Labeling Alternative #ALT-0284
Mercury-Added LCD Displays

Mercury-Added LCD Manufacturers

This alternative cannot be used if the device is a scientific or medical instrument.

Note: Those manufacturers who have already submitted a plan that used Alternative #0217 and are considering using Alternative #0284 when Alternative #0217 expires should be aware that the expiration date of Alternative #0217 has been extended from March 1, 2004 to July 1, 2004.

The Agency has approved an alternative labeling for products that include LCD (over 7" diagonal screen) displays to meet Vermont's labeling legislation. The alternative approved, the conditions of that approval and the implementation date of labeling are outlined below.

Approved Alternative

1. The Agency approves the Hg symbol in a circle at 10 point font and additional wording in 8 point font in all capital letters to be placed directly on the final LCD product.
   
   Hg (within a circle-10 pt. font) - together with the following words:
   
   LAMP CONTAINS MERCURY, DISPOSE ACCORDING TO STATE/LOCAL LAW. (8pt. font all caps)
   
   Note: If a manufacturer can provide the same wording as shown above in font size 10 (in lieu of 8)- this labeling would not be considered alternative labeling and could be provided on a certified labeling plan as standard label which would not be subject to renewal.
   
   
2. In addition, information must be placed to provide prior-to-purchase notification to the customer who is purchasing the product. This "visibility" provision may be fulfilled by placing information on the Web Site where the product is sold, and/or in sales literature, and/or by other methods that may inform the consumer prior to purchase that the product has a lamp that contains mercury (methods other than sales literature or web site must be approved by Agency prior to being accepted as meeting the visibility requirement).
   
   The wording used for this information should be a minimum of 10 point font and minimum wording as follows:
   
   Hg (within a circle) LAMP(S) INSIDE THIS PRODUCT CONTAIN MERCURY AND MUST BE RECYCLED OR DISPOSED OF ACCORDING TO LOCAL, STATE OR FEDERAL LAWS.

Approved Alternative Duration

This alternative is approved for use until March 1, 2006. Requests for approval of a two year renewal or renewal with modification must be received by September 1, 2005, six months prior to the expiration date of the alternative. Instructions for renewal will be provided.

Implementation of Labeling

An alternative approval number has been assigned to this alternative as #0284 and should be referenced on any correspondence and indicated in the column marked (ALT#) on the certified labeling plan for those products which will be labeled with as indicated above.

Mercury-added LCD products manufactured after November 30, 2003 (this date has been extended to July 1, 2004) shall be labeled in accord with each manufacturers' certified labeling plan in order to be sold for use in the state of Vermont.

If you already have a labeling plan on file with the state of Vermont for your electronic product and utilized 0217 as the alternative, the required implementation date for use of this alternative will be for products manufactured after March 1, 2004 (Note: the time period for use of Alternative #0217 has been extended from March 1, 2004 to July 1, 2004) which is the expiration date of your current alternative labeling approval with the state of Vermont.

Additional Guidance

If you are unsure whether your product qualifies for this alternative or need any assistance in completing your plan, please contact Karen Knaebel at (802) 241-3455.