UGS Publishes Five-Point Guide to Ensuring Compliance with WEEE Directive

June 18, 2007 // Published as a news service by IHS

The deadline for full compliance with the WEEE directive across Europe is July 1, 2007.

However, according to UGS, reports suggest that a high proportion of organisations will be exposed to regulatory and commercial issues when they have to show due diligence in their environmental compliance strategy.

"A worrying number of organisations are concerned that their WEEE compliance strategy is taking longer than expected or, worse, [has] yet to start," said Henry Seddon, vice president, Europe, Middle East and Africa marketing at UGS.

"We are showing those organisations that it isn't too late to start. Our guide, which incorporates planning, auditing and rollout of WEEE, demonstrates that getting on the road to compliance is easier than many people think," Seddon said.

UGS PLM Software warns that failure to prepare for the directive could result in stalled shipments of electrical devices and steep fines for those yet to comply. In the worst case, products will be barred from the market.

"While companies were given ample warning of the July 2007 deadline, there are still a number of companies that remain noncompliant," Seddon said.

"Our guide highlights a number of things manufacturers can do, supported by their local enforcement council, to fast-track their journey toward RoHS [restriction of hazardous substances] and WEEE compliance now while ensuring their processes are more efficient for future changes."

UGS is a division of Siemens Automation and Drives.

Source: UGS.