NEDA seeks part numbers for Pb-free components
Staff -- Purchasing, 9/16/2004 2:00:00 AM
The National Electronic Distributors Association (NEDA) has re-leased a position paper calling for component manufacturers to use new part numbers for lead-free parts.
The position paper is intended to help companies adopt a transition policy that reduces or eliminates supply chain confusion and added operating costs in complying with the European Union's directive, the Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS).
The European directive calls for electronic equipment being sold in Europe to be lead-free by July 1, 2006. The initiative means electronic components and solder used on printed circuit boards will have to be lead-free.
Some suppliers are making lead-free parts but others have yet to transition to lead-free materials.
One key issue of RoHS is how parts should be labeled. Some suppliers say they want to use the old numbers of parts that contain lead while others say they will issue new numbers for lead-free parts.
NEDA 's position paper says without new part numbers, distributors cannot tell which parts are which. That will result in substantial confusion in the marketplace as more and more customers specify lead-free products.
"Nothing short of new part numbers for lead free/ RoHS compliant parts will avert a significant disruption of the supply chain, increase costs and raise regulatory compliance issues," according to the white paper.
"Lead free is becoming one of the most important discussions we are having with our customers today. It's affecting everyone's (in the supply chain) processes and costs," says Craig Conrad, senior vice president, chief marketing and strategic planning officer for distributor TTI Inc. "Every component supplier is approaching this in a different way, which is creating confusion, havoc and additional cost for most members of the supply chain," he says.
Jay Smith, vice president at Future Electronics, says it is critical that manufacturers provide a detailed set of lead free transition/RoHS compliant data so distributors can easily answer the growing number of inquiries from buyers. "Providing unique part numbers for lead-free products is key," says Smith.
Smith says this is an issue that must be taken seriously. "RoHS compliance questions aren't just casual inquires by environmentally conscious customers. It's the law. There will be significant penalties for companies that do not manage product information carefully," he says.
NEDA member companies who contributed to the position paper include: All American, Allied Electronics, Arrow Electronics, Avnet Inc., Future Electronics, Marsh Electronics, Memec: Insight Electronics & Unique Technologies, Newark InOne, and TTI Inc.
NEDA calls for new Pb-free part numbers
07/22/2004Lead Free Update
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