Electrical and Electronic Equipment and the Environment 2011

ERA's well established annual conference is acknowledged as the single most important event for exchanging knowledge about environmental legislation and regulations. 2011 is going to be another exciting and challenging year for manufacturers and importers of electrical and electronic equipment with further changes in legislation imminent, whilst they are still wrestling with the confusion surrounding the scope and requirements of some of the existing legislation! The RoHS recast is due for publication in July; what will be the scope and exemptions? For REACH, notification for articles containing more than 0.1% of SVHCs (Substances of Very High Concern) is required by June and it is very likely that further substances will be classified as SVHCs. With the date for REACH registration having passed, there will be some downstream users who will find that their supplies dry up, if their suppliers failed to register crucial chemicals. Companies will also need to ensure that the replacement substances that are being used do not affect the electrical safety or the reliability of their products. Further studies are continuing under the Eco-Design Directive with studies to be launched concerning motors, drives, pumps and compressors, the results of which when implemented will affect a wide range of products, both consumer and industrial. Quietly on the sidelines pressure is growing to reject the use of "conflict minerals" which include coltan, cassiterite, and gold and there is evidence that the Chinese Government are restricting the export of rare earths metals so that sourcing certain vital materials for the electronics industry could become even more difficult. Further ethical questions arise on the disposal of WEEE with illegal e-waste transportation becoming one of the biggest growth areas of environmental crime. All of these pressures make it a very difficult time for responsible companies and as ever this conference will bring together expert speakers from around the world who are shaping and enforcing the legislation, and those who have to deal with its consequences on a daily basis, to impart their knowledge to help you make the right business decisions for your company and its products. Why should you attend? Some thoughts from previous delegates • It is the best place to get business critical information on EU environmental legislation combined with input from the industry. • In one conference it covers all of the main environmental legislation facing electronic equipment manufacturers selling into the EU and the USA. • Quality of speakers, networking, subject experts and in my opinion, the best conference of its type in the industry For exhibition or sponsorship opportunities contact +44 (0) 1372 367 140 or email events@era.co.uk.