The Canadian government recommends including these chemicals in its list of regulated chemicals.
The Canadian government recently released a list of potentially restricted chemicals, including five components of soldering flux:
1. Resin acids and Rosin acids, hydrogenated, esters with pentaerythritol (CAS# 64365-17-9);
2. Rosin, hydrogenated (CAS# 65997-06-0);
3. Resin acids and Rosin acids, hydrogenated, esters with glycerol (CAS# 65997-13-9);
4. Resin acids and Rosin acids, hydrogenated, esters with triethylene glycol (CAS # 68648-53-3);
5. Resin acids and Rosin acids, fumarated, barium salts (CAS# 124751-15-1)
Rosin is a crucial component in soldering, used in over 75% of electronic products for applications ranging from sophisticated defense systems and communications equipment to transportation. In the electronics industry, rosin is primarily used in liquid flux, solder paste, and solder wire to provide efficient and reliable assembly and electronic properties for most electronic products. Currently, there is no suitable substitute for rosin; therefore, banning this substance is expected to negatively impact the reliability and functionality of products manufactured or sold in Canada.
Canada's chemical management system is governed by the Canadian Environmental Protection Act of 1999 and was the first program to classify chemicals. Its ultimate goal is to strengthen the protection of the environment and human health from hazardous substances. This program includes various methods to ensure the proper management of chemicals, such as: information on proper use and disposal, regulations to restrict or prohibit the use of chemicals, and the use of risk management and scientifically conducted chemical assessments. Every three months, the Canadian government releases batches of 10-25 chemicals from its list of over 200 regulated chemicals for discussion on whether further regulation is necessary. Industry stakeholders and related parties have six months to provide feedback for the regulatory authorities to consider.
On June 20, 2009, the Canadian government released a list of 12 recommended chemicals for inclusion in the control list, and relevant stakeholders were allowed to submit their recommendations by October 20, 2009. Therefore, whether Rosin will be banned is still under discussion. Information can be found on the Canadian Chemicals Management website.
http://www.chemicalsubstanceschimiques.gc.ca/challenge-defi/batch-lot_10_e.html
– Reference source: IPC website
http://www.ipc.org/ContentPage.aspx?PageID=Canadian-Chemicals-Management-Program
– Translated by Plastic Industry Technology Development Center
