Dear IPC Members:

Are you getting ready for IPC APEX EXPO 2020? It’s not too late to join us in San Diego, February 1-6, for the fastest-growing association show in the United States. There’s something for everyone in our industry: meetings, courses, networking events, and a giant expo floor.

Our government relations activities will include educational sessions on EHS issues and export controls; planning meetings with our steering committees; a member survey; and a reception on Tuesday evening. We hope you will join us for all of this; read more about it I-Connect007; and follow us day-by-day on LinkedIn and/or Twitter.

Meanwhile, our policy advocacy effort is in full swing in Washington, Brussels and beyond. Below are the latest highlights, and we welcome your questions and suggestions.

All the best,

Chris Mitchell
Vice President, Global Government Relations

TOP OF THE WEEK

USMCA: Now What? Amid the other “interesting” developments in Washington last week, the U.S. Senate approved the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) with broad bipartisan support. President Trump is expected to sign the implementing legislation within days. The Mexican Congress has approved the pact, and the Canadian Parliament will kick off debate next week. IPC will remain an active advocate for the USMCA. Thanks to all IPC members who advocated for USMCA to their elected officials. Read IPC’s statement on the passage of the trade deal, and stay tuned for more information on what to expect in the coming implementation phase. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

U.S.-China Trade: Now What? On another major trade front, now that the “Phase One” deal between the United States and China has been signed, what comes next? U.S. Treasury Secretary Mnuchin said Wednesday that U.S. tariffs on China – which affect many electronics manufacturers – would remain in place until a “Phase Two” pact is struck, and he said there is “no deadline” for such talks. IPC will be advocating for faster progress in the coming months, as many of our members are feeling a variety of harms from the tariffs still in place. Read IPC’s statement on the trade deal and key takeaways in IPC’s recent blog post. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

DEFENSE

Progress Being Made on U.S. Industrial Base? There are “signs of progress” being made on U.S. defense industrial base issues, according to an analysis in National Defense. The U.S. military has long been concerned about secure and reliable access to needed technologies and supplies. In 2018, an interagency task force recommended “expanding direct investment in the industrial base, growing workforce development efforts and improving research efforts into next-generation technologies.” While the Trump administration and Congress have addressed some of the vulnerabilities identified in the report, there remains “significant work to be done,” the authors write. IPC shares the concern of all governments about secure access to defense supplies, and several of our programs support this goal, including support for critical R&D programs and unprecedented investments in our education and training programs. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY

Chinese Government Issues Inventory of Severely Restricted Toxic Chemicals: On December 31, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) issued the 2020 version of the Inventory of Severely Restricted Toxic Chemicals. The Inventory includes eight categories: Perfluorooctyl sulfonic acid and its salts & PFOS/F; Hexabromocyclododecane; Mercury; Tetramethyl lead; Tetraethyl lead; Polychlorinated terphenyls (PCT); Tributyltin compounds; and short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCP). To import or export any of the listed toxic chemicals, operators should apply to MEE for clearance papers. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

U.S. EPA Issues Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Certain PFAS: The U.S. EPA is exploring whether to add certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the U.S. Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), starting with an opportunity for all stakeholders to provide input. Specifically, EPA is seeking comments on which of the approximately 600 PFAS currently active in U.S. commerce should be evaluated, and how. Your company may be affected by this action if you manufacture, process, or otherwise use PFAS. Comments are due on or before February 3. IPC will track this and keep you posted. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

U.S. High Priority Chemical Substances Announced: The U.S. EPA has announced the final list of 20 chemicals to undergo risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The 20 chemicals include seven chlorinated solvents, six phthalates, four flame retardants, formaldehyde, a fragrance additive, and a polymer precursor. By June, the EPA will finalize scoping documents for these 20 chemicals, which is the first step of the multi-year risk evaluation process. IPC will participate in the scoping process for those chemicals critical to electronics manufacturing, i.e., TBBPA. Please contact Kelly Scanlon if you would like to participate.

Do you use Engineered Nanomaterials in your Electronics Manufacturing or R&D? The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) intends to evaluate the scientific data on engineered nanomaterials to develop recommended occupational exposure limits based on the available scientific evidence. NIOSH is seeking materials, including published and unpublished reports and research findings, to evaluate the possible adverse health risks of occupational exposure to engineered nanomaterials. If you would like to share information with NIOSH or with us, please contact Kelly Scanlon.

EHS Issues on the IPC APEX EXPO Schedule: IPC APEX EXPO is just two weeks away, and there are several sessions tailored to members with EHS concerns. On Tuesday, February 4, from 3:30 to 5:00 pm, we’ll delve into California’s Proposition 65. On Wednesday, February 5, from 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm, our EHS Committee will discuss 2020 priorities (RSVP required, lunch provided). IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

EUROPEAN UNION

European Parliament Adopts European Green Deal Resolution: Last week, the European Parliament adopted a joint resolution on the European Green Deal. The resolution calls for an industrial strategy that focuses on re-incentivizing value chains for economically viable and sustainable products, including an expansion of the scope of eco-design towards smartphones and information technology (IT) equipment. The resolution also stresses the importance of an empowered and well-informed consumer, and calls for measures to ensure that consumers are provided with transparent product information, including durability, repairability and their environmental footprint. Finally, the resolution highlights the need to transition to climate-neutral and non-toxic “circular” products, with resource efficiency, zero pollution and waste prevention as key priorities. IPC Contact: Alison James.

Delay in Trade Talks Between EU and UK: Chief spokesman for the European Commission Eric Mamer recently expressed doubts about the two sides coming to a comprehensive agreement before the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31, saying the European Union may not start negotiating a new free trade deal with the United Kingdom until March. However, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said his side would be ready to negotiate as soon as February 1, the day after the official withdrawal from the EU. The negotiations will determine the future EU-UK relationship, and will focus on issues such as market access and regulatory alignment. IPC Contact: Alison James.

TRADE & INVESTMENT

IPC, Other Associations Highlight Concerns with Proposed Rule on ICT Supply Chain: IPC recently joined 30 other industry associations in a joint letter expressing concerns with the Trump administration’s proposed restrictions on the information and communications technology (ICT) supply chain. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s proposed rule, announced on November 27, would address the possibility that foreign adversaries are exploiting ICT supply chains to commit cyber-crimes, including economic and industrial espionage against the United States. In the letter, IPC and the other associations sympathized with the proposal’s objective but expressed concerns about the rule’s lack of clarity and its overly broad scope. Last month, the department issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking that said it will clarify and narrow the scope of the proposal; establish procedures for government accountability and due process; ensure confidentiality of sensitive commercial information in the review process; and define procedures for waivers, appeals, and mitigation. For further questions on the proposed rule, please contact Chris Mitchell.

UPCOMING EVENTS

IPC APEX EXPO: San Diego, February 1-6, 2020. IPC APEX EXPO is the largest event for electronics manufacturing in North America, attracting more than 9,000 professionals from 45 countries. Amid all kinds of educational sessions, meetings, and a packed expo floor, it’s also an opportunity to learn about government policies that affect the electronics industry and what you can do to influence them. Here are the highlights of what IPC will be doing in San Diego from a GR perspective. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

IMPACT Washington, D.C.: March 25-26, 2020. This is IPC’s signature U.S. advocacy event, providing opportunities for members to educate policy makers on the issues that affect them most. Please learn more and plan on joining us in DC! IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

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