Dear IPC Members:

As I write this, your IPC team is winding down from yet another successful IPC APEX EXPO. We hope you were able to join us virtually and gain new insights and connections. Stay tuned for a full recap in the coming days.

Chris Mitchell
Vice President, Global Government Relations

TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK

Help Shape Factory of the Future Migration: IPC is inviting your participation in a new U.S. working group that will help prepare a policy roadmap for the Factory of the Future. The group will develop a white paper identifying policy measures that the U.S. Government can implement to support the electronics industry’s migration to factories of the future, to be used by IPC to promote legislative and regulatory proposals. Let us know if you would like to join and participate. IPC Contact: Ken Schramko.

Biden Signs $1.9 Trillion COVID-19 Aid Package: U.S. President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, into law on Thursday. The bill provides more economic support in the form of unemployment aid, direct payments to individuals, and business loans, as well as additional funding for vaccines and testing. IPC will keep an eye on the implementation of these provisions and continue to advocate for measures to increase business certainty and long-term recovery. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

EPA Opens 60-Day Comment Period on PBT Rules: On March 8, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) opened a 60-day comment period on the final risk-management rules for phenol, isopropylated, phosphate (3:1) - PIP (3:1) for short – and four other persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) chemicals. PIP (3:1) in particular has a history of use in electronics. IPC will continue to monitor and engage on this policy activity. Please let us know if you have insights regarding the five PBTs in our sector, and read this IPC blog for more information. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

IPC Outlines Policy Priorities Linking “Build Electronics Better” to Biden’s “Build Back Better”: IPC recently sent a letter to U.S. President Joe Biden outlining a comprehensive policy agenda to ensure the long-term growth and resilience of electronics manufacturing. In its breadth and detail, this letter is a new landmark in IPC advocacy, reflecting the many ways our industry is influenced by government action. IPC welcomes the opportunity to work with the Biden administration, just as we have done with every new administration. Read the letter and click here to send a copy to your elected officials! IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“To build electronics better, manufacturers must do so with awareness and responsibility to environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) factors, fully integrating them into their business core.” - IPC President and CEO John Mitchell on IPC’s new ESG for Electronics initiative.

IPC ADVOCACY AND YOU

IPC Launches Program to Enhance Awareness and Insights on Industry Trends: This week, IPC unveiled a new Thought Leaders Program in which industry experts will assist IPC on key industry issues and offer valuable insights to IPC members. One of the program’s first projects will be a report on the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program, an ambitious effort to better protect the cyber security of the defense industrial base. Learn more about the IPC Thought Leaders Program here. 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. But our success depends on your support and engagement. Learn more and get involved in IPC advocacy today! IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE

U.S. House Passes Labor Bill on Unions: IPC is closely monitoring the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on March 9. The bill expands labor protections related to employees’ rights to organize and collectively bargain in the workplace and would be one of the most dramatic changes to U.S. labor laws in decades. The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate where it is considered unlikely to pass. More information about business community concerns with the PRO Act can be found on this National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) fact sheet. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns. IPC Contact: Ken Schramko.

ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY

IPC Launches Industry Initiative to Provide Guidance on ESG Practices: On March 8, IPC launched a new initiative with leaders from across the electronics industry to develop guidance on an industry-specific approach to environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. The ESG for Electronics Initiative will work to support industry engagement on a range of societal concerns, including circularity, eco-design, and raw materials management. View more information on the initiative here. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

U.S. Senate Confirms Regan as Head of EPA: IPC welcomes the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Michael Regan to lead the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The electronics manufacturing industry is committed to environmental stewardship, and we look forward to working with the EPA to protect human health and the environment through industry best practices and data-driven regulations. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

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 or input. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.
 
EC Opens Applications for Expert Group on Chemicals Strategy: The European Commission is calling for applications to join an expert group advising on the implementation of the chemicals strategy for sustainability. The group will specifically work to identify and address social, economic, and cultural barriers to the transition toward safe and sustainable chemicals. The deadline to submit applications is March 17. Have any interest? Let us know. IPC Contact: Alison James.

TRADE AND SUPPLY CHAIN

U.S. and EU Suspend Tariffs in Airbus and Boeing Dispute: On March 5, the United States and the European Union agreed to a four-month suspension of all retaliatory tariffs related to the Airbus and Boeing subsidy dispute. A joint statement issued by U.S. and EU noted that the suspension will allow both sides to “ease the burden on their industries and focus on resolving this long-running dispute.” The agreement will halt tariffs on $7.5 billion worth of EU exports to the U.S. and $4 billion worth of U.S. exports to the EU. We will continue to keep you informed. IPC Contact: Alison James.

EP Paves Way for Due Diligence Requirements: On March 10, the European Parliament adopted a non-binding resolution introducing mandatory due diligence requirements to combat environmental and human rights violations in European supply chains. The European Commission’s own due diligence proposal is expected in June. Does your company have a robust due diligence system in place? Check out a recent IPC blog for more details on the due diligence push in Europe, and let us know if you have any questions or ideas. IPC Contact: Alison James. 

The Global Economy Continues to Improve: There’s good news emerging for the global economy, which continues to improve due to the downward trajectory of new coronavirus cases and the increased availability of vaccines. IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac details the latest data in IPC’s February Economic Outlook Report. Please let us know if you have any questions. IPC Contact: Shawn DuBravac.

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 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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Critical Environmental Requirements for Electronics Conference: Virtual, June 29. Join the world’s leading environmental regulatory experts at IPC and ITI’s upcoming conference on critical environmental requirements for electronics. Stay updated on the latest environmental requirements, like Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), and more, that could impact your product’s design, manufacturing, supply chain management, and technology innovation. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

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