The National Laboratories of Metrology (NWML) published its annual RoHS implementation report, No. 14/2009, on March 31, 2009. This report reviews NWML's activities in implementing the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) for electronic and electrical equipment, commissioned by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), from April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009. Since its entry into force on July 1, 2006, the RoHS Directive has faced ongoing controversies for UK manufacturers: Scope: The scope of regulation is currently only clarified through the WEEE Directive or the Executive Committee's FAQs. European Consistency: Industry remains concerned about the implementation methods, penalties, and administration of the RoHS Directive in various EU countries. Manufacturing and Sales Processes: The electronic and electrical equipment supply chain is complex and often includes manufacturers outside Europe, making it difficult for EU companies to implement the RoHS Directive. Testing: There is a lack of testing methods and sample handling standards for assessing the concentration of restricted substances in homogeneous materials. Between 2008 and 2009, NWML promoted RoHS to manufacturers of electronic and electrical equipment and related entities through various channels, including: the inquiry system received over 1,000 inquiries, in addition to numerous requests via email, mail, and telephone; and the information website www.rohs.gov.uk received over 9 million pageviews in its first year.
