A survey conducted by SMART Group at the Lead-Free Seminar, �Question Time� and Exhibition held in February revealed that a majority of companies either will not be ready or are uncertain of their readiness for the looming July 1 compliance date.

The questionnaire also revealed that a high number of companies believe they are exempt from the Directive.

The greatest challenges to compliance were listed as non-availability of lead-free components, compliance issues, cost of stock to support spares, reliability, moisture-sensitive devices, and rework & repair.