5. Method development

In the wake of new regulatory requirements, notably concerning the banning of hazardous substances such as lead, mercury and hexavalent chromium, control of product composition and traceability of this information is more topical than ever. Since January 2003, when Directives 2002/96/EC and 2002/95/EC were published, there has been a significant increase in the number of companies equipping themselves to meet these needs.

The challenge of the EIME approach lies in adopting a common frame of reference for an entire sector of activity, thus facilitating the transfer of information and relationships of trust between players.

This objective cannot be achieved without the participation of SMEs and SMIs. Indeed, these small businesses are the suppliers of the larger ones. As the originators of production and assembly, they have a duty to inform...