〈各國環保法規〉彙整頁面 - Page 12 of 17

Both EU battery manufacturers and importers are required to register.

EU Battery Manufacturers and Importers Must Register. The European Commission's Decision 2009/603/EC, published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 8 August 2009, stipulates the registration requirements for battery and accumulator manufacturers. While Decision 2006/66/EC on batteries and accumulators already required manufacturers of such products to register, the Commission deemed it necessary to establish procedures applicable throughout the EU to avoid placing an unnecessary burden on manufacturers. Disclosure requirements should be clearly defined and should not overlap with other registration procedures that manufacturers may also be required to follow. According to the Battery Directive, a "manufacturer" is anyone in a Member State who, for the first time, professionally introduces a battery or accumulator (including batteries or accumulators installed in electrical appliances or automobiles) into the market of that Member State. Therefore, "manufacturer" also includes battery importers within each Member State. Decision 2009/603/EC lists the following key provisions: • Registration shall be conducted in paper or electronic form with the authorities of the Member State or an authorized registration body and may be part of another registration procedure;

2009-11-07

The U.S. Department of Energy has released energy consumption standards for vending machines.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DGE) recently released minimum energy consumption standards for bottled/canned beverage vending machines. Manufacturers of vending machines manufactured or imported into the U.S. after August 31, 2012, must comply with these standards. The DGE believes these standards will significantly reduce energy consumption and are economically and technically feasible. Furthermore, the DGE estimates that these standards will save more than 830,000 U.S. households' annual electricity consumption over the next 30 years. The cost of installing a new vending machine that meets the new energy consumption standards will increase from approximately $2,625 to $2,864, but this additional cost can be offset by the $69 annual electricity savings. – Source: Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) – Translated by Plastics Industry Technology Development Centre – For reference only, please refer to the original text.

2009-11-07

California is considering television energy efficiency standards.

California is considering energy efficiency standards for televisions. On September 25, 2009, the California Energy Commission (CEC) released a draft standard for television energy efficiency. The draft standard would significantly reduce electricity consumption compared to televisions currently purchased by consumers. This draft standard requires dealers to reduce the energy consumption of televisions sold starting in 2011 by 33%, and to comply with even stricter energy consumption requirements starting in 2013. If implemented, this measure is expected to save California approximately $8.1 billion in electricity bills. However, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) did not support the release of this draft standard, arguing that consumers should decide on energy efficiency development, rather than relying on regulations. Prior to televisions, the CEA had already established energy consumption standards for refrigerators, regulating their energy consumption requirements. The CEA website also publishes a FAQ answering consumer questions about the draft television energy efficiency standards; details can be found at http://www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/tv_faqs.html. – Reference source: California Energy Commission website – Translated by Plastics Industry Technology Development Center For reference only, please refer to the original text.

2009-11-07

Chinese exporters are paying close attention to the EU's implementation of the new toy directive.

Chinese exporters are focused on the EU's new toy directive. Recently, due to the EU Trade Commissioner's visit to Beijing and reports indicating that toys remain one of China's largest exports to the EU, the issue of Chinese toy exports to the EU continues to receive attention. A recent report by Global Sources indicates that the Chinese toy and game industry has been severely impacted by weak overseas demand, and increasingly stringent product standards will lead more companies to reduce production lines or cease operations. According to the Global Sources report, the main trends for Chinese toy and game suppliers next year are as follows: * Despite the EU implementing stricter regulations and creating technical barriers, it remains one of the largest overseas markets for the Chinese industry. * Toy and game manufacturers will further expand their market by targeting a wider age group, including collectors and hobbyists (since the new Toy Safety Directive does not define collectible and hobby products as toys, these products are not subject to stricter standards). * While complying with stricter regulations increases costs, efforts will be made to maintain product price stability. * Investment in product research and development. With the peak season for toy exports approaching, Chinese traders and manufacturers will inevitably be affected by technical barriers, and countries will increasingly adopt this approach during the global economic crisis. In fact, a recent report by Global Sources indicates that 47% of toy and game manufacturers believe that stricter overseas standards are a major challenge in the next 12 months. According to the EU's 2009...

