTI on behalf of the EC Technical Adaptation Committee (TAC), which oversees the implementation of the RoHS Directive throughout the European Union (EU).

The RoHS Directive will have a considerable impact on a wide range of product manufacturers and importers. From 1 July 2006, the Directive restricts the use of six hazardous materials in new electrical and electronic products. Any new product that fails to meet the requirements of the Directive cannot be sold within the EU.

Dr Chris Robertson, Head of Reliability and Failure Analysis at ERA, explained, “The Directive requires Member States to enforce it but does not, however, state how a product can be judged to comply. Working with the DTI, ERA will produce an independent assessment of the issues involved in demonstrating compliance, from self-declaration through to appropriate methods of material analysis.”

Mr Steve Andrews, in charge of RoHS at the DTI’s Recycling Policy Unit, said: “UK government is committed to ensuring that the RoHS Directive implementation is both effective and workable. It is in everyone’s interest that a common approach to assessing RoHS compliance is adopted across the EU and this project marks an essential step forward in defining how best to do this.”

About ERA Technology

ERA Technology works at the leading edge of many advanced technologies. The business was founded in 1920 and today provides specialist, high value added, technology-based services including design and development, testing, assessment and expert advice.

ERA’s Reliability and Failure Analysis Group is a leading provider of problem solving, analysis and consultancy to the electrical and electronic products industry in Europe. This includes support on all aspects of compliance with environmental legislation in this sector, particularly the WEEE, RoHS and (impending) EuP Directives.

ERA Technology is a Chelton Group company, part of Cobham plc.

Address: Cleeve Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 7SA, UK
Business contact: Dr Chris Robertson +44 (0) 1372 367204
Press contact: Public Relations +44 (0) 1372 367000
Website: www.era.co.uk
Email: rfa@era.co.uk

About The Department for Trade and Industry (DTI)

The DTI drives the Government’s ambition of prosperity for all - by working to create the best environment for business success in the UK.

It helps people and companies become more productive by promoting enterprise, innovation and creativity. It champions UK business at home and abroad; invests heavily in world class science and technology; protects the rights of working people and consumers; and stands up for fair and open markets in the UK, Europe and the world.

HQ Address: 7th Floor, 1 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0ET
Press Enquiries: +44 (0) 20 7215 5977/60/76
Press Office Fax: +44 (0) 20 7222 4382
Website: www.dti.gov.uk