Reducing the cost of compliance for the semiconductor industry: a look at the EU's Machinery Safety Directive and SEMI S2-93A requirements

With the proliferation of new FABs in the European Union (EU) and the requirements for certification of many products in accordance with the requirements of the EMC and safety directives, there has been considerable discussion of the requirements for, and costs of, meeting these marking directives. There are a number of issues which must be addressed by all manufacturers: why is it so expensive? Why does it cost so much to maintain compliance? Why can't we have the same requirements in the US, Japan and the EU? What can be done to change this? The authors discuss these issues.