2009-11-07

The U.S. Federal RoHS Act (EDEE) proposal has been released

The U.S. Federal RoHS Act (EDEE) Proposal Introduced: On May 14, 2009, U.S. Representative Michael Burgess of Texas introduced H.R. 2420: The Environmentally Friendly Design for Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EDEE) Act. This bill aims to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976, ensuring uniform federal regulations for the control of certain hazardous substances used in electrical equipment across U.S. states and in foreign trade. The EDEE Act will standardize electrical and electronic equipment restrictions at the federal level across all states. H.R. 2420 requires that electrical and electronic products manufactured after July 1, 2010, must not contain more than 0.1% lead (Pb), hexavalent chromium (Cr6+), mercury (Hg), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) by weight in their homogeneous materials, and no more than 0.01% cadmium (Cd) by weight. The bill also exempts certain electrical and electronic products and lists the relevant product categories. For example, products falling into the following categories will not be subject to the above restrictions: products or equipment with a rated voltage greater than 300 volts, products used on fixed equipment (excluding lighting equipment), medical communication and emergency call systems, medical diagnostic imaging and treatment equipment and instruments, and water and land transportation information management and control systems, etc. This bill...

2009-11-07

The EU publishes the second revised draft of the RoHS Directive NO.29/2009

The European Union published its second draft amendment to the RoHS Directive, No. 29/2009, on September 3, 2009. The Secretariat of the European Council presented the new draft amendment to the RoHS Directive to representatives of EU member states. The European Commission first proposed the draft amendment to the RoHS Directive on December 3 of the previous year, aiming to strengthen the directive's rigor, enhance producer responsibility, and strengthen market surveillance mechanisms in EU member states. Following the initial draft amendment, considerable feedback was received, prompting the EU to release a second draft amendment after coordinating opinions from all parties. A significant change in the new draft is that it covers all electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), unless specifically excluded. Annexes I and II of the original draft (which listed the categories of EEE and the product lists for each category, respectively) have been removed from the new draft. The new draft adds large-scale stationery industrial tools and musical pipe organs to the list of inapplicable products. The President of the Council also requested member state representatives to consider the issue of the scope of excluded products. The new draft does not include any newly added prohibited substances. The essence of the RoHS Directive is to restrict specific hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. Article 4 of the draft, "Prevention," stipulates that electronic and electrical equipment, including spare parts placed on the market for repair or reuse, must not contain Annex IV.

2009-11-02

The United States submitted the "Electrical Equipment Environmental Protection Design Act" (HR 2420) NO.19/2009

The United States has submitted the Environmental Design of Electrical Equipment Act (H.R. 2420) No. 19/2009. To ensure the regulation of hazardous substances in electrical equipment, U.S. Representative Michael Burgess submitted the bill, H.R. 2420: Environmental Design of Electrical Equipment Act (EDEE), to the House Energy and Commerce Committee on May 14, 2009, to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA). The bill is currently awaiting review. The prohibited substances requirements in H.R. 2420 are the same as those in the EU RoHS. Effective July 1, 2010, the content of lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in homogeneous materials used in electrical products sold in the U.S. market must not exceed 0.1% by weight, and the cadmium content must not exceed 0.01%; exceptions apply to exempted products. The H.R. 2420 Act lists numerous exclusionary items, including: products and equipment with voltages greater than 300 volts; products used on stationary equipment (excluding lighting equipment); communication systems, including medical communication and emergency call systems; transportation management and control systems; parallel and series capacitors; and medical...

2009-08-25

EU REACH: EU announces new toy safety directive NO.24/2009

EU REACH: The EU Announces New Toy Safety Directive NO.24/2009. The EU announced a new Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC) on June 30, 2009. The Council of the European Union adopted the new Toy Safety Directive on May 11, 2009, replacing the 20-year-old directive (88/378/EEC). Member states were required to amend their national laws in accordance with the directive by January 20, 2011, and implement it from July 20, 2011. The toy industry was required to significantly change its practices to comply with the new directive. Following a large-scale recall of dangerous toys in 2007, the EU authorities expedited the legislative process to address toy risks, increase the responsibility of manufacturers and importers in selling toys, and enhance market surveillance mechanisms by member state enforcement authorities. The new directive significantly modifies the original directive, including introducing entirely new provisions and clarifying the text of Directive 88/378/EEC. The most significant revisions are as follows: Definition: The new directive provides a clearer definition of "toy," explicitly stating that it refers to products intended (whether or not solely for) the play of children under the age of 14. Article 2 and Annex 1 of the directive expand and clarify the lists of products not listed as toys. The product lists further detail existing product categories not included in the directive, including certain collectibles, but whose packaging must display identifiable and clear markings indicating that the collectibles are only suitable for persons aged 14 or older. The new directive also stipulates that festive decorations are not considered toys. (Old)

2009-08-25

The new version of the Joint Industry Guide (JIG-101 Ed. 2.0) is released NO.25/2009

