Q: Will any current-generation products be modified to comply with RoHS?
A: Yes, the Hitachi HDD product matrix identifies which products will be modified to comply with RoHS.

Q: How will customers be able to identify a RoHS compliant drive?
A: In 2004, Hitachi GST began manufacturing RoHS-compliant hard disk drives in advance of the July 1, 2006 deadline for complying with the EU RoHS Directive. In response to customer requests for a marking, Hitachi GST began placing the letters “RoHS” on its product labeling so that customers would be able to determine visually which products were meeting the RoHS standard in advance of the legally-required deadline. After the July 1, 2006 RoHS Compliance deadline, all Hitachi hard disk drives shipped to the European market that fall within the scope of the RoHS Directive will comply with the RoHS Directive. Therefore, there will be no need to include the “RoHS” letters on hard disk drives so the “RoHS” marking will be removed from all Hitachi product labeling prior to July 1, 2006. In other geographies, customers should refer to our product compliance letters available for download via the RoHS/WEEE link on our website, http://www.hitachigst.com/environment to verify which models and part numbers are RoHS compliant.

Q: Will RoHS-compliance have an adverse impact on any drive specifications?
A: Drive specifications will stay the same, except for environmental specs, which will change to reflect the use of lead-free solder.

Q: What is the WEEE directive?
A: The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive was issued by the European Union (EU) and is designed to minimize the disposal of electrical and electronic equipment into landfills.

Generally speaking, companies covered by the Directive have various responsibilities, including but not limited to registration with the appropriate EU member state authorities, provision of a financial guarantee, submission of monthly reports stating the amount of electrical and electronic waste being imported/exported, and payment of recycling fees based on the report. The WEEE Directive also requires that a specific marking (i.e. crossed-out wheelie bin or “Dustbin logo” as shown at right) be included on certain products to remind consumers to properly dispose of such products at the end of their useful life.

Q: How is Hitachi GST responding to the WEEE Directive?
A: Hitachi GST expects OEM customers and distributors of its products to comply with the requirements of the WEEE Directive applicable to them.

To this end, Hitachi GST will apply the WEEE symbol (“Dustbin logo”) to the label of its 'generic' hard drives, typically sold through the distribution channel, beginning in January 2006. Customers may receive some products with or without the WEEE symbol for some period of time until existing unmarked inventory has been depleated.

Hitachi GST will work with its OEM customers on an individual basis to determine if they also require products to be marked with the WEEE symbol.

Q: What countries are affected by the WEEE Directive?
A: Affected countries are the member states of the EU. While the Directive defines the law, each EU member state must enact legislation to implement the law. Several countries are already in the process of implementing the Directive.

Q: Does Hitachi GST have any product recycling programs currently in place?
A: Hitachi is committed to environmental preservation and has existing programs in place with several OEM and distribution customers. We will work with customers on hard disk drive recycling options as required that are tailored to meet their needs.