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PFAS

April 3, 2024 | Written by GreenSoft Technology, Inc.

Analysis of EU POPs Regulated PFAS in Common Parts Database

EU Persistent Organic Pollutants Regulated PFAS

Crucial Revelations on EU POPs Regulated PFAS in Electronic Components

In recent years, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have garnered significant attention. These “forever chemicals,” known for their widespread use and potential environmental and health hazards, have faced increasing scrutiny.

Three PFAS substance groups have been restricted under the EU Persistent Organic Pollutants (EU POPs) regulation, but some commonly used electronic components still contain these restricted PFAS.

GreenSoft Technology recently performed an analysis of our Parts Database, which contains Full Material Declaration (FMD) data on millions of electronic components and other parts. Our analysis found that over 400 parts were in violation of the EU POPs regulation due to containing one or more substances regulated under EU POPs. And 93 of those non-compliant parts contained one of the three PFAS substance groups restricted under EU POPs.

Key Discoveries

  • Total Violations: Examining the parts in our database, we discovered that 409 parts were found to be in violation of the EU POPs regulation. 58 total substances/substance groups restricted under EU POPs were identified in the violating parts.
  • Restricted PFAS Substances: Among the violators, 93 parts contained one of the three restricted PFAS substance groups. 32 parts contained Perfluorooctane sulfonates (PFOS) substances; 33 parts contained Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and PFOA-related compounds; and 28 parts contained PFHxS substances.
  • Timeline of Restrictions: Since 2019, Perfluorooctane sulfonates (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) substances have been restricted under the EU POPs regulation, and since 2023 perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), its salts and PFHxS-related compounds have been restricted under the EU POPs regulation.
  • Parts Breakdown: The most common parts found to contain PFAS substances were foams, amplifiers, resistors, coils, labels, and inductors, among other components.

Implications and Preventative Actions

With the discovery that some commonly used electronic components continue to contain PFAS substances that are restricted by the EU POPs regulation, electronics manufacturers should take proactive measures to mitigate potential loss of market access due to regulatory violations.

Identifying which components in your supply chain are likely to contain these restricted PFAS substances is a crucial first step for manufacturers to comply with the EU POPs regulation.

Get help with Persistent Organic Pollutants and other PFAS Regulations

GreenSoft Technology’s Data Services solution can assist companies in identifying PFAS  in their products by collecting chemical data from their supply chain. Our data collection team will contact your suppliers on your behalf to obtain data on the substances contained in your products and components, and validate that data for completeness and accuracy.

Additionally, GreenSoft Technology can help source replacement suppliers and generate compliance reports for various global environmental regulations, including EU POPs and dozens of others. We also offer GreenData Manager (GDM) software so you can manage your company’s substance database and easily generate substance and compliance reports.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help your company navigate the complex landscape of regulatory compliance in the electronics manufacturing industry.

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EU RoHS

April 1, 2024 | Written by GreenSoft Technology, Inc.

EU RoHS Exemptions Timeline Update

EU RoHS Exemptions Update

Updates on critical EU RoHS exemptions expected in third quarter 2024

The European Commission has announced a target adoption date of third quarter 2024 for pending EU RoHS exemptions, including critical exemptions such as 7(a), 7(c)-i, and 6(a).

These EU RoHS exemptions, many of which are essential for electronics manufacturers, have been pending since January 2020.

The list of exemptions and their current statuses can be found on the European Commission website here, and is detailed in the table below:

