What Are RoHS and WEEE Directives?

Effective July 1, 2006, the European Union (EU) will begin enforcing two new legislative measures: RoHS (Restrictions on Hazardous Substances and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), that affect the sale of electrical and electronic products and components. The State of California has also indicated its intention to adopt similar legislation in the near future.

RoHS legislation aims to reduce environmental impacts of waste and improve recyclability.

WEEE legislation aims to conserve landfill space and to support more sustainable development by providing an impetus to boost recycling.

FAQs — Frequently Asked Questions

Q — What is FAST Doing About Compliance?

A — FAST is committed to compliance with both legislative measures and is in the process of insuring that all FAST products intended for these markets, for sale either directly or through our customers and distributors, will be in compliance by the specified timeframe.

Q — Will Product Design Change?

A — FAST is currently completing a complete review of all current Bill's-of-Material for all items sold. In most cases, non-compliant components have compliant replacements available negating the need for product redesign. Should any product materially change, we will notify our customers of the proposed changes.

Q — Will New Products be Tested?

A — FAST is working with the appropriate regulatory and testing agencies to insure that all FAST products exceed the current design specifications.

Q — Is There a Phase-In Period?

A — FAST will continue to supply the current versions of all products until the compliant version becomes available -- distinguished by Date-Code or Model Number designation. From that point on, all manufacturing of products will be exclusively the compliant versions.

Q — Where Can I Find More Information on RoHS and WEEE?

A — Learn more by visiting http://www.buyusa.gov/europeanunion/weee.html

A — Direct any questions you have regarding specific FAST products to your Sales Leader or your Customer Support Representative at 1-800-FASTRON.

A — View an Overview a of New "Green" Manufacturing Directives (WEEE & RoHS) — Presented by FAST -- (Flash format)