Indian electronics manufacturers and solder users. This info is for you.
After many years of discussion and policy making, the Indian Government rolled out its WEEE/RoHS directive, effective 01 May 2012. This directive is known as e-waste (Management and Handling) Rules 2011 thru the vide number S.O No. 1035 (E) by The Government of India, Ministry of Environment & Forests. (for Hindi version click here).
This directive has 6 chapters covering electrical and electronics waste handling, responsibilities, recycling, etc. It also restricts the usage of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronics equipment. This section is very similar to the European Union’s RoHS directive; but there is a two year time period to achieve this. So the India RoHS will be in force starting 01.May.2014 (this date applicable only to restriction of using hazardous substance mentioned in e-waste rule, 2011).
As with other RoHS directives, the Indian e-waste rules 2011 also come with an exemption list.
This directive compels consumers (including government departments) to strictly follow the ‘e-waste rule’ during their purchase and usage of electrical electronics equipment.
While industry has yet to discuss this rule in particular, the European Union’s WEEE/RoHS has been driving the Indian electronics industry for the last few years - and most of the manufacturers are complying with RoHS. This will have a big impact on local electronics manufacturers and governmental companies. From a lead-free solder alloy perspective, there will be big impact on knowledge transfer, training, and so on for local manufactures.
There are still many questions, like how this will be implemented, who will be responsible, how this will be rolled out to stakeholders, and more.
Indium Corporation would like to know what you think about this. We are happy to help customers and governmental agencies roll out this directive by providing technical information and other knowledge - sharing our support.
Please feel free to contact me with questions.
Liya