Exemption Description Status
7(a)   Lead in high melting temperature type solders (i.e. lead-based alloys containing 85 % by weight or more lead) Under review for all product categories
7(c)-i   Electrical and electronic components containing lead in a glass or ceramic other than dielectric ceramic in capacitors, e.g. piezoelectronic devices, or in a glass or ceramic matrix compound Under review for all product categories
7(c)-ii Lead in dielectric ceramic in capacitors for a rated voltage of 125 V AC or 250 V DC or higher Under review for all product categories
6(a) Lead as an alloying element in steel for machining purposes and in galvanised steel containing up to 0,35 % lead by weight Expired for Categories 1-7 and 10, Under review for renewal for categories 8-9 and 11
6(a)-i Lead as an alloying element in steel for machining purposes containing up to 0,35 % lead by weight and in batch hot dip galvanised steel components containing up to 0,2 % lead by weight Under review for renewal for categories 1-7 and 10, not applicable to categories 8-9 and 11
6(b) Lead as an alloying element in aluminium containing up to 0,4 % lead by weight Expired for Categories 1-7 and 10, Under review for renewal for categories 8-9 and 11
6(b)-i Lead as an alloying element in aluminium containing up to 0,4 % lead by weight, provided it stems from lead-bearing aluminium scrap recycling Under review for renewal for categories 1-7 and 10, not applicable to categories 8-9 and 11
6(b)-ii Lead as an alloying element in aluminium for machining purposes with a lead content up to 0,4 % by weight Under review for renewal for categories 1-7 and 10, not applicable to categories 8-9 and 11
6(c) Copper alloy containing up to 4 % lead by weight Under review for all product categories

EU RoHS exemptions have been pending since 2020

Under the EU RoHS Directive, if an extension is requested for an expiring exemption, then the exemption remains valid until a decision on the exemption request has been made by the European Commission. Extensions must be submitted no later than 18 months before the existing exemption expiration date.

Exemption requests were made by industry stakeholders in January 2020 for the critical EU RoHS exemptions listed above. Those exemptions were set to expire in July 2021, but because of the exemption requests, the exemptions have remained in force.

Since January 2020, the European Commission has been studying the exemptions, and contracted the Oko-Institut e.V. to provide recommendations on which exemptions should be renewed. That Oko-Institut e.V. recommendations report was published in February 2022; however, the Commission has yet to make an official decision on any of the exemptions.

This new announcement of the target adoption dates for the exemptions indicates that the European Commission intends to make a decision by the end of the year for these exemptions. However, the decision may or may not align with the Oko-Institut e.V. recommendations. Additionally, the European Commission has missed similar target adoptions dates in the past, and it is possible that no such announcements will be made until 2025.

GreenSoft can help with EU RoHS compliance

With the status and timing of EU RoHS exemption extensions unknown, keeping track of the various expiration dates and current exemptions is a complicated task. Companies should prepare and plan for a time when they can no longer apply such exemptions, as the exemptions could expire as soon as 12 months after the European Commission's exemption review decision if the exemption is not renewed.

EU RoHS compliance is mandatory for affected companies that manufacture or distribute products in the European market. Failure to comply with EU RoHS can result in loss of market access, supply chain disruptions, and other serious consequences for manufacturers and distributors.

GreenSoft Technology provides personalized Data Services and GreenData Manager software to help electronics manufacturers with EU RoHS compliance. We’ll collect data on the chemicals contained in your products so that you can ensure you’re complying with the EU RoHS Directive.

Additionally, GreenSoft Technology maintains a compiled list of the EU RoHS Exemptions in order to perform EU RoHS Data Services for our customers and to keep our GreenData Manager software up-to-date. We also make this list available online to the public for your convenience and reference. You can download the updated EU RoHS Exemptions List here.

Learn more about our environmental compliance Data Services or contact us today to get started.

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EU RoHS Exemptions Timeline Update

EU RoHS Exemptions Updates: European Commission announces target adoption dates expected in third quarter 2024 for critical EU RoHS exemptions for electronics manufacturers

IEC 62474

March 20, 2024 | Written by GreenSoft Technology, Inc.

IEC 62474 Declarable Substance List Updated

IEC 62474 Declarable Substance List Updates

IEC 62474 Declarable Substance List updated to include 5 new SVHCs

On January 25, 2024, the IEC 62474 Declarable Substance List (DSL) was updated to include the 5 new Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) which were added to the EU REACH SVHC Candidate List on January 23, 2024.

