IPC Global Advocacy Report
4/23/2021
Dear IPC Members:

I hope everyone reading this is staying healthy and well.

Supply chain concerns continue to be a hot topic of discussion both here in Washington, D.C. and across the globe, and our Government Relations team is continuing to push for a holistic approach to identifying and addressing gaps in the supply chain. How can we better advocate for you on this timely issue?

Please enjoy our weekly update on the latest government policy developments affecting electronics. 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

IPC Urges Focus on Electronics Manufacturing in Bipartisan Tech Bill: This week, a bipartisan bill was reintroduced in the U.S. Congress to bolster U.S. global leadership and competitiveness. IPC supports the bill, called the Endless Frontier Act, which will set up a supply chain resilience program amid broader investment in science and technological innovation critical to U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. IPC is urging the U.S. Government to take a holistic approach to the electronics supply chain, not just focusing on a few specific sectors, in order to maintain its global competitiveness. Read more about the provisions of the bill here. We will keep you updated as the bill progresses. IPC Contact: Ken Schramko.

Europe’s Recovery and Long-Term Future Depends on Electronics: A new IPC study released last week illustrated how the electronics industry will be instrumental to Europe’s economic recovery from COVID-19 and its long-term green and digital ambitions. The study comes ahead of crucial, upcoming decisions by the European Commission, which is releasing a revised industrial policy strategy later this month, and by European Union Member States, where COVID recovery plans are being developed for potential financial support from the commission. Read more about the study here, and let us know if you have any questions or comments. IPC Contact: Alison James.

 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“This legislation will enhance American competitiveness with China and other countries by investing in American innovation, building up regions across the country to lead in the innovation economy, creating good-paying American manufacturing and high-tech jobs, and strengthening America’s research, development, and manufacturing capabilities.” - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer shares his support of the Endless Frontier Act, which includes provisions to strengthen U.S. supply chains.

 

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.

 

ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY

Heads Up – Your Business May See Increased Workplace Inspections: The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently announced a National Emphasis Program (NEP) to reduce worker exposures to COVID-19. The NEP, which will increase workplace inspections, is a separate effort from possible regulatory activity, such as an Emergency Temporary Standard to address workplace exposures to the virus that causes COVID-19. Here is what we know so far in this IPC blog; IPC will update you as this situation evolves. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

IPC Launches Industry Initiative to Provide Guidance on ESG Practices: IPC is in the early stages of a new initiative 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.

EC Leaps Forward in Sustainability Reporting Requirements: The European Commission on April 21 took a leap forward in strengthening sustainability reporting for companies through the adoption of a proposal for a Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. The proposal confirms the upcoming introduction of European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) and comes as part of a broad package of initiatives on sustainable finance. IPC will continue to track and advocate for a reporting environment that is workable for electronics manufacturers. Read more about the CSRD and the implications for our industry in a new IPC blog here, and please let us know if you have any questions or suggestions. IPC Contact: Alison James.

New EU Report Supports RoHS General Review: A recent European Union study found that the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) is effective in preventing the release of certain hazardous substances during the use and waste treatment of electrical and electronic equipment. IPC will continue to monitor how the European Commission will use this study’s findings in future legislative initiatives on RoHS and other chemical regulations. Read more about IPC’s review of the EU’s RoHS Directive here. 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.
 
IPC Asia Members Are Attuned to Environmental Regulations: According to a recent IPC survey, government regulations on environmental, health, and safety (EHS) issues, especially those involving toxic substances and originating from the United States and Europe, are a principal concern for IPC’s Asia members. If you are an industry expert and would like to participate in future educational events on environmental regulatory topics, or if you have EHS-related questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. View the highlights of the survey in a new IPC blog here. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

 

EUROPEAN UNION

EU Countries Face April Deadline for Recovery Plans: A host of European Union Member States are at risk of missing the April 30 deadline to submit their respective recovery plans, which outline how each government wants to spend its share of the EU’s €750 billion Next Generation EU coronavirus recovery package. The European Commission said it would aim to issue the first payments by July, provided member states complete the ratification process to finance the fund by June. We will keep you updated as the EU’s recovery efforts progress. IPC Contact: Alison James.

 

TRADE AND SUPPLY CHAIN

Supply Chain Threats Focus of Recent U.S. Government Report: A recent Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) report highlighted the importance of securing information and communications technology (ICT) supply chains amid new and evolving threats. The report also addressed how vulnerabilities in global supply chains can have cascading impacts that “affect all users of ICT within and across organizations, sectors, and the National Critical Functions.” IPC has long advocated for a resilient and secure U.S. defense electronics supply chain. Read this recent IPC blog for more information on the latest U.S. supply chain discussions, and let us know if you have any questions or comments. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

Biden Addresses Manufacturing Concerns in “Skinny Budget: On April 9, U.S. President Joe Biden released the “skinny budget” for his administration’s discretionary budget request for FY2022, which highlights the priorities of the new administration. IPC is pleased to see proposed funding increases for vital workforce training, manufacturing, and research and development (R&D) programs. IPC looks forward to reviewing the administration’s detailed budget request, which is expected in the coming weeks. We will let you know of any developments relevant to our industry. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Do You Have Questions About the Ecodesign Directive? Virtual, May 2021. The International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI) will be hosting an upcoming webinar series on the implementation of ecodesign for a circular economy in the design phase of the product life cycle. The series will be a platform for ecodesign leaders to discuss their thought processes, strategies, successes, and failures. The series will begin in May, so please let us know if you have any questions. More information will be coming soon. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

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

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.

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.