HKPC and Microsoft Launch

The imminent implementation of the European Union's (EU) Directive on the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) will have significant implications to Hong Kong manufacturers. To facilitate industry to systematically and effectively manage RoHS-related data and documents, the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and Microsoft Hong Kong Limited (Microsoft) have jointly developed a "RoHS Portal" – an online information and data management platform for RoHS compliance.

Urging the local industry to step up their preparation for the RoHS Directive, Mr Frank Leung, General Manager (Electronics Product Innovation) of HKPC, said, "Scheduled for implementation by 1 July 2006 in the EU member states, the RoHS Directive will cover 10 categories of electrical and electronic equipment, which account for a majority of the local exports."

"Aiming to speed up industry's compliance with the RoHS Directive, HKPC and Microsoft have jointly developed the 'RoHS Portal' to provide an online platform to assist companies to enhance operation and manage documents related to RoHS-compliant testing and application, as well as obtain the latest compliance information," said Mr Leung.

"As a productivity improvement tool for RoHS compliance, the 'RoHS Portal' has designed e-forms to simplify RoHS laboratory test as well as supplier material declaration requests. With a centralized filing of test reports, supplier declaration forms and other supporting documents, the Portal provides an efficient system for tracking and retrieval of RoHS-compliant applications," he said.

"While the information is protected with electronic signature, it can be accessed via the Internet or the Intranet. In addition, the 'RoHS Portal' can be integrated with other enterprise applications, such as ERP, SCM, PLM and Inventory System," Mr Leung added.

Other features of the "RoHS Portal" include an auto-reminder function for RoHS inspection, re-tests and vendor audit; data and attribute validation and error notification; web posting of compliance information, and compliance reports for parts and supplier performance. The "RoHS Portal" is suitable for manufacturers of audio-visual equipment, toys, electronic products, IT and communications equipment, electrical appliances and lighting equipment.

The "RoHS Portal" is yet another programme under the "Productivity Plus" initiative launched by HKPC and Microsoft in December 2005 to help local companies meet new business challenges, such as compliance with international environmental standards. For more information on the "RoHS Portal", please contact HKPC's Mr Daniel Sum at tel. (852) 2788 6240 or e-mail: daniels@hkpc.org.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms Betty Lee
General Manager
Corporate Communications and Events
Tel: (852) 2788 5895
Fax: (852) 2788 5056
E-mail: justina@hkpc.org
Website: www.hkpc.org

16 May 2006