The new version of the Joint Industry Guide (JIG-101 Ed. 2.0) has been released. NO.25/2009 The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), Digital Europe, and the Japan Green Sourcing Survey Standardization Association (JGPSSI) jointly announced the new version of the "Joint Industry Guide (JIG-101 Ed. 2.0)". This industry guide provides material declaration information on prohibited substances in relevant electronic products/components and applies to all manufacturers within the supply chain. In the international market, many companies have developed their own prohibited substance programs and standards. This has resulted in numerous documents used to investigate such prohibited substance information. However, companies, through their own supply chain systems, require suppliers to provide relevant information, leading to suppliers repeatedly performing similar procedures to provide information to their customers. JIG aims to rationalize this process by setting new standards for the presence and content of regulated substances/materials. JIG-101 was published in April 2005. Key revisions include: the inclusion of battery regulations and specific usage limits. Reporting is only required when regulations explicitly mandate a specific use for a restricted substance. JIG must declare that the list of restricted substances will be continuously updated in accordance with regulations, such as adding substances like fluorinated greenhouse gases, formaldehyde, perchlorates, and perfluorooctane sulfonate. Restricted substances are declared based on three criteria; this revised classification replaces the previous Level A and Level I.

2009-08-25

Greenpeace releases the twelfth edition of its "Guide to Greener Electronics" NO.22/2009

Greenpeace released the 12th edition of its "Guide to Greener Electronics" (NO. 22/2009). Since the first edition of the Guide to Greener Electronics in August 2006, Greenpeace has updated its assessment every three months. The 12th edition, released on July 1, 2009, assessed 18 world-renowned manufacturers, covering products such as computers, mobile phones, televisions, and game consoles. The assessment focuses on 15 criteria, continuing the key points of the eighth edition. These criteria include: whether specific hazardous substances are used in products; whether companies fulfill their responsibility to recycle waste products; and improvements in their climate and energy-related policies and practices. The top three rankings remain the same as in the 11th edition: Nokia retains its first place with a score of 7.45, Samsung remains in second, and Sony Ericsson ranks third. Nokia received a high score due to its comprehensive product recycling program; Nokia provides 5,000 collection points for discarded mobile phones in 84 countries and offers consumers the most comprehensive information on the recycling and disposal of its products. Nokia has been offering PVC-free mobile phones since the end of 2005 and expects to offer phones free of bromine and chlorine compounds starting in 2010. The company's target for renewable energy usage in 2010 was 50%.

2009-07-17

UK issues legal guide to the Waste Batteries and Waste Storage Batteries Act, No. 16/2009

The UK issued a guide to the Waste Batteries and Storage Battery Act, No. 16/2009, in May 2009, issued by the UK's BERR (Battery and Storage Battery Authority) in conjunction with relevant agencies. The aim was to help businesses selling batteries and storage batteries, or products containing batteries and storage batteries, in the UK market better understand the application of the Waste Batteries and Storage Battery Act 2009. The Act came into effect on May 5, 2009. This guide outlines the responsibilities of businesses under the Act and applies to businesses selling portable batteries to consumers, as well as those involved in the collection, processing, recycling, or export of waste batteries. Battery manufacturers wishing to market more than one tonne of portable batteries in the UK by 2010 must join the Battery Compliance Scheme (BCS) by October 15, 2009. Small producers are defined as those marketing less than one tonne of portable batteries in the UK market within a year. Effective October 15, 2009, small-scale producers were required to register with the relevant Environmental Agency (EA) and record sales volumes within 28 days of launching a portable battery. Key dates for applying for BCS (Band of Conduct) approval for Portable Battery Compliance Schemes are listed in the table below: Measure | First Compliance Year (i.e., 2010) | Subsequent Compliance Years | Application Deadline for BCS Approval | May 31, 2009

2009-06-18

The Stockholm Convention added nine new controlled substances (No. 18/2009).

The Stockholm Convention (No. 18/2009), led by the United Nations, entered into force on May 17, 2004. It primarily regulates persistent organic pollutants (POPs) due to their chronic toxicity and bioaccumulation, making them difficult to decompose in the environment. At the Conference of the Parties, which concluded in May 2009, nine new POPs used in pesticides and flame retardants were added to the treaty's annex. The main objectives of this meeting are fourfold: 1. To eliminate the production and use of POPs and instead use safer alternatives to achieve the goal of eliminating POPs; 2. To assess new POPs that are harmful to human health and the environment; 3. To ensure that all countries have the technical and financial resources to comply with and implement the Convention's regulations; 4. To continuously ensure that the Convention meets its objectives of protecting human health and the environment from pollution caused by POPs; 5. To add nine new persistent organic pollutants to the control list: α-hexachlorocyclohexane, β-hexachlorocyclohexane, hexabromodiphenyl ether, and heptabromodiphenyl ether.

