Two new IEEE environmental standards on two categories of electronic equipment will soon go to ballot with scope broader than the RoHS and REACH Directives. IPC, US are concerned that, although voluntary, they will become de facto benchmarks throughout the supply chain and a precedent for future standards.

The standards do not have any exemptions and remove all SVHC's (Substances of Very High Concern). They also require elimination of TBBPA, the most common flame retardant used in circuit boards. A number of other rigorous criteria are to be applied.

Although in fact they only apply to imaging equipment and televisions, IPC are highlighting the fact that they fall under the umbrella of EPEAT (Environmentally Preferable Electronics Assessment Tool) that has recently been mandated by President Obama to be used for all government procurement.

IPC are concerned that these stringent requirements are being decided upon by 'only a small sector of the industry' and are urging the industry to register as IEEE members and vote in the ballot.