Other changes implemented by this update include the following:

  1. Pentachlorophenol and its salts and esters entry was added to the DSL, along with reference substances which were added to the associated RSL.
  2. Halogenated Flame Retardants DSL Entry: Updated the Substance Clarification, reporting threshold, Mass Info Requirements, and Comments
  3. Formaldehyde DSL Entry: Updated the basis description, typical applications, reportable applications, and reporting threshold

Additionally, the IEC team followed this update by posting an updated version of the EU RoHS Annex IV exemption list (dated Oct 20, 2023).

The new DSL version D28.00 can be accessed online here.

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) maintains the IEC 62474 declarable substance list in order to identify which substances, substance groups, and material classes need to be included in material declarations for regulations such as EU REACH, EU RoHS, EU POPs, and others.

The IEC 62474 DSL is typically updated whenever substances which are relevant to the electrical and electronics industry and its suppliers are added to various environmental regulation substance lists. The last prior update to the declarable substance list was version D27.00 in July 2023.

 

What is IEC 62474?

Material declarations, which are used to track and declare the material composition of products, are utilized by the electrical and electrical and electronics industry in order to share information across the supply chain.

To harmonize the transfer of data across the supply chain, the IEC 62474 serves as an International Standard for the exchange of material composition data and sets guidelines for material declarations. The data standard establishes requirements for the reporting of substances and materials, standardizes protocols, and facilitates the transfer and processing of data.

The database specifies to the electrical and electronics industry and its suppliers what substances, substance groups, and material classes need to be included in material declarations. To software developers, the database specifies specifications on the data format for the exchange of material declaration data.

There are six types of information provided in the IEC 62474 database:  

  • Declarable substance groups and declarable substances (DSL)
  • Reference Substances (RSL)
  • Material classes (MCL)
  • Exemption Lists
  • Supplementary Lists and Information
  • XML schema for materials declaration

The IEC 62474 Declarable Substance List (DSL) is heavily relied on by electrical and electronics producers to streamline compliance with environmental regulations. IEC National Committees regularly review the lists of substances regulated under various regulations and determine if any given substance or substance group remains in use in electrotechnical products and should be added to the IEC 62474 DSL, thereby screening out the substances that are irrelevant to the electronics industry.

Currently the IEC 62474 DSL contains roughly 200 substances or substance groups that may be contained in electrotechnical products above the reporting thresholds under regulations such as EU REACH, EU RoHS, EU POPs, and others. Electronics producers can reference this list for free online to help expedite their environmental regulation compliance efforts.

The IEC 62474 serves as a pivotal tool for the electrical and electronics industry, providing a comprehensive framework for material declarations. As companies navigate the complexities of regulatory compliance, it remains a valuable resource, offering clarity and guidance to streamline environmental compliance.

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EU REACH

March 19, 2024 | Written by GreenSoft Technology, Inc.

ECHA Seeking Comments on Proposed Additions to EU REACH SVHC List

Two substances proposed to be added to REACH Restricted Substance List

On March 1, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched a public consultation period on a proposal to add two new substances to the restricted substance list under the EU REACH Regulation. If approved, the change would bring the Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) Candidate list up to 242 entries.

The 2 proposed substances, as well as their reasons for proposal and common uses, are listed in the table below. Interested parties have until April 15, 2024 to submit comments and further information related to uses, volumes per use, exposure, alternatives and risks of the substance.

The EU REACH SVHC Candidate List currently has 240 entries. However, some entries are groups of chemicals, so the overall number of impacted chemicals is higher.

The inclusion of substances in the EU REACH SVHC List brings immediate obligations for affected companies using the substances in their products above the stated threshold, including customer notification requirements and notifying ECHA through submissions to the SCIP Database. GreenSoft Technology can help with this EU REACH reporting process as part of our Data Services.

