Passage by the European Union of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and the Restrictions on the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) Directives have resulted in the most far-reaching environmental policy requirements for high-tech products. To help our members learn more about the impact of these EU laws - and various other laws being proposed at the state level across the U.S. and others in China - AeA New England assembled an impressive group of experts.

Two attorneys from Allen & Overy in New York provided an overview of the laws and their implication for technology companies. 

J.P. Brisson, Associate of Global Environmental Law Group, advises global high-tech companies on all aspects of environmental law, including compliance with newly adopted European Union substance control and take-back requirements.  He also partnered with AeA to publish guide summarizing new EU requirements applicable to high-tech industry, and to conduct seminars for AeA members, such as this.

Ken Rivlin, Partner and Head of Allen & Overy’s U.S. Environmental Law Practice in New York, advises US and multi-national clients on environmental risk in business transactions, represents clients in litigation and disputes involving environmental, toxic tort, insurance coverage and contract matters, develops environmental compliance systems and counsels on environmental issues generally. Their joint presentation included a detailed overview of both directives. They also updated the audience on the latest negotiations around WEEE and RoHS.

Mark Sinclair, HM Consul of Science and Technology, UK Consulate in Cambridge, MA, told the audience how his team works to develop US-UK technology links and collaboration, while promoting the work of the UK's science and technology knowledge base. He discussed ways that the UK’s Trade and Investment agency could help U.S. manufacturers in Europe.

Next, the audience heard from Steve Andrews, Eco-design & Product Policy Unit from the U.K. Department of Trade & Industry in London. Steve is a member of the EUs’ Technical Adaptation Committee (TAC) that is working on WEEE and RoHS. The TAC is a critical entity in that it is working out many of the details of how the directives will be implemented.

Becky Linder, Director of International Trade Policy at AeA, is responsible for AeA’s international environmental policy positions and market access initiatives. These responsibilities include coordinating and increasing industry and government dialogue on the European Union’s adopted Directives on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and Restrictions on the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS).

She updated the audience on what AeA was doing to make sure the industry’s voice is heard on this critical issue. She additionally discussed some specifics of proposals in U.S. states, like California, Massachusetts and Vermont and how AeA is tracking and monitoring this issue closely. She also outlined additional ways that AeA members could get involved and help their individual companies prepare.

Two AeA member companies shared best practices in handling these issues. Renee Olson (left), Department of Corporate Product Market Access, Agilent Technologies, Andover, MA, and John Burkitt, Manager Environmental Programs, Hewlett-Packard, Littleton MA, spoke to how they have worked to develop internal procedures to help their companies comply.

John Burkitt, Manager Environmental Programs, Hewlett-Packard, Littleton MA, spoke to how his company has adapted internal procedures to comply.

The impacts of E-Waste laws are quite numerous and complicated affecting the entire manufacturing and supply chain, so attendees were encouraged to share what they had learned with other company departments. For more information on this issue, see the AeA/Allen & Overy report.

Due to interest in the topic, AeA New England will likely hold an update in the next six months. In the meantime, to learn more about this issue and how your company is impacted, call the AeA office at 781.9381925, x105.

Don't miss our next event - review the AeA New England event calendar for networking and learning opportunities.

Special thank you to our sponsor: Visit by clicking on the logo to the right.