Liaise with your customers to identify which of your products or components go into obligated product categories. There are a range of exemptions for RoHS. These are detailed in the How will RoHS work? section of the toolkit.

If you supply items for products that are exempt, clarify the strategy of your customer. Many producers of exempt products have decided to comply with RoHS from the outset.

Discuss with your customers which components are likely to contain RoHS proscribed materials. Develop a materials declaration form for suppliers below you in the supply chain to complete. See the RoHS documentation section of the toolkit.

Identify the high-risk components and sub-assemblies and undertake random testing. This can be done for some materials with simple DIY tests such as those available from eco3. www.eco3.co.uk

Investigate and trial different alternative solders. Make a decision which solder alloy you want to use. Consider the implications for component failure, choice of board, re-flow, re-work and possible equipment changes and investment.

Discuss the solder options with your customers and any suppliers below you in the supply chain (e.g. PCB manufacturers) in order to avoid compatibility issues and the need to have multiple production lines. Trial all components and boards with the replacement solder.

Source RoHS compliant components. Ensure that part numbers allow identification, that separate storage is available, and that there are no technical, quality or performance incompatibilities.

Retain a portfolio of evidence for each product.

Communicate your actions on an on-going basis to your customers.