The results of a three-month poll conducted by leading electronics distributor Newark InOne revealed that respondents overwhelmingly agreed that Congress should enact a Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) law, thereby creating a single compliance standard for all 50 states.
The European Union's RoHS directive took effect July 1, 2006 and restricts the amount of lead and five other substances that can be used in new electronic and electrical equipment sold to EU countries.
The poll was launched in mid-September following an industry warning from Newark InOne's president, Paul Tallentire, that the upcoming California RoHS-style rule that takes effect January 1, 2007, sets a dangerous precedent.
"Increasing and varying state-by-state rules are already causing unnecessary complexity for electronic manufacturers and distributors who must try to track and meet them all," he said. "Are we going to wait until we have 50 state laws with 50 flavors, before we enact a uniform national standard for our industry?"
Tallentire cites global competition as another imperative.
"China's RoHS takes effect in a few months, and its intent is to ensure that its own manufacturers can continue to export electronic goods to the EU and the rest of the world," he said. "Are the stakes any less for U.S. manufacturers?"
The final results of the