2009-06-18

SONY SS-00259 Eighth Edition Released NO.8/2009

On March 2, 2009, Sony released the eighth version of SS-00259, which took effect on April 1, 2009. The eighth version of SS-00259 lists 15 categories of controlled substances, including cobalt dichloride and ozone depleting substances (ODS), which are new additions. Heavy metals: Cd, Pb, Hg, Cr6+; Organochlorine compounds: PCB, PCN, PCT, SCCP, Others; Organobromine compounds: PBB, PBDE, Others; Organotin compounds: TBT, TPT; Asbestos; Specific azo compounds; Formaldehyde; Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and mixtures thereof; Beryllium oxide, beryllium bronze; Specific phthalates (7 types); Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), perfluorocarbons (PFC); Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and its salts (PFOS); Specific benzotriazoles; Cobalt dichloride; Ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Among them, up to 20 substances are defined as ozone-depleting substances (ODS). CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-13 Halon-1211, Halon-1301, Halon-2402 CFC-111, CFC-112, CFC-113, CFC-114, CFC-115 CFC-211, CFC-212, CFC

2009-06-06

2009/251/EC EU ban on dimethyl fumarate (DMF)

Dimethyl fumarate (DMF, also known as dimethyl fumarate) is a chemical antifungal and antibacterial additive, primarily used to prevent leather products from molding in humid climates. It also functions as a desiccant to prevent moisture damage during transport. When used as a desiccant in small packets, DMF is crystalline and transforms into a gas upon heating, penetrating the product to prevent mold growth. However, it can also seep through clothing and onto the consumer's skin, causing contact dermatitis, itching, irritation, redness, and burns. In some cases, it can even lead to breathing difficulties. 1. From May 1, 2009, Member States should take the following actions: Ensure that products containing DMF are not allowed to circulate or be sold in the market. Conduct a complete recall of DMF-containing products already in circulation or sold, and ensure that consumers are fully aware of the potential risks of contact with DMF-containing products. 2. Scope of Regulation: All consumer products, and products that, even if not intended for consumer use, may still be used by consumers. 3. Regulatory Limits: The concentration of DMF must not exceed 0.1 mg/kg. What is dimethyl fumarate (DMF)? Why did the EU impose an emergency ban? 1. Applications of DMF: It is a chemical antifungal and antibacterial additive, primarily used to prevent leather products from developing mold in humid climates. Another function is as a desiccant to prevent moisture damage to products during transportation. 2.

2009-06-06

EuP instruction ecological design analysis

Analysis of the Eco-Design of the EuP Directive: The European Union has always attached great importance to environmental protection. As a pioneer in international environmental legislation, its policies on controlling the entire life cycle of products, from raw materials to final disposal, are increasingly evident in the electronics and electrical appliance sector. Following the WEEE and RoHS directives, the EU officially published the framework directive 2005/32/EC (EuP Directive) on July 6, 2005, concerning the eco-design of energy-consuming products. As part of the integrated product strategy framework, it considers the consumption of resources and energy and the environmental impact of products throughout their entire life cycle. Since 2008, implementation measures for various energy-consuming products under the EuP Directive have been successively promulgated, and this year, implementation measures for several more products will enter the legislative process. The impact of the EuP Directive on China's product exports will become tangible. On October 28, 2008, the Shenzhen Institute of Standards and Technology hosted the TBT notification review meeting for the draft implementation measures of "Standby and Shutdown Power Consumption of Household and Office Electronic and Electrical Equipment," forming final review opinions representing the views of Chinese enterprises, and submitting them to the EU. The draft has now been formally adopted as law and is in effect. In China, the standby power consumption of products subject to this implementation measure is generally between 1 and 5 W, while the EU requires a first-phase requirement of 1 to 2 W and a second-phase requirement of 0.5 to 1 W. Based on China's annual exports of 500 million such products to the EU, this alone would increase costs by 2.5 to 5 billion yuan, a truly staggering figure.

2009-06-06

Australian Energy Efficiency Standard (MEPS) Testing - External Power Supply

Australian Energy Efficiency Standards (MEPS) Testing – External Power Supply Regulations implemented on December 1, 2008 (Australia) and April 1, 2009 (New Zealand). All AC-AC and AC-DC external power supplies imported into or manufactured in these regions must meet the minimum energy efficiency standards (MEPS) required in Tables 1 and 2 under both loaded and unloaded conditions. Note: Power supplies manufactured before the above implementation dates are still permitted to be sold. Applicable Products: External Power Supply (EPS) AC-AC or AC-DC, input voltage including 230 VAC, single output and within the extra low voltage range (ELV: 50 VAC or 60 VDC), output not exceeding 250 W or 250 VA.