The 2 proposed substances are:

Substance Name EC Number CAS Number Reason for Proposal Examples of use(s) in Electronics
Bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl) peroxide (BPO) 201-279-3 80-43-3 Toxic for reproduction (Article 57c) Used as a free radical initiator in various polymerization processes; Employed in the production of adhesives and coatings applied to electronic components and the production of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs).
Triphenyl phosphate (TPP) 204-112-2 115-86-6 Endocrine disrupting properties (Article 57(f) – environment) Utilized as a flame retardant and plasticizer in various electronic materials; Can also act as a thermal stability enhancer in certain electronic materials and components.

ECHA’s announcement of the proposals can be found here. The full SVHC-240 list can be found here. The last prior addition to the SVHC list was SVHC-240 in January 2024.

GreenSoft can help with EU REACH compliance

The EU REACH SVHC List is typically updated twice per year, resulting in affected companies needing to re-evaluate their product compliance and possibly re-collect substance data from their suppliers.

GreenSoft Technology helps manage this process for companies, including coverage for the SCIP Database, by performing data collection, data validation, substance calculations and report generation as part of our EU REACH data services.

Learn more about how our Data Services help your company with EU REACH compliance by contacting us.

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Five Entries Added to EU REACH SVHC List

EU REACH SVHC List now contains 240 Entries. Environmental compliance is required for companies using such substances. GreenSoft can help with SCIP Database submissions and more.

Market Access 

March 15, 2024 | Written by GreenSoft Technology, Inc.

90 Products Recalled from European Market, Found not RoHS Compliant

Products recalled from european market due to eu rohs and persistant organic pollutant violationsNumerous products lose European market access due to RoHS Directive and Persistent Organic Pollutant violations

In the first quarter of 2024, importers of 90 products were ordered to recall their products from the European market for failure to comply with the EU RoHS Directive. Several of the products were also found to be non-compliant with the Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP) Regulation. 

The EU RoHS Directive imposes restrictions on the presence of specific substances and prohibits certain chemicals in items sold within the European Union. Products discovered to not be RoHS compliant must be removed from the European market due to environmental concerns.  

Products recalled in the first quarter of 2024 include wireless earbuds, electronic cables, radios, fans, and Bluetooth speakers.  

The recalls were announced via EU Safety Gate alerts. The following are 3 examples out of 90 total enforcement actions for this quarter. 

Wireless Headphones

Products recalled from european market due to eu rohs and persistent organic pollutant violationsDescription:

The solders in the product have an excessive concentration of lead (measured value up to 0.23%). Lead poses a risk to the environment.

Regulation Violation(s):

EU RoHS 2 Directive

Alert Number/Link:

A12/00606/24 

 

Power Adapter

Products recalled from european market due to eu rohs and persistent organic pollutant violationsDescription:

The solders of the product have an excessive concentration of lead (measured value up to 2.02% by weight). Lead poses a risk to the environment.

Regulation Violation(s):

EU RoHS 2 Directive

Alert Number/Link:

A12/00041/24 

 

Air Purifier 

Products recalled from european market due to eu rohs and persistent organic pollutant violationsDescription:

The solders in the product have an excessive concentration of lead (measured value up to 56%). The plastic material of the cable has an excessive concentration of lead, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and of short chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) (measured values: up to 0.3%, 2.6% and 5.2% by weight, respectively). Lead poses a risk to the environment. This phthalate may harm the health of children, possibly causing damage to the reproductive system. SCCPs persist in the environment, are toxic to aquatic organisms at low concentrations and bio-accumulate in wildlife and humans, posing a risk to human health and the environment. Prolonged exposure to them through the skin may cause cancer. 

Regulation Violation(s):

EU RoHS 2 Directive

Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP) Regulation

Alert Number/Link:

A12/00338/24 

 

GreenSoft’s data services can help prevent loss of market access for regulation violations

Compliance with the EU RoHS directive and the Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP) regulation is mandatory for affected companies that manufacture or distribute products in the European market. As demonstrated by the RoHS testing and subsequent enforcement actions above, failure to comply with this regulation can result in loss of market access and other serious consequences for manufacturers and distributors. 

GreenSoft Technology provides Data Services to help your company stay RoHS compliant so that you can ensure you retain market access in the European market.  

