RoHS/WEEE
One Distributor's Commitment to Change

By Eric B. Gervais, CEO, Commodity Components International, Inc.

The electronics supply chain is being forced to reevaluate, restructure, and learn new laws impacting distribution under the recently enacted RoHS and WEEE environmental guidelines. These comprehensive laws, backed by governments around the world, are changing the way that OEM’s, CEM’s, and distributors conduct business.

Some astute companies have invested in new testing equipment, employee training, warehouse segregation, research and logistical support. These changes are critical to survival and long term growth. Those who adapt will survive and those that don’t most certainly will not.

Our company, Commodity Components International, is one of those that has done more than adapt. We’ve identified an opportunity and have set the standards for our industry.

Commodity Components International has been a top ten independent distributor for more than fifteen years. We have consistently adapted and thrived in changing markets and worldwide conditions. With offices around the world – it has been critical for our company to remain a leader in all facets of our business. Our focus and key mission has always been to provide our customers best- in- class service.

We have positioned our role in the supply chain as high profile in terms of RoHS/WEEE compliance. While it is unwise for any electronics distributor or manufacturer to ignore the current regulations, it appears that many are doing just that. So, how did Commodity Components International change when confronted by RoHS/WEEE? In a word - leadership.

In early 2006, I formed a RoHS committee made up of individuals from across our organization. We also contracted with 5-Trees consulting organization to educate our management and staff with respect to the impact RoHS would have on our industry and organization. After months of research and discussion - several bold initiatives were undertaken. The following is a brief overview of those programs:

Employee Training – Our compliance team created a RoHS employee training program for all CCI employees. Each employee’s role is diverse, as this program was designed to focus specifically on all job descriptions and departments.

Mission Statement and Policy Updates – To compliment our ISO 9001:2000 mission and vision statements, CCI has developed a corporate policy and set of standards for RoHS compliance. This includes an overall mission statement, warehouse policies, and updates to much of our internal paperwork.

Segregation of Product – In early 2007, CCI completed renovations to our three warehouse facilities to fully comply with our ROHS certification As such, our warehouse facilities are now fully segregated based on ROHS status.

Internal Labeling – Our RoHS committee initiated a labeling program for our products. Even though RoHS standards did not mandate any universal labeling/packaging, so it will be incumbent upon manufactures and distributors to ensure that product is clearly marked and segregated.

Identification of Resources – CCI has begun the process of partnering with other organizations and resources to ensure that our organization will be a knowledgeable resource for RoHS compliance to our customers. .

XRF Testing – CCI initiated “CCI RoHS Solutions” in January of 2007. This in-house service facility performs XRF RoHS analysis, testing and reporting for our customers, as well as outside clients.

When this project was initiated, I felt strongly that it was our obligation to take a lead role in order to enhance our service to our customers.We deem these initiatives critical to our current and future business. In the last several months, our customers have responded with inquires, testing needs, and overall confidence in my organization resulting in stronger partnerships.

The RoHS compliance process is not simple, nor inexpensive, however it is a significant step for electronics distribution organizations to solidify a major role for the future.

CCI would be glad to discuss or share our compliance program with other organizations. Please contact Doug Sutherland at dsutherland@cci-inc.com for more information.

Mr. Gervais has been the Chief Executive Officer of the company since 1996.  He had been outside counsel to the company since it's founding in 1990. He was a partner in two law firms in Western Massachusetts from 1978 to 1990 concentrating in business law and commercial litigation.  He is a graduate of St. Michael's College and earned a Juris Doctor degree from Western New England School of Law. He is admitted to the Massachusetts and Federal Courts. He has served on the board of directors of two commercial banks, held several volunteer municipal positions and served charitable causes.