Seminar Helps Local Manufacturers Comply with RoHS and WEEE

Over 600 representatives from the manufacturing sectors attended a seminar organized by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) today (18 November 2005) to obtain the latest updates on the IT solutions and technologies for RoHS and WEEE compliance.

Aiming to assist the local industry to comply with the European Union's (EU) Directives on the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) using the latest IT technologies, the "RoHS/WEEE IT Solutions Seminar" presented topics covering a green enforcement model – a systematic approach to WEEE and RoHS compliance, green manufacturing system design and process control, suppliers audit and effective RoHS testing report management system, and ERP system and RoHS data management.

Mr Frank Leung, General Manager (Electronics Product Innovation) of HKPC, said, "The global market is becoming increasingly competitive, with ever more environmental requirements such as the RoHS and WEEE."

"Companies should enhance their capabilities in green manufacturing in order to comply with green rules. Leading-edge IT solutions and effective management systems can help enterprises meet these challenges," Mr Leung said.

According to Mr Leung, HKPC has initiated a series of support services to meet the urgent needs of industry for RoHS and WEEE compliance. He said, "Among our notable projects is the 'Green Manufacturing Express' Programme that serves to assist industry through RoHS and WEEE compliance attainment and capability building. The Programme includes a RoHS Product Compliance Verification Scheme, a RoHS and WEEE Application System for Supply Chain and Compliance Management, comprehensive services in lead-free soldering process design, evaluation and audit, RoHS and WEEE Gap Audit, as well as a Green Manufacturing Network."

"To prepare manufacturers of electrical and electronic components for the new requirements, we have promoted the 'Green Electronic Manufacturing' practice to these sectors. Initiatives included an ITF-funded project to transfer to local industry the lead-free soldering technology for printed circuit board assembly, monthly training programmes on 'Green Electronic Manufacturing' and free seminars on lead-free soldering technology with reference to RoHS-WEEE. We have also established a Lead-Free Soldering Technology Centre to assist manufacturers in RoHS-WEEE compliance through technology transfer," Mr Leung said.

In addition, to enhance industry's preparedness for RoHS and WEEE, HKPC published the 'Green Manufacturing Express' booklet and made it available for free download on its website. "The publication covers the latest green manufacturing requirements, particularly RoHS and WEEE. It also details HKPC's one-stop services for companies regarding the compliance of these rules," Mr Leung added.

Speakers at the seminar included Mr Andrew Young, Group Manager (Midmarket & Manufacturing), Microsoft Hong Kong Limited; Mr K T Ting, Manager (Inspection and Certification Division), CMA Testing and Certification Laboratories; Mr Ben Ho, Director, SWOT Systems Limited; Mr Roger Yuen, Business Development Director, Champway Software Consulting Company Limited; and Ms Annie Kong, Senior Consultant (Electronics Product Innovation), HKPC.

The event was supported by the Hong Kong Green Manufacturing Alliance, The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Toys Council, Hong Kong Watch & Clock Council, Toys Manufacturers' Association and Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Limited, with Microsoft Hong Kong Limited as sponsor.

Since 1990s, HKPC has implemented a comprehensive environmental management programme to enhance public awareness of environmental issues and helped companies comply with environmental regulations. Backed by its state-of-the art green manufacturing facilities, including the Advanced Electronics Processing Technology Centre, Environment & Product Innovation Laboratory, Plastics Technology Centre and Cleaner Production Centre, HKPC strives to enhance the competitiveness of industry through the adoption of green productivity.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms Betty Lee
General Manager
Corporate Communications & Events
Tel: (852) 2788 5036
Fax: (852) 2788 5056
E-mail: emilyc@hkpc.org

HKPC
18 November 2005