Learn more about our Data Services or contact us today to get started. 

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EU RoHS Exemptions Timeline Update

EU RoHS Exemptions Updates: European Commission announces target adoption dates expected in third quarter 2024 for critical EU RoHS exemptions for electronics manufacturers

Ozone Depleting Substances

March 14, 2024 | Written by GreenSoft Technology, Inc.

EU Releases New Regulation for Ozone Depleting Substances

Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) regulation recast in the EU, entered into force on March 11, 2024

The European Union has recast its Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) Regulation, which prohibits companies from producing or placing on the market any of the ODS chemicals listed in the regulation.

On February 20, 2024, Regulation (EU) 2024/590 on substances that deplete the ozone layer was published in the Official Journal of the European Union, repealing the previous Regulation (EC) No 1005/2009. The new regulation entered into force on March 11, 2024.

Under the regulation, the production, placing on the market, any subsequent supply or making available to another person within the Union for payment or free of charge, use, and import or export of ozone-depleting substances listed in Annex I, or of products and equipment containing ozone-depleting substances listed in Annex I, shall be prohibited.

 

The regulation makes the following limited exemptions to the prohibition of ODS chemicals and products and equipment containing ODS chemicals:

  • When used as feedstock
  • When used as process agents
  • For essential laboratory and analytical uses
  • For critical use of halons
  • For emergency use of methyl bromide
  • For destruction and reclamation within the EU
  • When decommissioned when reaching the end-of-life cycle

In contrast to the previous Regulation (EC) No 1005/2009, the updated ODS regulation mandates that the production, placing on the market, or usage of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HFCs), as well as products and equipment containing HFCs, is now prohibited.

Read the full text of the updated ODS Regulation (EU) 2024/590 here.

Find out if your products contain ODS chemicals with GreenSoft’s data services

GreenSoft Technology provides Data Services to help companies stay compliant with the ODS Regulation, as well as other environmental regulations around the globe. Our hands-on data collection team will contact your suppliers to collect information on the substances contained in your products, including ozone-depleting substances, and validate that information for completion and accuracy.

Our GreenData Manager software can store your company’s materials database and generate reports for you, or your dedicated Project Manager will deliver reports generated by GreenSoft to you.

Learn more about our Data Services and GreenData Manager software, or contact us today to get started.

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Webinar

March 6, 2024 | Written by GreenSoft Technology, Inc.

The PFAS Challenge: Ensuring Compliance in Electronics Manufacturing

pfas-webinar

Join GreenSoft Technology to learn about global PFAS regulations in English and German webinar sessions

Led by industry experts Randy Flinders, Compliance Specialist for GreenSoft Technology, and Sofia Tur, Senior Project Manager & Sales Manager – Europe for GreenSoft Technology, this event promises to be enlightening and essential for professionals in the electronics manufacturing sector. 

In this comprehensive webinar, we will explore: 

  • The current status of global PFAS or “Forever Chemicals” regulatory requirements 
  • Details of key regulations such as U.S. TSCA 8(a)(7), PFAS rules in the states of Maine and Minnesota, and the proposed ban on PFAS in the European Union 
  • Strategies for navigating complex regulations and ensuring compliance 
  • Addressing the challenges posed by PFAS in electronics manufacturing 

With two sessions available—one in English and one in German—we invite professionals from around the world to join us in this crucial discussion. Attendees will get a chance to ask our regulatory experts their questions during a live Question & Answer session at the end of the webinar. 

Whether you're seeking clarity on regulatory compliance or striving to stay ahead of the curve in environmental responsibility, this webinar is not to be missed. 

Register now to secure your spot and equip yourself with the knowledge and strategies needed to tackle the PFAS challenge effectively. 

Nehmen Sie mit GreenSoft Technology an unserem bevorstehenden Webinar teil, in dem wir uns mit dem kritischen Thema der Vorschriften für Per- und Polyfluoralkylsubstanzen (PFAS) auseinandersetzen

Unter der Leitung der Branchenexperten Randy Flinders, Compliance-Spezialist bei GreenSoft Technology, und Sofia Tur, Senior Projekt- & Vertriebsleiterin Europa bei GreenSoft Technology, vermittelt diese Veranstaltung Fachleuten aus der Elektronikherstellung aufschlussreiche und essentielle Inhalte.

