Abstract
This chapter analyses the practical challenges created by the EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive and Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals REACH regulations for the electrical and electronic equipment industry and automotive industries in Thailand. It analyses the measures taken by the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC) and its partners to support businesses as they adapted their practices to produce compliance products during the period 2002–2012. The chapter shows how the early engagement of the government, combined with the unique collaborative efforts of ThaiRoHS alliance and timely funding, and collaborative efforts from the Japan Environmental Management Association for Industry all contribute to a successful response to the new environmental challenges.
This paper summarizes the efforts made by the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC) and its partners to support Thai industries to adapt to products’ environmental and chemical safety legislations during 2002 to 2012. However, the views and opinions expressed in this paper are strictly those of the author and should not be purported to represent the views of MTEC.
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- 1.
Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are polymers used as flame retardants in plastics. Metals and ceramics do not require flame retardants and are typically produced by high-temperature processes exceeding the decomposition temperatures of PBBs and PBDEs.
- 2.
Mercury and aluminum are incompatible materials. Mercury will constantly destroy the natural protective layer of the aluminum, leading aluminum to rust very rapidly. Since this reaction does not consume mercury, it will continue until either aluminum is completely destroyed or mercury evaporates out entirely.
- 3.
Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is used for analyzing trace elements (e.g., the elements Cd and Pb) but would be inappropriate for identifying and quantifying the restricted polymers.
- 4.
DEHP: bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate; BBP: benzyl butyl phthalate; DBP: dibutyl phthalate; DIBP: diisobutyl phthalate.
- 5.
Chemical substances that meet criteria laid down by REACH for substances of very high concern (SVHC) and were later selected according to REACH mandates to include in the candidate list of substances of very high concern.
- 6.
Based on the ruling by the European Court of Justice on Case C‑106/14 handed down on September 10, 2015.
- 7.
References
European Commission. (2015). Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2012/863 of 31 March 2015 amending Annex II to Directive 2011/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the list of restricted substances.
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European Parliament. (2003a). Directive 2002/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment
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Ramungul, N. (2004). Status of RoHS Adjustment in Thailand: report to UNCTAD Consultative Task Force (CTF) on Environmental Requirements and Market Access for Developing Countries. 1st Meeting of the Consultative Task Force (CTF) on Environmental Requirements and Market Access for Developing Countries, Geneva, 5–6 November 2004.http://unctad.org/en/pages/MeetingsArchive.aspx?meetingid=9930.
Ramungul, N., Wongwuttikultorn, P., Tiyapatanaputi S., & TREE Green Project working group. (2007). Guideline for the adjustment to become a hazardous substances free producer (In Thai). Patumtani, Thailand: National Metal and Materials Technology Center.
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Ramungul, N. (2017). Adapting to EU Chemical Regulations: The Experience of Thailand. In: Michida, E., Humphrey, J., Nabeshima, K. (eds) Regulations and International Trade. IDE-JETRO Series. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-55041-1_4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-55041-1_4
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