RS opens online RoHS Knowledge Centre

RS, one of Europe's leading distributors of electrical, electronic, health & safety, mechanical and IT products, has expanded its support for the upcoming RoHS Directive with the opening of an online RoHS Knowledge Centre on its website to answer any questions on compliance issues.

An online 'Notify-Me' service has also been launched, allowing customers to be emailed with the compliance status of unconfirmed products.

The RoHS Directive, which comes into force across the EU on 1st July 2006, restricts the concentration of six hazardous substances contained within electrical and electronic equipment. To help its customers make a smooth transition, RS has added an 'Expert Advice' area, dedicated to answering questions and clearing up common misunderstandings about the new legislation, to the RoHS Knowledge Centre at rswww.com/rohs.

A panel of experts at RS has compiled a database of frequently asked RoHS questions and provided in-depth answers. Users can either browse directly through this list, or enter their own query in the search box provided. The site will then return all relevant matches to the question asked. If this still doesn't answer the question, customers can email the RS RoHS team, who will send a personal reply within two working days and add the information to the database.

Klaus Goeldenbot, RS UK General Manager said, "Uncertainty over the RoHS Directive is still widespread despite the deadline for compliance drawing ever closer... The Knowledge Centre at RS Online will provide our customers personal contact and advice from our team of experts, who will answer any question on details of the legislation and what to do now to ensure compliance."