NGK INSULATORS, LTD.

New Metals Division

April 1, 2009

The Restricted Substances in the RoHS, EU Directive

Copper beryllium (CuBe) alloy has an ideal combination of mechanical and physical properties, i.e. high strength, high electrical conductivity and excellent formability. CuBe alloy is employed in a wide variety of the electrical and electronic components such as connectors, IC sockets, switches, relays, micro motors in telecommunication and automotive industries as well as consumer goods. In addition, CuBe alloy has been the indispensable material to achieve miniaturization and high reliability of products.

We will explain about the revision of the RoHS Directive for the proper understanding of the use of CuBe alloy.

1. Use of Copper Beryllium Alloy

At present, beryllium (Be) is not restricted in the RoHS Directive Therefore, there is no restriction to the use of CuBe alloy.

2. Present Situation of the RoHS Directive

Since the RoHS Directive came into force July 1, 2006, it has been put into practice as follows:

- The use of the 6 (six) substances* in electric and electronic equipment is restricted in principle.

*Cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and brominated flame retardant (PBB, PBDE)

3. Recent Status on the Revision of the RoHS Directive

(1)The RoHS Directive requires that the EC (European Commission) periodically investigate the addition of restricted substances. In December, 2008 the EC declared the following in the press release:

• The list of restricted substances is not changed, i.e. the EC continue to restrict 6 (six) substances;
• Following 4 (four) substances are identified for priority assessment in view of a possible future inclusion in the list of restricted substances.
  ·HBCDD : Hexabromocyclododecane
  ·DEHP : Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
  ·BBP : Benzyl butyl phthalate
  ·DBP : Dibutyl phthalate

(2)In fact beryllium was on the list of the candidate substances at an early stage of the investigation, however, it was removed from the list after a careful survey. The detailed investigation process is as follows:

• in March, 2008 Öko Institut (Germany) who was appointed to the investigation on the additional restriction of substances by the EC published the list of 46 (forty six) candidate substances and invited comments from NGO and industry. Beryllium was on the list along with other metals including cobalt (Co), and nickel (Ni);
• in October, 2008 Öko Institut submitted the final report with the list of 10 (ten) candidate substances to the EC. Beryllium in addition to the other metals was removed from the list.

In conclusion CuBe alloy is not restricted in the RoHS Directive. Additionally, there is no restriction to the use of CuBe in any other environmental law system like the ELV Directive and the REACH Regulation, etc.

If you have any question about health & safety issues or laws and regulations related to CuBe alloy, please contact at:

Sales & Marketing Tel. +81-3-6213-8913
Environmental Control Tel. +81-569-23-5810
NGK INSULATORS, LTD.

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