Position Statement on Lead-Free Products and RoHS Compliance
January 10, 2005

In January 2003, the European Union passed the “Restriction on Use of Hazardous Substances” Directive, (RoHS), which will restrict the use of certain substances in Electrical and Electronic Products, including Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd), Hexavelent Chromium (Cr6+), and certain Halide-containing Flame Retardants. This directive applies to All Electrical and Electronic Products and their component parts, put onto the market after 1st July 2006.

There are however, 2 categories that are currently exempt;

Medical Devices (except implants)
Monitoring and Control Instruments (including machines and fixed systems or products for the intended use in fixed industrial applications).

During 2004 Mantracourt carried out a detailed self assessment and analysis of our product range and have determined that we are currently “exempt” from the 2006 deadline.

However, It is Mantracourt’s policy to comply with the directive within a time frame that suits our business and our customers needs, this may, or may not fall in line with the 1st July 2006 date.

For some time now, Mantracourt has been working closely with the National Physical Laboratory, our supply chain and others in the industry to plan and implement the phase out of all components that contain lead and other restricted substances.

This plan consists of 6 key stages:

1. Prevent further introduction of Pb materials into stock and into supply chain.
2. Flush stock and supply chain of Pb materials.
3. Carry out reliability and Pb% tests on components that are either not available as
Lead Free or where excessive stock deems it financially unacceptable to scrap.
4. Evaluation of Pb-free solder alloys and process changes.
5. Pre-implementation process/alloy quality/safety checks.
6. Implementation/compliance.

Mark Smith – Operations Manager
Mantracourt Electronics Ltd