2009-05-08

Modifications to the EU RoHS directive and its response strategies

EU RoHS Directive Amendments and Countermeasures The EU RoHS Directive (2002/95/EC) is currently being amended. The restrictions in Annex 17 of the EU REACH will come into effect on June 1, 2009. This article aims to briefly analyze the potential impact and countermeasures of the amended RoHS Directive, starting with the background and main contents of the amendments. It argues that incorporating the approach of Hazardous Substance Process Management (HSPM) from IECQ HSPM QC 080000 is the best choice, and that IECQ HSPM QC 080000 can also be applied to address the restrictions on hazardous substances and elements under the EU REACH regulation. Background of the EU RoHS Directive Amendments The EU RoHS Directive (2002/95/EC), published on January 23, 2003, and effective on July 1, 2006, has had a positive effect on the control of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment entering the EU market, and has had a significant impact on the exports of the global electrical and electronic industry, including China's electrical and electronic industry. At the same time, the implementation of this directive has also encountered some problems, such as uncertainty regarding its scope, unclear terms and definitions, differences in product conformity assessment methods among member states, less-than-ideal market surveillance activities, inconsistencies with other regulations or technological advancements (e.g., REACH/EuP), exclusion of medical devices and control and monitoring instruments, and overlap with other EU regulations, all of which lead to unnecessary administrative costs.

2009-05-08

The European Union issued an emergency ban on dimethyl fumarate (NO. 11/2009).

Effective May 1, 2009, the European Union banned the sale of consumer products containing dimethyl fumarate (DMF). Products already on the market containing DMF were to be withdrawn, and those already sold to consumers were to be recalled. European Commission Decision 2009/251/EC stated that DMF was found in furniture and footwear sold in several EU member states and was a major cause of harm to consumer health. According to clinical trials, DMF is a biocide that prevents leather products from mold in humid climates. DMF is often contained in small pouches inside furniture or added to shoe boxes. DMF evaporates and permeates into the product, preventing mold growth; however, it can also penetrate clothing and reach the consumer's skin, causing contact dermatitis, itching, irritation, redness, and burns. In some cases, it can even cause breathing difficulties. Commission Decision 2009/251/EC applies to all consumer products, as well as products that, even if not intended for consumer use, may still be used by consumers. According to the resolution, from May 1, 2009, products containing DMF shall not be allowed on the market. Member States must ensure that products containing DMF have been withdrawn from the market and from consumers, and ensure that consumers are fully aware of the dangers of such products. Products containing DMF are defined as products or product components containing DMF (e.g., packaged in one or more small bags), or products or product components with a DMF concentration exceeding 0.1 mg/kg (0.1 mg/kg) by weight.

2009-05-08

RoHS exclusion project evaluation and recommendation report released NO.10/2009

On March 23, 2009, the Okö Institute and Fraunhofer IZM, representing the European Commission, publicly released an assessment report on the exclusionary provisions for existing and new applications under RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC. The review examined 29 exclusion clauses, and recommended the removal of the following 7 from the exclusion clauses: Clause 16 – Lead in linear incandescent lamps (2006/310/EC) Clause 18 – Lead as activator in the fluorescent power of discharge lamps (2006/310/EC) Clause 19 – Lead with PbBiSn-Hg and PbBiSn-Hg in specific compositions (2006/310/EC) Clause 20 – Lead in oxide glass used for bonding front and rear substrates of flat fluorescent liquid crystal displays

2009-05-08

Greenpeace publishes the eleventh edition of "Guide to Greener Electronics" NO.12/2009

Since the first edition of the Guide to Greener Electronics in August 2006, Greenpeace has updated its assessment every three months. The latest eleventh edition was released on March 24, 2009, evaluating 17 world-renowned manufacturers, covering products such as computers, mobile phones, televisions, and game consoles. The assessment focused on 15 criteria, continuing the key points of the eighth edition: whether products use specific hazardous substances, whether they fulfill their responsibility to recycle waste products, and improvements to their climate and energy-related policies and practices. Nokia retained its first place with 7.5 points, Samsung remained in second, and Philips jumped from fifteenth place to third, tying Sony Ericsson, due to its effective and feasible recycling plan. Dell, Lenovo, and HP all suffered point deductions and lower rankings because they failed to meet their previous commitments to remove hazardous substances—polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs)—from their products by the end of 2009. HP stated that there are currently no effective alternatives to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs), and therefore it will strive to improve this as soon as possible. Dell, on the other hand, pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2015. Fujitsu Siemens was not included in this assessment because it was revised on April 1, 2009.

2009-05-08