Electronics makers race to meet RoHS deadline

"Last year, Taiwan turned out US$169.7 billion worth of electrical and electronic equipment, over half of which went overseas. However, this export cash cow could face a serious setback next year if manufacturers of electronic devices fail to comply with a European Union (EU) environmental protection directive that will come into effect on July 1, 2006. The directive, known as the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), sets strict new standards on what materials can be used on products sold in the EU market. Those manufacturers that don't come up to muster will effectively find the door closed to this lucrative market." Source: english.www.gov.tw