IPC Global Advocacy Report
2/26/2021

Dear IPC Members:

Supply chain concerns are top of mind for policymakers and the media in the U.S. and in Europe. 

We are encouraged by recent measures taken to ensure supply chain resiliency and will continue to advocate for broader support of the entire electronics manufacturing ecosystem, not just certain sectors. And, as always, IPC will advocate for a policy framework that enables our members to compete and thrive as our industry transforms.

This weekly newsletter provides a snapshot of the top government policy issues we’re working on for you all over the world – in a “smart brief” style that takes just five minutes to scan.

Please let us know if you have any questions or suggestions.

All the best,

Chris Mitchell
Vice President, Global Government Relations

 

TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK

IPC Commends Biden for Executive Order on Industrial Supply Chains: IPC supports U.S. President Joe Biden ordering a review of industrial supply chains critical to U.S. economic growth, innovation, and security. The executive order, signed on February 24, will institute a 100-day review of the global supply chain for items including semiconductor chips and critical minerals used in electronics. The current worldwide shortage of chips underscores the economic and national security importance of rebuilding U.S. leadership in electronics manufacturing. Read our full statement here. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

Deadline Nears on Informing Workplace Limits on Lead: The European Commission is conducting an industry survey to analyze the health, socioeconomic, and environmental impacts of new occupational exposure limits for lead (Pb) and its compounds. Information collected, such as current exposure levels, risk management measures in place, costs associated with engineering controls, and cost-benefit data, will enable the commission to establish practicable, protective limits. IPC encourages those working with Pb to respond to the survey by close of business today, Friday, February 26. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

The good news is that the time is ripe for greater U.S. government support of manufacturing. The industry is on the cusp of transformation...and with U.S. government support, American companies will find new opportunities to compete in the global marketplace while creating new, skilled jobs for American workers.”
– IPC statement on U.S. President Joe Biden’s Executive Order on industrial supply chains.

 

IPC ADVOCACY AND YOU

IPC APEX EXPO 2021 Offers Over 100 Future-focused Educational Opportunities: Changing technologies and government policies that affect the electronics manufacturing industry will take center stage throughout IPC APEX EXPO 2021, our annual conference, which will take place virtually March 8-12. Don’t forget to register; more information about the conference is available at www.IPCAPEXEXPO.org. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

Meet the IPC GR Team: Whether it’s engaging with policymakers in Washington, D.C., in the European Union or in China, the IPC Government Relations (GR) Team proactively seeks opportunities to educate, inform and influence policymakers on policies that spur innovation, growth and competition, while protecting human health and the environment. Learn more about us and get involved with IPC advocacy today!  IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

 

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

IPC Calls for Increased Domestic Semiconductor Manufacturing: IPC last week joined a multi-association coalition calling on the Biden administration to incentivize domestic production of semiconductors. The letter expresses support for the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Act, which was enacted into law as part of FY21 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and calls for funding semiconductor research and manufacturing initiatives. See the full letter for more details. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

IPC Urges DoD to Implement Pro-Electronics Provisions: On February 10, IPC sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin calling for the implementation of Section 841 of the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which would bolster supply chain security for printed circuit boards (PCBs) and printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs). IPC looks forward to working with the Biden administration on strengthening the defense electronics industrial base and establishing a more robust supply chain for trusted and secure electronics. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

 

EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE

IPC Endorses National Apprenticeship Act: IPC welcomed the U.S. House’s passage of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, which would invest nearly $3.5 billion over five years to scale-up apprenticeship opportunities and expand them in in-demand industry sectors and occupations. The bill's passage would address one of the most difficult challenges facing the U.S. electronics manufacturing industry — a chronic shortage of adequately skilled workers. IPC will send a letter to Senate in support of the bill urging priority focus on electronics manufacturing. Read our full statement here. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

 

ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY

Comment Period Extended for TSCA Fees Rule: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed "Fees Rule" under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) could have financial impacts on your company. The EPA has extended the comment period through March 27. IPC has been advocating for commonsense reforms to the 2018 rule, and we are pleased that the new proposed rule appears to make important and positive changes. Check out this IPC blog for the latest on the Fees Rule, and let us know if you have any questions. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

New Rules on PBTs in Effect: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final risk management rules to reduce exposure to persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals (PBTs) went into effect on February 5. Some of the PBTs listed have a history of use in the electronics industry. An announcement from the EPA is expected soon regarding the prohibitions and a possible extension of the risk management timelines. If these new rules will affect the electronics products that you manufacture, please let us know, and read this IPC blog for more information. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

EU Agency Proposes New Approach for Designing Safe and Sustainable Products: Preventing chemical pollution requires a new approach for designing safe and sustainable products, according to a recent European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing. The briefing, which proposes standardized methodologies and minimum performance requirements, is one of the first attempts to define the concept of safe and sustainable design, a key principle of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. IPC Contact: Alison James.   

Help IPC Review EU RoHS Directive: IPC is currently watching and engaging in the European Commission’s review of its Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive in electrical and electronic equipment, and we need your help. IPC welcomes electronics experts who are familiar with RoHS issues to lend their expertise to the exemption renewal process. Please contact Kelly Scanlon if you would like to join one of several working groups addressing Annex III exemptions. Read more about IPC’s review of the EU’s RoHS Directive here.

Interested in Chemical and Product Regulations in Asia? Thailand and China are the first countries to undergo an updated deep dive by our environmental, health, and safety (EHS) experts in 2021. These are just two of our nine white papers on the history of chemical regulations, current regulatory systems, and anticipated trends in the Asia-Pacific region. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.


EUROPEAN UNION

EC Releases Plan to Support Industrial Base: On February 22, the European Commission presented an action plan to enhance Europe's technological edge; support its industrial base; and bolster its technological sovereignty by improving cooperation between civil, defense, and space industries. Notably, the plan seeks to reduce Europe’s dependencies in critical technologies including semiconductors and microelectronics as well as ultra-low power microprocessors. IPC Contact: Alison James.

 

TRADE AND SUPPLY CHAIN

EU Trade Policy Emphasizes “Strategic Autonomy”: “Open Strategic Autonomy” is at the core of the European Commission’s recently-released Trade Policy Review, which outlines the EU’s trade strategy for the coming years. The strategy, which seeks to ensure a resilient economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, builds on the EU's goal to contribute to the economic recovery through supporting green and digital transformations. IPC welcomes the emphasis on striking a balance between a market that is open for trade and investment and one that protects European interests in strategic areas. Check out an IPC blog on Europe's new trade policy here. IPC Contact: Alison James.

 

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