ECC Corp., Midland, Texas, has developed a program to label domestic and international consumer goods as free of hazardous substances. Companies supplying goods given the HSF (hazardous-free substance) designation will have passed certification from IECQ hazardous substance process management group.

The standard was prepared jointly by the U.S.-based Electronic Industries Association (EIA) and the Electronic Component Certification Board (ECCB), and adopted by the IECQ for use around the world. The IECQ is now also developing product standards for hazardous substances.

The HSF program allows consumers to recognize the HSF mark on products and search an online database for hazardous-substance-free products. It will be managed by ECC Corp., with assessment by IECQ through its HSPM certification program. Based on the requirements of IECQ QC 080000, manufacturers throughout the supply chain would undergo an initial registration assessment to achieve certification and annual surveillance to maintain their certification. A manufacturer needs to demonstrate full compliance in order to receive certification to use the HSF Mark on their qualified products.

Visit www.hsf.us for more info.