Enfield, CT, March 7, 2005 – Specialized Technology Resources, Inc. (STR) of Enfield, Connecticut, one of the leading quality assurance testing and compliance monitoring companies in the world, today announced the introduction of new Global Compliance Services to help companies comply with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive. All manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment sold in Europe, and their supply chains, must comply with the RoHS Directive, which is mandatory by July 1, 2006 for commerce within the European market. The RoHS Directive requires companies to self-declare compliance with minimal levels of six banned substances in their products:

• Cadmium (Cd),
• Hexavalent Chromium (CrVI),
• Lead (Pb),
• Mercury (Hg),
• Polybrominated Biphenyl (PBB), and
• Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE).

The European Community issued the RoHS Directive in response to the alarming growth of electrical and electronic product waste. Similar green regulations have been adopted or are in the process of being adopted in the U.S., Japan, and China. Products affected by the Directive are extensive and include: small and large appliances, lighting, toys, cell phones, tools, PCBs, medical and IT equipment, raw materials, additives, wire and cable, control panels, and more.

Manufacturers of products sold in Europe that do not comply with the RoHS Directive risk serious fines and damage to their “brand” reputation. Companies that are part of the supply chain to these manufacturers risk the loss of market share to “compliant” suppliers. Companies that take a proactive approach can capitalize on sales and market share, especially if they become an early adopter.

STR, which has core competency in laboratory testing and UL-Certificated Agency status, has developed a comprehensive testing and compliance program to support manufacturers with their RoHS compliance needs. This program is designed to provide Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) with cost savings to in-house compliance efforts and suppliers with a cost-effective way to document compliance for an OEM.

For more information, or to start your compliance project, please contact:

Asia Pacific
Hong Kong – Shanghai – Shenzhen:		Taiwan:
Dr. Dirk von Czarnowski at Dirk.Czar@strhk.com		Raymond Willekes at Raymond.Willekes@strtw.com
Arthur Lam at arthur.lam@strhk.com
Europe
Turkey:		United Kingdom:
Mike Potterton at mike.potterton@str-turkiye.com		Linda Crane at Linda.Crane@struk.co.uk
North America
Ellen Bemben at ellen.bemben@strus.com		Global Program Director:
Judith Haber at judith.haber@strus.com		Alyce Mayer at alyce.mayer@strus.com