- 26 February 2007 -
NASF Submits Comments to EU on Metals Restrictions

Restrictions imposed on the use of metal by the European Union (EU) continue to have significant repercussions on global finishing markets and domestic surface finishing operations. As finishing facilities search for feasible alternatives to banned metals such as hexavalent chromium, cadmium and lead, the EU has recently begun to consider a variety of exemptions to the restrictions where feasible substitutes are not yet available.

The industry just submitted comments to the EU in support of one such proposed exemption that would allow the use of hexavalent chromium plating for electrical and electronic equipment under the so-called Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and Restrictions on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directives. The comments noted that the exemption was necessary because no feasible finishing alternatives to hexavalent chromium provide the same corrosion protection and good electrical conductivity needed for electrical and electronic equipment. In addition, because such equipment works better and lasts longer with the use of hexavalent chromium plating, the exemption would help to minimize the generation of waste electrical and electronic equipment.

The EU has not yet announced when it plans to take final action on the proposed exemption, so Government Relations will continue to monitor these activities and provide updates as appropriate. A copy of the industry's comments can be found on the NASF website at www.nasf.org.