X-bit Labs reports Apple will stop shipping its Mac Pro desktop PCs to the European Union next month because the systems do not comply with new EU safety standard requirements that will go into effect on March 1, 2013. The sales stop is expected to be only temporary as Apple is working on new hardware to replace the current Mac Pro generation, which has been on the market since 2010.
Apple Mac Pro will be discontinued in Europe and nearby countries because of its incomplete compliance with the amendment 1 of regulation IEC 60950-1/second edition when it comes to level of protection of digital ports and safety of cooling fans, according to various media reports. Sales will end on March 1, 2013, when the regulations become mandatory. Still, since the Mac Pro is outdated and a new one is due late this year, the hiatus of sales can be considered as temporary.
“As of March 1, 2013, Apple will no longer sell Mac Pro in EU, EU candidate and EFTA countries because these systems are not compliant with [IEC 60950-1/SE] which becomes effective on this date. Apple resellers can continue to sell any remaining inventory of Mac Pro after March 1. Apple will take final orders for Mac Pro from resellers up until February 18th for shipment before March 1, 2013. Countries outside of the EU are not impacted and Mac Pro will continue to be available in those areas,” Apple’s statement reads.
