Apple Computer, the maker of the world's most popular iPod player and Macintosh computers, will be forced to cease import of certain products into the European Union (EU), as they are not compliant with ROHS (Restricted use of Hazardous Substances) standards.
A news-story over at AppleInsider web-site claims that at least some of Apple's products did not meet the guideline and the company would cease their supplies into the EU starting from June, 23. The web-site claims that the list includes such devices as iSight, AirPort Base Station With Modem, AirPort Base Station Power Over Ethernet & Antenna, iPod shuffle External Battery Pack and all versions of the eMac all-in-one desktop computer.
Starting from the July 1, 2006, EU plans to restrict the use of six substances within electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), thereby contributing to the protection of human health and the environment. The list of hazardous substances includes such materials as Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd), Hexavalent Chromium, Polybrominated biphenyls as well as Polybrominated diphenyl ethers. While when the computers and other devices are used, they are not dangerous, when the components are utilized after users get rid of old machines, those elements become harmful.
Even though the products are unlikely to be available through Apple Europe after June 23, they may persist to be sold in through the company's retail channels for as long as existing inventory lasts, according to the media report.
Related news
- Apple, Rapper 50 Cent to Collaborate on Affordable Macintosh Computers.
50 Cent and Apple Negotiating over Branding Deal - Apple Preps ?None-Touch?iPod ?Foxconn.
Foxconn Readies Production of New iPod - Apple Readies Intel Woodcrest Servers ?Web-Site.
Apple's Xserve Systems to be Upgraded - Nike's Footwear Connects to Apple's iPod Players.
Apple, Nike Collaborate - Apple Intros New MacBook Laptops.
Apple's MacBooks Replace iBooks - Apple Set to Unveil Intel-Based iBook Substitutes ?Web-Sites.
Apple to Offer MacBook Notebooks - Apple Unveils MacBook Pro with Large Screen.
Apple Intros 17?MacBook Pro