In diesem umfassenden Webinar werden wir näher auf folgende Themen eingehen:

  • Den aktuellen Stand der weltweiten Vorschriften für PFAS- oder "Forever Chemicals"
  • Einzelheiten zu wichtigen Vorschriften wie TSCA 8(a)(7) in den USA, PFAS-Vorschriften in den Bundesstaaten Maine und Minnesota und das vorgeschlagene Verbot von PFAS in der Europäischen Union
  • Strategien zur Bewältigung komplexer Vorschriften und zur Gewährleistung ihrer Einhaltung
  • Umgang mit den Herausforderungen, die PFAS in der Elektronikfertigung mit sich bringen

Wir bieten zwei Sessions an - eine auf Englisch und eine auf Deutsch - und laden Fachleute aus der ganzen Welt ein, an dieser wichtigen Diskussion teilzunehmen. Am Ende des Webinars haben die Teilnehmer die Möglichkeit, unseren Experten für Compliance in einer Live-Q&A-Runde ihre Fragen zu stellen.

Dieses Webinar sollten Sie nicht verpassen, ganz gleich, ob Sie sich Klarheit über die Einhaltung gesetzlicher Vorschriften verschaffen oder in Sachen Umweltmanagement auf dem neuesten Stand bleiben wollen.

Melden Sie sich jetzt an, um sich Ihren Platz zu sichern und sich mit dem Wissen und den Strategien auszustatten, die Sie benötigen, um die PFAS-Herausforderung effektiv zu meistern.

Registration – English

Tuesday, April 2

4:00 PM CEST/10:00 AM EDT

Register now

Everyone who registers will receive a copy of the webinar recording after the event.

Anmeldung – Deutsch

Mittwoch, 3. April

CET 16 Uhr

Jetzt anmelden

Alle, die sich anmelden, erhalten nach der Veranstaltung eine Kopie der Webinaraufzeichnung.

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ELV Directive

February 27, 2024 | Written by GreenSoft Technology, Inc.

Critical ELV Directive Exemptions Under Review

Several ELV Directive exemptions under review for renewal; comment period open for stakeholders

Several critical exemptions under the European Union End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive are under review for possible extension. These exemptions affect electronics and other manufacturers whose products are used in vehicles placed on the EU market.

The European Commission has partnered with the Bio Innovation Service organization to review stakeholder exemption requests and evaluate the scientific and technical progress of the following exemptions:

  • 2(c)(ii): Aluminium alloys not included in entry 2(c)(i) with a lead content up to 0.4 % by weight
  • 3: Copper alloys containing up to 4 % of lead by weight
  • 8(e): Lead in high melting temperature type solders (i.e. lead-based alloys containing 85 % by weight or more lead)
  • 8(g)(ii): Lead in solders to complete a viable electrical connection between the semiconductor die and the carrier within integrated circuit flip chip packages where that electrical connection consists of any of the following: (1) a semiconductor technology node of 90 nm or larger; (2) a single die of 300 mm2 or larger in any semiconductor technology node; (3) stacked die packages with dies of 300 mm2 or larger, or silicon interposers of 300mm2 or larger.

Detailed information on the exemption renewal evaluations can be found here.

Stakeholders are invited to provide their input on the exemption renewals until April 18, 2024. Stakeholder input can be provided online here.

 

GreenSoft Technology collects substance data to comply with the ELV Directive and other regulations, including IMDS data entry services

GreenSoft Technology provides Data Services and GreenData Manager software to help manufacturers collect the information they need for compliance with environmental regulations such as the ELV Directive, as well as EU RoHS, EU REACH, EU POPs, California Proposition 65, US TSCA, PFAS, and other regulations. 

