scope:

This PAS provides general sampling guidelines and strategies of sampling for electrotechnical products, electronic assemblies, electronic components. In order to obtain samples that can be used for analytical testing to determine the levels of restricted substances as described in the test methods of IEC 62321. Restrictions for substances will vary between geographic regions and from time to time. This PAS describes a generic process for the sampling of any substance which could be restricted. This PAS does not provide: - Full guidance on each and every product that could be classified as electrotechnical equipment. Since there is a huge variety of electrotechnical components, with various structures and processes, along with the continuous innovations in the industry, it is unrealistic to attempt to provide procedures for the disjointment of every type of component. - Analysis procedures to measure the levels of restricted substances. This is covered by other standards (for example the future IEC 62321), which are referred to as the "test standard" in this PAS. - Guidelines for assessment of compliance. - Guidance regarding other routes to gather additional information on restricted substances in a product, although the information collected has relevance to the sampling strategies in this PAS. - Sampling procedures for packaging and packaging materials. - Safe disassembly and mechanical disjointment instructions related to electrotechnical products (e.g. Hg containing switches) and the recycling industry (e.g. how to handle CRTs or the safe removal of batteries).