The Electronic Components Industry Association  announces the release of a new joint standard developed by both ECIA (representing the passive electronic components industry) and JEDEC – The Solid-State Technology Association. The standard designated as JS709 is entitled, “Low-Halogen” Passives and Solid-State Devices (Removal of BFR/CFR/PVC).

This standard provides terms and definitions for “low-halogen” passive electronic components and solid-state devices, including recommendations for methods of marking and labeling. The standard applies to non-metallic and non-ceramic materials in devices such as transistors, integrated circuits, memory modules, resisters, capacitors, relays, inductors, and electronic connectors. Some examples of electronic devices that are not currently covered by the standard would include printed circuit boards, cables, electronic products, and assemblies.

The term Low-Halogen is presently not succinctly defined. Low-Halogen has not yet become a regulatory requirement through any worldwide legislation, but it is presently and increasingly being used within the industry. This is setting up the potential for confusion in the marketplace. The JS709 standard contains a concise definition to identify passive and solid-state devices containing low concentrations of bromine and chlorine, from brominated and chlorinated flame retardants (BFRs, CFRs) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Although the halogen group contains fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine, this document presently uses the term “low-halogen” to refer to only bromine and chlorine. 

For more information visit www.eciaonline.org.

Posted by Janine E. Mooney, Associate Editor