GreenSoft Technology also provides customized IMDS data validation and entry services, assisting automotive component providers in meeting their IMDS data entry requirements.

Contact us to learn more.

 

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PFAS

February 26, 2024 | Written by GreenSoft Technology, Inc.

Minnesota Seeking Input on PFAS Rulemakings

Engagement opportunity for stakeholders to submit feedback on PFAS proposal in Minnesota

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has announced a public engagement period in which interested parties can submit feedback on the state’s PFAS regulation.

Minnesota’s bill regulating the selling of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or “forever chemicals,” in the state of Minnesota was signed into law on May 24, 2023, and comes into effect in January 2026.

Effective January 1, 2026, this new rule provides a new PFAS reporting mandate which requires manufacturers of products sold in Minnesota which contain intentionally-added PFAS to report details on the product and it’s PFAS content to the MPCA. 

Effective January 1, 2032, the rule moves from a reporting requirement to a PFAS ban. From this date, any products that contain intentionally added PFAS may not be sold, offered for sale, or distributed for sale in Minnesota, unless the MPCA determines by rule that the use of PFAS in the product is a currently unavoidable use.

Ahead of this deadline, the MPCA is determining how it will define “currently unavoidable uses” of PFAS in products sold, offered for sale, or distributed in Minnesota.

Interested parties have until March 1, 2024 to submit their feedback. Feedback can be submitted online here.

More information about the state’s PFAS regulation can be found on our blog here. Additionally, information on PFAS regulations across the US and around the globe can be found in our PFAS Resource Center.

GreenSoft Technology offers a PFAS compliance solution for manufacturers

GreenSoft Technology’s Data Services solution provides affected companies with the chemical data from their supply chain that is needed to comply with the Minnesota PFAS regulation as well as other PFAS regulations around the globe.

Our data collection team will contact your suppliers to obtain data on the PFAS chemicals and other substances contained in your product and components. We’ll validate that data for accuracy and completeness, and then check it against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Master List of PFAS Chemicals, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) list of PFAS chemicals, and any other global environmental regulations that you must comply with.

With our Turnkey Service, we can generate the necessary compliance reports for you. Or you can use our GreenData Manager software to manage your company’s substance database and easily generate reports for this and other environmental regulations.

Contact us to learn more.

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Conference

February 15, 2024 | Written by GreenSoft Technology, Inc.

Join GreenSoft Technology at the 46th Annual SESHA Symposium

SESHA-2024Premier event for EHS professionals and semiconductor manufacturers

GreenSoft Technology will be exhibiting at the 46th Annual SESHA Symposium 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona this coming April 22-25.

As a leading provider of environmental compliance data services for the electronics industry, GreenSoft Technology will be showcasing our Full Material Declaration (FMD) data services solution for semiconductor and component manufacturers at the event.

Additionally, on Tuesday, April 23, Randy Flinders, Compliance Specialist for GreenSoft Technology, will be presenting an educational session at the conference: Navigating Regulatory Waters: Challenges and Solutions for Semiconductor Manufacturers. Check out a sneak peak of the presentation materials here.

SESHA is the premier Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) association serving the high technology and associated industries. Join top EHS professionals for a week packed with technical content and networking opportunities, including over 60 technical sessions by industry experts, professional development courses, and an exhibit hall filled with the premier vendors in the field. Learn more and register for the event online.

Learn about our Full Material Declaration (FMD) data solution at the SESHA Symposium

For semiconductor manufacturers and component manufacturers, compliance with environmental regulations such as EU RoHS, EU REACH, EU POPs, California Proposition 65, US TSCA, PFAS, and other regulations can be a significant challenge. These regulations are constantly evolving, and staying up-to-date with compliance requirements can be a complex and time-consuming process.

That's where GreenSoft Technology comes in. Our Full Material Declaration (FMD) data services provide a comprehensive solution for creating and maintaining a material substances database and generating FMD data on your products.

Maintaining an FMD database enables you to validate your products against all relevant regulations without having to recollect data from the supply chain every time a regulation changes or a new regulation is added.

