Nissan will issue new green procurement guidelines, a set of environmental protocol to augment The Nissan-Renault Purchasing Way, in April, Auto Spectator reports. The guidelines replace the previous green procurement standards issued in 2001 and will apply to all its global auto-parts and materials suppliers.

The new guidelines will try to get a jump on more stringent regulations that are expected down the road. Nissan wants to reduce or completely cut the use of certain substances, including heavy metal compounds such as mercury, lead, cadmium and hexavalent chromium and in-cabin VOCs, in all new models beginning in July 2007.

Nissan says the new guidelines will be consistent with its environmental action plan – Nissan Green Program 2010.