“The biggest post-July 1, 2006, surprise will occur when the first electrical or electronics producer is taken to task for escapes (more than the maximum allowable percentage, by weight, of a hazardous substance found in a product),” predicts Pamela Gordon, president of Technology Forecasters. “You can expect that it will happen, because the EU has a fairly serious track record when it comes to enforcing environmental regulations,” she adds. “From an EU strategy perspective, you’d think it would like to ding a couple of the ‘big boys’ first, to get the word out that it’s serious,” McElroy says. “People will pay more attention if some of the initial penalties go to large firms. This may seem unfair, and it’s just speculation, but don’t be surprised to see it happen.” More - Source: reed-electronics.com