Policy on Target Substances

Our policy on the use and phase out of target substances is based on the following key principles:

Beyond Legal Compliance

Our first principle for managing the use of substances with significant environmental impacts is to be a responsible corporate citizen. This means that Samsung Electronics goes above and beyond legal requirements in phasing out target substances across our entire product range in all countries.

Decision Making Based on Scientific Evidence & the Precautionary Principle

Target substances (i.e. substances that may jeopardize human health and/or environment) are identified and managed based on sound scientific evidence wherever possible. We will also consider cases where concerns exist due to conflicting evidences.

By acting above and beyond legal requirements, and considering cases where the scientific evidence is conflicting or not yet absolute, Samsung Electronics incorporates the Precautionary Principle into our approach for managing target substances.

A full list of target substances and how they are managed via the Samsung Electronics Standards for Control of Substances concerning Product Environment (SEC Standard 0QA-2049) can be viewed by clicking on the link below:
Management of target substances

Voluntary Phase Out of Target Substances

In accordance with our policy on target substances, Samsung Electronics has developed a list of substances which are not restricted by law but whose use in our products is monitored and reported by suppliers in order to develop appropriate measures for future restrictions and phase out programs.

These substances, termed Class III, are selected based on:

Customer requirements
Stakeholder concerns e.g. environmental NGOs, consumer organizations
Early legislative proposals or government lists of high risk chemicals
Evidence of harm to the environment or human health

The setting of phase out schedules is then undertaken based on the level of concern and the potential availability of less harmful alternatives. Therefore, Class III includes the date of substances phase out which is completed or nearly completed, in addition to including potential future substances of concern. Additions to the list are made on an on-going basis resulting from dialogue with stakeholders and monitoring of expert research.

Voluntary Phase-out Achieved to Date

Samsung Electronics has been successful in developing and launching PVC and BFR free products and advancing consumers’ quality of life while also providing new value through eco-innovation. Here is a record of our progress to date:

2010

All new models of mobile phones and MP3 players including accessories and chargers introduced on the market are PVC and BFRs free from April 2010.
Started to eliminate BFRs (main PWB and case) and PVC (internal wires) for new models of camcorders and cameras developed from January 2010.

2009

Halogen free eco-flagship mobile phones launched (Blue Earth (GT-S7550) in October and Reclaim (M560) in August); as part of phasing-out PVC and BFRs from all developing models. Reclaim won the 2010 CES innovations award in Eco-Design and Sustainable Technology.
We launched LED TVs globally, expediting the electronics industry transition to mercury-free LED successfully.
Halogen free MP3 player M1 and R1 launched in September 2009.
Halogen free HDD Spinpoint M7 launched first in the industry in April 2009.

~ 2008

In 2008, mobile phone Tobi (GT-S3030) launched in Europe. Tobi is PVC and BFRs free and made with bio-plastics.
In 2008, we provided PVC and BFRs free mobile phone SGH-F268 to the Beijing Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (BOCOG).
In 2007, completed elimination of BFRs in PCB for new models of mobile phones.
In 2006, completed elimination of TBBP-A from the housing of TVs.
In 2005, completed elimination of PVC from all packaging.
In 2004, established the Environmental Analysis Laboratory for the management of potential hazardous substances in products.