RoHS UPDATES

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Screening Capability In STR's Enfield, CT Lab

STR is now offering XRF screening services at its' Enfield, CT laboratory. X-Ray fluorescence, or more commonly known as XRF, is an acceptable method for screening electronic products and components to detect restricted substances as in the case of RoHS. XRF screening is a non-destructive method and produces screening results quickly and affordably. XRF screening can also be used to screen other products for lead, including packaging materials, jewelry, plastics and alloys, mercury, chromium (total chromium), cadmium, and bromines (total bromines). For more information on XRF screening and to receive a quotation, please contact Kevin Smith at mailto:rohs@strus.com

February 13, 2008 Deadline For Stakeholder Submissions On The ROHS Directive

In 2007, the European Commission (EC) Services launched a consultation process for the purpose of reviewing specific ROHS Directive items and to encourage and allow stakeholders to provide their input. This process is important as it is a basis for developing policy options and because any amendments could have serious consequences for the electrical and electronics industry. Read more.

CSCC STAFF BECOME UNITED NATIONS-LICENSED CONSULTANTS

Staff members, Sinan Doven and Ilker Sevindi, based in our Turkey operation (STR/CSCC) are now licensed to provide consulting services to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Central and Eastern Europe as well as Turkey.

They received specific training through the Responsible Entrepreneurs Achievement Programme (REAP), which is a comprehensive methodology to support SMEs in implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR) by measuring and tracking the economic, social and environmental performance of their business.

The training was conducted by United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Vienna, Austria in September 2007. UNIDO is mandated to promote sustainable economic development and international industrial cooperation.

CSCC, An STR Company, can assist all STR clients with responsible sourcing needs, including social assessments and supply chain security. For more information, contact Sol Mills: smills@intlcompliance.com or visit: http://www.unido.org/reap-software/info/

MICHIGAN GOVERNOR SIGNS HOUSE AND SENATE BILLS PERTAINING TO LEAD

Four new bills in Michigan pertaining to lead in children's and other consumer products have been enrolled into law as Public Acts. Click here to review the approved bills.

HOW CAN YOU PREPARE FOR EU REACH?

Do you know what REACH means for your products and your organization? What are you doing now to prepare for EU REACH and pre-registration? Click here for the steps to prepare your organization. Looking for help with REACH, contact Kevin Smith at rohs@strus.com for information on STR's 1-day on-site REACH seminar.

"TOP SHELF QUALITY" IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY

Arthur Rumpf, Senior Technical Consultant of Shuster Laboratories was interviewed for the featured article "Top Shelf Quality", that appeared in the December/January 2008 issue of Food Quality magazine. The article reviews the importance of shelf life and challenge studies to ensure the quality and safety of food products. To receive a copy of this article, please e-mail mailto:articles@shusterlabs.com

TOY INDUSTRY UPDATES

TIA Set To Deliver Report On Safety Conformance Program

The TIA in conjunction with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and a working group of safety experts and industry, government, and consumer leaders announced a new safety assurance program for toys will be published for public review and comment on February 1, 2008.

STR's Bob Cammilleri and Sue DeRagon are actively involved in this program development process and will be attending the upcoming joint workgroup meeting on January 29, 2008 in New York City. Read more.

The attached article was reprinted with the permission and authorization of the TIA - Toy Industry Association, Inc. For more information regarding TIA membership and the many benefits the association provides, please contact the TIA at: Toy Industry Association, Inc., 115 Broadway, New York, NY 10010. Tel: 212 675-1141, Fax: 212 633-1429 or via e-mail: http://www.toy-tia.org/

Recalls Impact Toy Design, Manufacturing And Costs

In the wake of recent global recalls, toy designers as well as China's manufacturers are striving to show that they are improving the safety and quality of their toys. Designers are considering foreseeable abuse and emerging hazards, while manufacturers are phasing out artificial leather containing noxious chemicals once used in toys, vinyl and plastic noses on plush toys and lead-containing paints. Read more.

New Jersey Governor Signs Legislation Prohibiting Sale Of Yo-Yo Waterballs

On January 3, 2008, New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine signed into law Assembly Bill 428 and Senate Bill 780 which prohibit the sale or offering for sale of Yo-Yo Waterballs. Read more.

EVENTS/SEMINARS

STR-US To Exhibit At TOY FAIR In February

Please visit STR at the American International TOY FAIR, booth #5388, February 17-20, 2008 at the Javits Center in New York City. STR will showcase the company's comprehensive quality assurance and safety services and can assist companies with audits, inspections and test products at every stage of the supply chain. Our approach to toy quality and safety is to develop programs that focus on hazard prevention not just detection.

For more information on TOY FAIR, please visit http://www.toy-tia.org/ or to meet with STR staff at the show or learn more about our programs and services, please contact Lauralee Soli at mailto:lauralee.soli@strus.com

STR-US To Exhibit At ICPHSO's Annual Meeting

Please join STR at the International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization's (ICPHSO), 15th Annual Meeting and Training Symposium. The 2008 ICPHSO Symposium is scheduled for February 18-21, 2008, at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC. The Agenda starts with a full day on Globalization and Product Safety and is followed by CPSC and ABA Seminars, interspersed with workshops and Keynoters and provides outstanding learning and networking opportunities during the event.

For more information on the meeting, please visit http://www.icphso.org/ To meet with STR's professional staff during the event, please contact Karolyn Helda at mailto:karolyn.helda@strus.com

Please Join CSCC At The Responsible Sourcing Conference, February 21, 2008

CSCC's annual conference, titled "The G3 Conference: The Next Generation of Responsible Sourcing Strategies", will be held on Thursday, February 21, 2008 at the Standard Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. The G3 Conference will take an informative look at the next generation of responsible sourcing strategies capturing the attention of CSR-minded individuals and organizations the world over.

For more information, please visit our website, http://www.cscc-online.com/ or contact Lucille Nakhla at 310-215-0554 ext. 515 or via email: lnakhla@intlcompliance.com or click here to register online.