INDUSTRY NEWS

Off the mark

Is the CE mark adding to the cost of making chip manufacturing gear for the European market? "Yes," say nearly 80% of semiconductor equipment suppliers surveyed last year by VLSI Research. The Communauté Européenne marking requirements, which cover EHS standards, have been in effect since January 1, 1995. The directives are designed to make life easier for manufacturers with European customers by harmonizing all product requirements across borders. "The problem," asserts the research firm, "is that they introduced controls where they did not previously exist." Importing used gear to Europe has become "prohibitively expensive" in many cases because of upgrades required by the directives. As a result, European chipmakers end up spending more on equipment by buying new tools. Some manufacturers are insisting that all new gear meet CE regulations regardless of the installation site so that the equipment can be moved to Europe if necessary.

What's a vendor to do? For companies without a strong European presence VLSI Research recommends using local agencies or consultants to act as guides. SEMI has stepped in, too. The trade group's safety committee has raised the issue of documentation language with the EU. On April 14 SEMI is sponsoring a forum on CE marking during Semicon/Europa 97 in Geneva.

MicroHome | Search | Current Issue | MicroArchives
Buyers Guide | Media Kit