In an increasingly global world, companies in Massachusetts and across the country are able to market and sell into other countries around the world. This provides amazing opportunities for business, but it also brings about a range of different standards and requirements for production.
One such requirement may be the use of RoHS compliant coatings for metal parts and components. This is not a standard that requires the use of specific coatings, rather it prohibits or eliminates the possibility of using the coatings deemed to be hazardous. While these coatings are often associated with aluminum, they may also be used with other metals and alloys in specialized applications.
The RoHS Basics
RoHS stands Restriction of Hazardous Substances and it is a European Directive (2002/95/EC). It applies to electrical and electronic products and all products of this nature sold in the EU or other countries following this Directive has to be free from the substances listed in the document.
All RoHS compliant coatings are free from mercury, lead, hexavalent chromium, cadmium, polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polybrominated biphenyls. These materials have been restricted due to their danger to both people and the environment both in processing as well as in recycling and disposal.
The Importance of Using the Right Coating
It will be critical for a Massachusetts small business, particularly when contracting out with a metal finishing company, to request the use of RoHS compliant coatings to sell directly to the EU or other countries following the directive.
However, it is also important if your company is doing business with a distributor or dealers that are reselling into these countries. Depending on your industry and your sales market, choosing the RoHS compliant options may be beneficial and provide the opportunity to move into new markets even if it isn’t an immediate requirement for your sales.