At the SESHA Symposium 2024, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about our FMD data services and how they can help semiconductor manufacturers and component manufacturers streamline your environmental compliance processes.

We invite you to visit our exhibit and speak with our team of experts to learn more about our services and how we can help your company reduce risk and ensure that your products meet all necessary regulations.

Register now to attend the  SESHA Symposium 2024, or learn more about our Full Material Declaration solution online.

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CE Marking

February 7, 2024 | Written by GreenSoft Technology, Inc.

UK Announces Expanded Recognition of CE Mark

CE-MarkUnited Kingdom announces intention to expand recognition of CE Mark across multiple regulations and product families

On January 24, the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) announced its intention to broaden the scope of product categories and regulations eligible for indefinite recognition of the CE Mark.

Previously, the UK DBT made an announcement in August 2023 that it would indefinitely recognize use of the CE Mark for products sold in the United Kingdom beyond the previous 2024 deadline for transitioning to the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) mark.

However, that decision only affected products falling under one of the 18 regulations in the UK DBT regulatory scope, explained here.

 

The new provision will apply to 21 regulations, including the 18 product regulations under the UK DBT regulatory scope, as well as a further 3 regulations managed by non-DBT UK agencies:

The new provision will indefinitely allow manufacturers to place products on the Great Britain market using either the UKCA Mark or the CE Mark, provided they satisfy the EU essential requirements and, where required, have undergo conformity assessment by an EU recognized conformity assessment body.

The UK government is introducing these changes as a fast-track provision that is expected to take effect in Spring 2024.

Additional details for these measures will be provided by the UK DBT in due course. The announcement of the intended provision can be found here.

GreenSoft Technology helps with UK regulations and data collection

With the scopes and deadlines of rules such as the UK RoHS regulation and the UKCA Mark requirements continually changing, it can be difficult for manufacturers to keep up. As part of our Data Services, GreenSoft Technology monitors regulations and keeps you up-to-date on changes that affect your company.

Our data team will collect and validate data from your supply chain which can be used to ensure your compliance with UK RoHS and other regulations, and help with aspects of the CE marking and UKCA marking requirements. Contact us to learn more.

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California Proposition 65

February 6, 2024 | Written by GreenSoft Technology, Inc.

One Chemical Added to California Proposition 65 Substance List

proposition-65Bisphenol S (BPS) added to the California Prop 65 regulated substances list

In December, California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) added one new substance to the list of chemicals regulated under the state’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (Proposition 65).

Effective December 29, 2023, bisphenol S (BPS) has been added to the list of chemicals known to the State of California to cause reproductive harm. This listing was done via the “State’s Qualified Experts” mechanism, based on the Developmental and Reproductive Toxicant Identification Committee’s (DARTIC) determination that this chemical was clearly shown to cause female reproductive toxicity.

The warning requirement for significant exposures to this chemical will take effect on December 29, 2024.

Bisphenol S (BPS) is a key component in curing fast-drying epoxy resins which are found in printed circuit boards (PCBs), encapsulation materials for protecting delicate electronic components, and adhesives. It is a substitute for bisphenol A (BPA), which has also been linked to health concerns.

The full California Proposition 65 list of regulated substances can be found here. The announcement of the new substance addition can be found here.

GreenSoft Technology provides help with California Proposition 65

Complying with Prop 65 warning label requirements requires businesses to have detailed knowledge of the chemicals that their products or business locations contain and expose to the California public.

Affected companies are required to inform Californians about exposure to substances on the Prop 65 list of chemicals before the potential exposure takes place. Penalties for being found in violation of CA Prop 65 can be as high as $2,500 per violation, per day.

In order to know which chemicals are exposed to the public, a business must collect substance data on the products that it sells to the public in California or the products that it uses within its California business locations.

GreenSoft Technology can help with this process. As part of our Prop 65 Compliance Data Services, we will collect substance data from your suppliers on your behalf, and check it against the list of chemicals regulated under CA Prop 65.

Contact us to learn more.

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