NEDA calls for new Pb-free part numbers
Jim Carbone, Executive Editor - Electronics -- Purchasing, 7/23/2004 2:00:00 AM
A key issue concerning the upcoming European ban of lead in electronics is how new lead-free parts will be numbered. Some suppliers say they want to use the same part numbers of lead parts in the new lead-free parts. The National Electronic Distributors Association (NEDA) has released a position paper, which calls 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 June 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.
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, sales and marketing 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
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