EIATRACK Regulatory Alerts

EPA Update on Proposed Energy Star Verification Requirements

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 0:00:00 CST

On March 26 and 31, 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") will hold a conference call and webinar to explain its proposals to enhance the testing and verification of compliance with Energy Star specifications. EPA invites the participation of all Energy Star stakeholders in the conference call, and advises them to register by sending an email to ENERGYSTARVerificationProgram@icfi.com by March 25 with �CE/IT� in the subject line. The webinar, scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to noon on March 31, will focus on proposed requirements for thirteen product categories, most of which are electronics. EIATRACK subscribers are encouraged to track these events with the new Calendar/Alert function in EIATRACK 2.0, which can be used to generate Outlook reminders.

USA Matrix Of Enacted Federal and State Restricted Substances Legislation

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 0:00:00 CST

The matrix summarizing enacted legislation covering restricted substances such as brominated flame retardants and mercury has been updated. In addition to providing a summary of the legislation in question, the matrix includes information regarding the legislation�s scope and effective date(s), as well as whether it contains RoHS-like provisions.

Additional Exemption for Cadmium Added to RoHS Annex

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 0:00:00 CST

The European Commission has adopted a decision to amend the Annex to the RoHS Directive to add an exemption for "cadmium in colour-converting II-VI LEDs (< 10 μg Cd per mm 2 of light-emitting area) for use in solid state illumination or display systems.� This exemption has been granted until 1 July 2014.

Costa Rica Finalizes E-Waste Regulation

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 0:00:00 CST

As reported, Costa Rica has been contemplating adoption of an e-waste regulation since 2006. In 2007, the Ministry of Health proposed a version that would have established a nationwide e-waste take-back program covering a wide-range of electronic products. (See Link below.) Now, almost three years later, a revised draft of that proposal is reportedly very close to final enactment, awaiting only final approval by the executive branch. If enacted later this year, manufacturers, importers, and merchants of covered electronics will be directly responsible for their EOL covered products. Costa Rica is often a bellweather leader in Central America so if adopted, could well serve as a model for other jurisdictions.

Brazil Posts Draft of Revised Energy Efficiency Standards for Certain Appliances

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 0:00:00 CST

Brazil continues to develop more stringent energy efficiency standards for all manner of appliances. The Ministry of Energy (MME) recently published draft standards for public comment setting out revised energy efficiency limits and implementation deadlines for gas stoves and ovens, gas water heaters, air conditioners, refrigerators and freezers.

Colombia Proposes Testing Standard for Heavy Metals in Zinc-Carbon and Alkaline Batteries

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 0:00:00 CST

As reported, Colombia is moving forward with a rule imposing stringent producer take-back quotas on batteries. (See Link below.) In keeping with the focus on batteries, the national standards organization (ICONTEC) has recently posted a draft rule for comment: Draft Technical Standard DE 322/09 (the �Draft�) would set test methods for three heavy metals in zinc-carbon and alkaline primary batteries. Both types (along with others) would be covered by the emerging battery take-back rule that the Ministry of the Environment (Minambiente) has promised to have out sometime in the next 150 days.

Brazil - CONAMA Revokes Battery Labeling Inspection Requirements

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 0:00:00 CST

At the March 17, 2010 plenary session of the Brazilian National Environmental Council (CONAMA), the agency voted to approve a proposal to revoke a provision of the 2008 Battery Take-Back Rule (Resolution 401/2008) under which Brazil�s custom service is called on to enforce battery labeling provisions as a prerequisite to customs clearance. (See Links below for background and details.) The revised standard will need to be published in the Official Gazette in order for the revisions to enter into effect. We will report on their final publication.

Mercosul Parliament Approves Recommendation for Green Purchasing

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 0:00:00 CST

On March 8, 2010, the Mercosul Parliament approved a recommendation that the Common Market Council (representing Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay) adopt the "green purchasing" concept as part of its proposed government procurement agreement (Mercosul Recommendation 1/2010). The proposal was submitted from Brazilian Congressman Jose Paulo Toffano who had proposed his own national bill as well. As reported, Brazil is moving ahead with its commitment to �green purchasing.� (See Link below.) It is clear now that the movement toward green procurement is occurring at the regional, as well as national, level.

Federal Trade Commission Proposes Mandatory Energy Use Labeling of Televisions, Considers Labeling of Other Electronics

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 0:00:00 CST

On March 11, 2010, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") published a notice of proposed rulemaking to announce its proposal to require point-of-sale labeling of televisions with energy use information. 75 Fed. Reg. 11483. The proposal would include televisions within the scope of the existing �Appliance Labeling Rule,� which requires disclosure to consumers of the expected energy consumption of various appliances, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, and lamps. The rulemaking proceeds from Section 325 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (�EISA�), which directs FTC to propose labeling or disclosure requirements for television and several other electronic products, and also grants FTC broad discretion to add product categories. 42 U.S.C. � 6294(a). In the announcement, FTC details certain products that it is considering for future coverage under the labeling rule. FTC invites public comments, which must be submitted by May 14, and will hold a public meeting in Washington, D.C., on April 16.

ICT Green Boot Camp, March 18 Register Now!

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 0:00:00 CST

TIA introduces the latest in the ongoing series of ICT Green Boot Camps on March 18, 2010 in Silicon Valley. ICT Green Boot Camp will highlight the issues of sustainable solutions for energy and the environment. Come join this important discussion and catch up on the latest trends in Green ICT.