Dear IPC Members:

I hope you and yours are well.

We are encouraged by the burgeoning global conversations to address the future of manufacturing. Here in the U.S., improving domestic manufacturing looks to be a core tenet of an upcoming, wide-ranging infrastructure package. Our GR team will continue to watch and engage on these issues.

If you haven’t done so recently, there are a host of timely opportunities to make your voice heard with policy makers. Read on below if you want to have a say on EHS issues, Factory of the Future, and much more.

And as always, please let us know if you have any questions or suggestions for IPC advocacy.

All the best,

Chris Mitchell
Vice President, Global Government Relations

TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK

My Takeaways from IPC APEX EXPO 2021: IPC APEX EXPO 2021, which went all virtual this year, exemplified how the electronics industry has responded to the coronavirus global pandemic: with resiliency, agility, and an unwavering commitment to build electronics better. APEX EXPO featured great content and robust discussions on topics of critical importance to the global electronics industry. Check out my top five takeaways from this year’s conference in my new article in I-Connect007 here. You can find it on Page 94. And remember, all conference content is available online through June 13. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

Your Feedback Needed on PBT Rules: On March 16, 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 is working with other industry groups to respond to EPA’s request for information on usage of the PBTs, with special emphasis on PIP (3:1). Without industry input, the EPA will be unable to create realistic risk management strategies. You can help us by reading this updated IPC blog and responding to our survey by April 16. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“The industry’s intense interest in reliability should be a wake-up call for policymakers, many of whom have ignored the need for heavier investments in R&D and capital equipment in assembly and PCB manufacturing...It is past time for governments in Europe and North America to adopt a more holistic approach to the industrial ecosystem that supports electronics manufacturing.” – Chris Mitchell’s top takeaways from this year’s IPC APEX EXPO featured in I-Connect007.

IPC ADVOCACY AND YOU

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.

IPC Launches Program to Enhance Awareness and Insights on Industry Trends: IPC recently 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.

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

IPC Advocates for Funding Lead-Free Defense Electronics: IPC, along with academic and industry partners, is requesting a five-year, $40 million research and development (R&D) program to reduce U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) reliance on lead-based electronics. The U.S. Congress allocated $5 million for this project in FY 2020, and the DoD awarded most of the funding to the U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics (USPAE), which will coordinate the R&D program through the new Defense Electronics Consortium (DEC). Learn more and explore the opportunities here, and follow USPAE on LinkedIn.

EDUCATION & WORKFORCE

U.S. Senate Confirms Marty Walsh as Next Labor Secretary: IPC welcomes the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Marty Walsh to his new role as U.S. Secretary of Labor. Our industry needs more skilled workers, which is why IPC educates and certifies thousands annually. We look forward to working with him to address workforce concerns. Read more about IPC’s education and workforce advocacy priorities in our recent letter to U.S. President Joe Biden. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

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.

Technical Issues Delay SCIP Database Data Availability: The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) recently announced that technical issues will delay the results of the Substances of Concern in Products (SCIP) database. As a reminder, the obligation to submit information to this database applies to all companies placing articles containing substances of very high concern 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.

EC Opens Consultation on Sustainable Products Initiative: The European Commission recently opened a public consultation on its Sustainable Products Initiative, and your input is needed. The initiative will revise and expand the Ecodesign Directive and address the presence of harmful chemicals in electronics and ICT equipment, among other products. The consultation runs through June 9. IPC’s advocacy team is interested in hearing from you about this initiative. IPC Contact: Alison James.

EU Council Adopts Conclusions on Chemicals Strategy: On March 15, the European Council adopted new conclusions on the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, affirming Europe’s vision to achieve a toxic-free environment with a “high level of protection of human health and the environment.” Notably, the council’s conclusions supported a targeted reopening of the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) law and a review of the definition of nanomaterials. The council also called for "further measures to complement the anticipated per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) restriction proposal.” IPC Contact: Alison James.
 
China Proposes Updates to Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances: On March 17, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) proposed adding an additional 204 chemical substances to the Inventory of Existing Chemicals Substances (IECSC). As a reminder, if the substance is not listed in the IECSC, your business must complete new substance registration before manufacturing or importing said chemicals. Chemicals that are not included in the IECSC are considered new chemicals and are managed under MEE Order 12, which took effect on January 1. The proposal will be open for public comment until March 30. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

EUROPEAN UNION

EC Unveils Strategic Plan for New Research and Innovation Program: The European Commission recently adopted the first strategic plan for Horizon Europe, a new, seven-year European Union research and innovation program. The strategic plan will seek to strengthen the EU's scientific and technological bases and ensure “research and innovation actions contribute to EU priorities,” including the European Green Deal and the new digital strategy. The first calls for proposals, which will set out funding opportunities to help achieve the program, will be presented in June. IPC Contact: Alison James.

TRADE AND SUPPLY CHAIN

Biden Infrastructure Package Takes Shape: U.S. President Joe Biden and his administration are planning a wide-ranging $3 trillion infrastructure package as the next step in his “Build Back Better” agenda. Although the discussions are preliminary, the plan is notably set to bolster “American manufacturing and high-technology industries in an escalating battle with China,” The New York Times reports. A tax hike is also being considered to help finance the package. IPC will update you as discussions progress. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

IPC Urges “Holistic Approach” to Electronics Supply Chains: U.S. President Joe Biden on February 24 ordered a 100-day review of the global supply chain for items including semiconductor chips and critical minerals used in electronics. IPC supports this review and urges the Biden administration to take a holistic approach, not just focusing on a few links in the supply chain. IPC is preparing to submit comments to the U.S. Department of Commerce; let us know if you have any input. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

IPC Communicates the Importance of Electronics Manufacturing in Senate Hearing: IPC expressed the importance of the electronics manufacturing industry in a U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing held recently on domestic manufacturing. In a letter submitted for the record, IPC said the U.S. Government should adopt a coordinated vision for the future of manufacturing and leverage the U.S. tax code to support that vision. IPC does not anticipate Congress will act on any standalone tax legislation in 2021 or 2022, but Democrats are laying the groundwork for tax reforms in the future. IPC will remain engaged in the debate and will keep you informed. IPC Contact: Ken Schramko.

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.

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.