In today's competitive marketplace, manufacturers cannot claim success through their products alone, they must comply with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements while meeting customer (and other interested party) requirements.

In early 2005, in response to the European Restrictions of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directives, industry leaders of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the global organization that prepares and publishes international standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies, gathered to create a process-based standard to which all companies could be held accountable for controlling hazardous substances. This Hazardous Substance Process Management (HSPM)-based approach, IECQ QC 080000 was released in October of 2005.

Based on belief that achievement of HSF (Hazardous Substance Free) products & production processes cannot be realized without effective integration of management disciplines, QC 080000 is a process-based system that is comprehensive in scope. It serves to manage all HS processes, regardless of HSF requirements a company is trying to meet.  QC 080000 is viewed as a  supplement to the ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS) framework for the comprehensive and systematic management and control of processes pursuant to HSF goals.

ISO 9001 provides a blueprint for optimization of business and quality management systems.  IECQ QC 080000 HSPM was written to fit into that blueprint.  The IECQ QC 080000 strengthens adherence to the principles and practices prescribed by the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) and directs their application to the management of hazardous substances. 

IECQ QC 080000 Certification Benefits

IECQ accreditation can satisfy regulators that a manufacturer's processes are free of hazardous materials.  Companies that can manufacture according to the IECQ QC 080000 standard receive a certificate as proof. It tells the global marketplace that you have the processes in place to properly manage your products for HSF.  It assures access to global markets and creates competitive advantage, compliance with laws and highest industry standards.

Sections of IECQ QC 080000 mirror the structure of the ISO 9001 Standard. Compliance and/or certification with a current QMS standard implies a company is familiar with the process approach.  

It is important to understand that QC 080000 focuses on the technical aspects of compliance. Once demonstrated complaince can be claimed. Once certifed to the Standard it can be maintained as part of your ISO 9001 (AS9100, TS, etc) QMS via internal audits.

Many who implement QC 080000 also consider ISO 14001 compliance/certification and/or OHSAS 18001 as a means of demonstrating socially responsible business practices.

Need more info or help understanding, implementing and/or auditing for RoHS, WEEE or IECQ QC 080000 compliance...   At RH ANDERSEN we are ready now to meet the challenge of optimizing, implementing or maintaining your Hazardous Substance Process Management system... comply with EPA, WEEE, RoHS or ISO 140001 requirements... Call today for your free quality consultation:    (203) 500-8705 RH Andersen and Team ISO are registered trademarks of RH Andersen Consultants. All rights reserved.