(ECCB: Midland, TX) -- Consumers have a new and easy way to identify hazardous substance free products by means of the HSF Mark. The HSF program allows consumers to recognize the HSF Mark on products and search an online database for hazardous substance free products.

The HSF program, managed by the ECC Corp. (ECCC), works with public- and private-sector organizations to provide “green” choices to consumers by eliminating or reducing hazardous substances from products they use daily to a safe level as defined by the Restriction of Hazardous Substance (RoHS) international standard.

Information about the HSF program can be found at www.hsf.us. The HSF web site is an educational resource that will include a searchable database where consumers can search and find products and identify manufacturers holding IECQ HSPM certification authorizing use of the HSF Mark.

“Participants in the HSF program manufacture, sell, and promote products authorized to be labeled with the hazardous substance free mark,” says Stanley H. Salot Jr., president of ECC Corp. The HSF Mark printed on the package provides the confidence that the product was manufactured under the control of a hazardous substance process management system that has been certified as being compliant with the IECQ QC 080000 HSPM specification, with a declaration by the manufacturer that the product is compliant with the requirements of RoHS (2002_95 EC), WEEE (2002-96 EC), or REACH (EC) No. 1907/2006 directives, as applicable.

The HSF program depends on voluntary implementation by manufacturers and others in the supply chain of a hazardous substance process management (HSPM) system based on an international standard. Traditionally, manufacturers and retailers have relied on laboratory testing of the finished product to ensure product safety and the absence of hazardous substances. While testing can reveal problems, it cannot correct or prevent them. The goal of HSPM is to control the outcome of a process by controlling the entire design and manufacturing process.

The International Electrotechnical Commission Quality Assessment System (IECQ) (www.iecq.org) manages the HSPM certification program through its independent, third-party, accredited certification bodies. Based on the requirements of IECQ QC 080000, manufacturers throughout the supply chain undergo an initial registration assessment to achieve certification and annual surveillance to maintain their certification. A manufacturer needs to demonstrate full compliance to receive certification to use the HSF Mark on their qualified products.

“We know consumer purchasing decisions are influenced by concerns about product safety and the negative environmental impact of waste disposal practices,” Salot says. “The independent oversight provided by the HSF program helps consumers make more educated purchasing decisions.”

For more information visit www.hsf.us..