REACH: implications of Europe's new chemicals policy for PCB fabricators

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to provide PCB fabricators with a top‐level understanding of the EC regulation for the registration, evaluation, restriction and authorization of chemicals (REACH) and to detail the implications for the sector now, and in the years ahead.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the REACH regulation and the potential implications of the legislation on the PCB manufacturing sector. It highlights the current lack of preparation on the part of the interconnect industry for the regulation and provides some recommended activities for PCB fabricators in order to help them comply with the regulation.

Findings

A recent study on the readiness of the interconnect industry for REACH compliance revealed a worrying lack of preparation. This paper sets outs some of the activities that PCB fabricators should be undertaking to prepare for the regulation.

Originality/value

The paper provides an overview of the implications of the EC REACH regulation for the activities of PCB fabricators and gives some recommended actions to prepare for compliance.

Citation

Geraghty, K. (2008), "REACH: implications of Europe's new chemicals policy for PCB fabricators", Circuit World, Vol. 34 No. 4, pp. 14-18. https://doi.org/10.1108/03056120810918079