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.

Samsung’s Compliance with RoHS Directives

Samsung Electronics takes a proactive approach to evaluating materials in its products to assess environmental, health or safety impacts.

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. The evaluation of alternative materials is a continuous process.

We are aware of issues relating to the environmental impact of using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in electronic products. Following the precautionary principle, we have been continuing to expand the development and launch of products with reduced PVC and BFRs despite restrictions such as an immature supply market for alternative materials and issues regarding technical reliability and performance.

Samsung Electronics believes that the enactment of legislation such as updated EU RoHS Directives will play an important role in addressing problems relating to the elimination of PVC and BFRs use. Through this legislation, the industry-wide replacement of PVC and BFRs could be expedited.

Samsung Electronics will comply if the EU decides to include PVC and BFRs as restricted substances in the RoHS 2.0 amendment.

For effective implementation, Samsung Electronics suggests consideration of the following when amending the RoHS Directive:

• Technical availability of alternative materials or technologies when establishing the appropriate scope of the target products.
• Reasonable transition periods, lead times and exemptions which consider socioeconomic factors and allow for industry preparation and the establishment of supply chains.

While an environment conducive to the elimination of PVC and BFR use is being established, whether through legislation or supply chain formation, Samsung Electronics will continue to eliminate PVC and BFRs according to our internal plans with consideration of relevant industry and market status and conditions.

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:

Voluntary Phase-out of Substances in Products (June, 2012)

2012

• All new notebook models (except adapter and power cord) launched on the market are free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) as from January, 2012. Samsung has launched 15 notebook models in 2011, which are free of PVC and BFRs.
• All new mobile phones and MP3 players including accessories and chargers launched on the market are free of phthalates as from January 2011.
• Antimony trioxide has been phased out from new mobile phones developedfrom January, 2012. Up to May 31, 2012, Samsung Electronics has launched 9 antimonytrioxide free mobile phone models globally.
• All mobile phones and MP3 players launched as from January, 2011 are free of Beryllium andits compounds (with the exception of Beryllium alloys). Samsung Electronics haslaunched 442 mobile phone models and 18 MP3 player models during the year 2011.

2011

• Phased out BFRs and PVC from notebooks developed from January, 2011 (except adapter and power cord). Up to July 31, 2011, the company has launched 9 models globally, without BFRs and PVC.
• All TV models launched from January, 2011, have PVC free internal wires (except LCD/LED panel and PDP module). Up to July 31, 2011, the company has launched 6,553 models globally, with PVC free internal wires.

2010

• First BFRs and PVC free (except adapter and power cord) notebook model (P580) has been launched in October 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.