The recent implementation of a Reduction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive in China has has very different results than a similar directive implemented in the EU, according to AMR Research analysts, Eric Karofsky, Qin Deng and Bill Swanton.
In a March 29 article, the authors explained that "while EU member states have been oddly vague about how they will test and prosecute and what constitutes due diligence, the Chinese are enacting a stringent law that raises the bar to comply, especially for foreign companies." In China, products need specific marking, beginning March 1, 2007.
Companies who import products into China are at a disadvantage with regard to compliance for the following reasons:
All enlisted products need a 3C (China Compulsory Certification) label before they can be sold in China. However, a number of electronic manufacturers in China have this certification already.
Testing for the ultimate certification will likely be allowed only at state-owned, approved laboratories. Time to market will be a problem because the amount of products needing certification will greatly outweigh the capacity available.
Neither the law, nor supplemental material, is translated into other languages. Officials decided to only publish information in Chinese. This creates significant time and information barriers for small and midsize businesses, though some third-party "unofficial" translations can be found on the web.
To view the full article visit: http://www.amrresearch.com/Content/View.asp?pmillid=19321
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