Dear IPC Members:

Here in Washington, D.C., we are under new management.

IPC congratulates U.S. President Joe Biden on being sworn in as the United States’ 46th president. The electronics industry looks forward to working with him and his administration to revitalize U.S. manufacturing, support economic recovery, and drive long-term growth.

See this IPC blog on what Biden’s plans could mean for the electronics manufacturing industry, and stay tuned for what we expect to be a busy start to his administration. Already, the Biden administration has ordered a regulatory freeze on new or pending rules from the Trump administration and has signed a number of executive orders; more actions are expected. See TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK below.

As always, please let us know if you have any input or questions on IPC’s agenda, and stay tuned for a slew of new advocacy opportunities in the weeks ahead.

All the best,

Chris Mitchell
Vice President, Global Government Relations

TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK

Biden Tees Up Dozens of Executive Actions: U.S. President Joe Biden plans to sign an unprecedented number of executive actions in the days ahead. Many of these actions will freeze or reverse the policies of his predecessor, including rejoining the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement, and invoking the Defense Production Act to combat the coronavirus pandemic. All of the planned executive actions can be reviewed here, and we will keep you posted on developments of interest to our industry. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

Heads Up — Potential OSHA Emergency Standard on COVID-19: U.S. President Joe Biden on January 21 issued an Executive Order that aims to improve worker health and safety protections during the coronavirus pandemic. It is too early to know what specifics will flow from this action, but new regulatory requirements could arrive as soon as March 15. Here is what we know so far in this IPC blog; IPC will update you as this situation evolves. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

One Week Left on U.S. Chemical Data Reporting: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) period runs through January 29. The CDR rule requires manufacturers and importers of certain chemical substances listed under the Toxic Substances Control Act Chemical Substance Inventory to report data to the EPA every four years. There are several new reporting requirements you should be aware of. Let us know if you have any questions or comments as your company goes through the process. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

If Your Company Makes or Import Chemicals, We Need Your Input: 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. Comments are due by February 25, but we request your initial feedback by January 26. 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 an updated IPC blog for all you need to know about the Fees Rules, and let us know if you have any questions. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Here's my message to those beyond our borders: America has been tested, and we've come out stronger for it. We will repair our alliances and engage with the world once again."
– U.S. President Joe Biden in his inaugural address on January 20.

DFEENSE

NDAA Requires Pentagon to Secure PCB Supply Chain: How will the recently enacted National Defense Authorization Act improve the security of the U.S. supply chain for printed circuit boards (PCBs)? I recently discussed the pro-electronics-industry language sought by IPC in an interview with Federal News Network. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY

U.S. EPA Moving Toward Risk Management Deliberations on Toxic Chemicals: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is wading further into regulatory actions under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), with major ramifications for electronics manufacturers. Now is the time for our industry to get organized and prepare to advocate our views on how the EPA should address any unreasonable risks to human health and the environment. Check out an updated IPC blog for the latest information. If you have insight that is relevant to these proceedings, we need to hear from you. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

IPC to Develop Standard on Green Cleaners for Electronics Manufacturing: IPC is excited to announce that it has committed to developing a new industry standard on green cleaners used in electronics manufacturing, expanding IPC’s existing 300-plus catalog of electronics manufacturing standards to include safer, greener practices. The standard will provide companies with another way to demonstrate their commitment to the protection of environmental and occupational health and safety. We invite you to get involved. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Green Initiatives for Cleaners task group, please contact Kelly Scanlon.
 
Want to Inform New 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 the February 26 deadline. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

EU Council Adopts Conclusions on Circular Economy: The Council of the European Union recently adopted conclusions “providing comprehensive political guidance on the broad range of actions foreseen in the [Circular Economy] Action Plan.” Notably, the conclusions support the European Commission's plan to review the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive in order to assess its effectiveness and efficiency, while also addressing key product value chains such as electronics and ICT. The circular economy project is expected to play a key role in Europe’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. IPC Contact: Alison James.

ECHA to Revoke REACH Registrations Not Transferred to EU: According to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), 20% of REACH registrants in the United Kingdom failed to complete transfers to European Union countries by the December 31, 2020 deadline. The ECHA warned that all transfers not completed by March 31 will be cancelled, meaning registrants will no longer be able to legally place the substance on the EU market. A list of substances only registered by U.K. companies is available here. Let us know if you have any questions. 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.

Does Your Company Produce, Import, or Supply Products to the EU? We are more than two weeks into the new Substances of Concern in Products (SCIP) database requirements and we welcome your feedback on its usability. As a reminder, this obligation applies to all companies placing articles containing substances of very high concern (SVHCs) on the European Union market. Check out this IPC SCIP Database resource page for more information, and let us know if you have any questions. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

EUROPEAN UNION

Commission Launches Grant Program to Assist SMEs: The European Commission recently launched the Ideas Powered for Business SME Fund, a €20 million grant program “created to help European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access their intellectual property (IP) rights.” The fund offers financial support in form of reimbursements for IP scan services and trademark and design application. The scheme is the first key step of the commission's IP Action Plan published in November 2020. See if your business is eligible here. IPC Contact: Alison James.    

Germany Proposes Digital Register to Address Due Diligence Concerns: German policymakers have proposed implementing a digital register of certified suppliers, which would list companies that supply European Union industries and have a certified due diligence system in place, amid multiple corporate due diligence proposals currently being debated across the EU. IPC is engaging with policymakers to ensure that any upcoming due diligence legislation is feasible for the electronics industry and minimizes the administrative burden for our member companies, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises. For further information, see this recent IPC blog here, and let us know if you have any questions. IPC Contact: Alison James.

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US

Subscribe to IPC Global Advocacy Report: If you’re a member of IPC, manage your e-mail preferences and opt in to receive “Advocacy” updates. If you are not an IPC member – or you’re not sure – please send a note to friends@ipc.org, and our staff will add you to the list.

Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Contact one of us if you have any questions or insights to contribute.

Tell us how government policies affect your business.

See prior editions of Global Advocacy Report.

Explore our IPC Government Relations information online.