What is RoHS?

Restriction of Hazardous Substances (EU Directive 2002/95/EC) is a European Directive aimed to control and eliminate, certain “hazardous substances” in product used in all of the European countries. While there are no present mandates yet within the United States, many domestic companies are demanding compliance from their suppliers now, in a proactive approach to assure their companies are positioned appropriately if mandated here. Many other countries (including the United States) are now drafting legislation which not only meets the current european RoHS directive, but further reduces some of the percentage values of the contaminants allowed. The deadline to determine if your product has any of the restricted substances for EU Directive 202/95/EC is July 1, 2006.

How can Alloy Fasteners Help you?

Alloy Fasteners Company will dedicate the necessary resources to assist its customers in meeting their RoHS compliance needs. Alloy realizes the importance of this directive and considers it to be good business practice to work closely with its customer base in support of a cleaner and healthier environment. Our Sales reps will partner with you to understand what you specifically need for your compliance to this directive and will supply those parts according to your needs. It is important for you to contact your customer service representative as soon as possible to let us know if you need product that is RoHS complaint.

What are the Restricted Substances?

1.) Lead (Pb) and its compounds maximum limit value of 0.1%
2.) Mercury (Hg) and its compounds maximum limit value of 0.1%
3.) Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6 or VI) maximum limit value 0.1%
4.) Cadmium (Cd), and its compounds maximum limit value of 0.01%
5.) Poly Brominated Bipheynl flame retardants (PBB) maximum limit value of 0.1%
6.) Poly Brominated Dipheynl Ether flame retardants (PBDE). maximum limit value of 0.1%
There are some exceptions that can be found within the Annex A of EU 2002/95/EC RoHS Directive.

Does your product require RoHS Compliance?

There is no way that Alloy Fasteners Company can determine whether your products require RoHS compliance or not. However, because of the studies done, it is not a question of IF the United States will mandate a directive, but rather WHEN they will mandate a directive. We believe it is in your best interest to thoroughly review the European Directive and decide if compliance is necessary for your company.

Are fasteners affected by RoHS?

Absolutely! Many fasteners having electroplating of zinc, zinc & yellow or cadmium, may not be in compliance. Further, other coatings or paints used on fasteners may also not be in compliance. We supply many alternatives that meet RoHS Directives. Your engineering departments must review your products having for lead, PPB’s and PBDE’s and any cost or environmental impact they might have. We can then provide you with alternative product needed for your specific applications.

What should you do now?

Once you understand how your product(s) align with the European Directive the most important action you can take is to communicate to us what you need (in writing). Give us a list of products that need to be changed, and we will make sure they fall below the maximum restricted substance allowances. We will also assure all future products sent to you also meet RoHS compliance standards. Contact your sales representative immediately to adjust/change any product you currently are ordering from Alloy Fasteners Company.

Our Commitment

Once Alloy Fasteners Company has been notified of your need for RoHS compliance, and once you have identified all compliant and non-compliant part numbers currently in use, we will continue to provide only RoHS compliant parts to you. We also will work with your Engineering department to identify the most effective, feasible, and compliant alternatives. Once compliant alternatives have been decided upon, we will help in the transition of any old inventory we were holding for you to the new compliant parts. That transition may include some rework of current inventories to meet your specific needs. Our goal is to complete the transition in the best possible manner. A proactive approach today will save a lot of time and money in the future. Please discuss this with your sales representative as soon as possible. It is important.