Environment top of the agenda

Hong Kong companies seek independent 'green' endorsements 

A Hong Kong electronics manufacturer has become the first in the world to be awarded an internationally recognised hazardous substance process management certificate. 

Fook Tin Group of Companies, which specialises in the design, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of electronic products, was   awarded the world's first IECQ QC 080000 Hazardous Substance Process Management (HSPM) certificate on Green Process Supplier and Manufacturing Certification. 

With global attention focused on green directives   and the restriction on the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS), it is imperative for Hong Kong companies - almost all of them exporting to Europe, US and the rest of the world - to be exemplary in environmental performance. 

Dr John Chai, managing director of Fook Tin, with offices in France, Germany, Britain and Spain, said it was challenging to establish the system and processes to fulfil requirements of the certification. 

"We've already had the system and processes to control restricted substances in our products since WEEE and RoHS were announced, a couple of years ago. The main benefit to us obtaining this certification is to validate the effectiveness of our system by an internationally recognised third party," said Dr Chai. 

Participation in certification is voluntary and provides the evidence of compliance through third party validation. 

Dr Chai, who is qualified both as a doctor in the health care profession and a doctor of law, said that Hong Kong companies have moved as deftly and quickly as any in the world to comply with green standards. 

"Hong Kong companies are very well informed in green directives. We have moved progressively and quickly to get ready for compliance," he said.