Dear IPC Members:

As we approach the midway point of 2021, it remains a busy time for IPC advocacy efforts.

Across all regions where IPC has an advocacy presence, the policy debate is still dominated by COVID-19 recovery efforts and climbing out of the economic crisis. Register now to attend an IPC webinar next week for what to expect in the post-pandemic world.

Meanwhile, there remain active opportunities in the EHS sector for you to make your voice heard, including one that ends next week on June 8. Let us know if you have any questions.

What do you think the government should be doing to support the industry’s long-term growth and evolution? Let us know, and we’ll answer the most interesting questions in future editions of IPC Global Advocacy Report.

All the best,

Chris Mitchell
Vice President, Global Government Relations

TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK

The Biden Administration Can Help Fix America’s Manufacturing Woes: “America, which boasts the most sophisticated electronics manufacturing system globally, has ignored the parts and materials needed for our systems to function for far too long.” IPC President and CEO John Mitchell explains how long-term solutions are needed to address U.S. supply chain and semiconductor issues in his recent opinion piece in EMSNow. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

Biden Releases $6 Trillion Budget: On May 28, U.S. President Joe Biden released his budget for FY2022, which calls for $6 trillion of federal spending for the upcoming year. The budget includes funding increases for defense, infrastructure, workforce training, and advanced manufacturing research, including the “largest-ever increase in non-defense research and development (R&D) spending,” FedScoop reports. We are encouraged by the budget proposal and hope it will serve as a concrete step towards boosting U.S. government support of manufacturing. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

Senate Delays Bipartisan Tech and Competitiveness Bill: The U.S. Senate delayed passage May 28 on a wide-ranging bipartisan bill to bolster U.S. technology leadership and competitiveness following last-minute objections from Senate Republicans. The U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, which includes the former Endless Frontier Act, would boost investment in research and technology manufacturing. While semiconductor manufacturing would be bolstered by the bill, it does not specify electronics as an area for more investment, and we are working to remedy that. Read more about the bill here. We will keep you updated as the debate resumes in the coming days. IPC Contact: Ken Schramko.

Last Chance for Input on Sustainable Products Initiative: Your input is needed on the European Commission’s public consultation on its Sustainable Products Initiative. 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.

Register Now: Supply Chain Disruption, Economic Recovery, and What to Expect in the Post-Pandemic World: Virtual, June 8. COVID-19 has disrupted nearly every facet of our lives, ushering in a severe recession, and exerting tremendous pressure on supply chains. Discover how supply chains have been impacted and what lies ahead in the recovery as IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac shares the latest economic data, risks, and potential scenarios for 2021 and beyond. Also check out the latest U.S. and European data for electronics manufacturers in IPC’s Monthly Economic Outlook Report. IPC Contact: Shawn DuBravac.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“The nation is falling behind its biggest competitors in research and development, manufacturing, and training. … It has never been more important to invest in strengthening the nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness.”
–  U.S. President Joe Biden’s FY2022 budget looks to invest in domestic manufacturing, workforce training, and technology — all IPC policy priority areas.

ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY

IPC Submits Feedback on Revisions to REACH Regulation. On June 1, IPC submitted comments to the European Commission on proposed revisions to the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) law. IPC urged the commission to consider revisions in context of ongoing updates to chemical policies, such as the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, and to consider existing materials declarations standards to ensure efficient supply chain communications. Please let us know if you have any further questions or comments. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

Electronics Industry Submits Comments on EPA’s PIP (3:1) Regulation: On May 17, IPC and other industry groups submitted comments in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final risk-management rules for phenol, isopropylated, phosphate (3:1) (PIP (3:1)). PIP (3:1) has a history of use in electronics, and our industry needs a reasonable period of time to comply and to transition to alternatives. Our input will help ensure that the EPA will create realistic risk management strategies. Please read our full comments here, and let us know if you have any questions. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

Uncertainty Over OSHA Emergency Standard on COVID-19: On April 26, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sent its Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for COVID-19 to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for final review. But since then, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and most states have lifted their mask mandates as the risk level continues to fall. The timing for the review is unclear, but if and when the ETS is released, it could take effect immediately. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

Interested in Chemical and Product Regulations in the Asia-Pacific Region? China and Japan are the latest countries to undergo an updated deep dive by our environmental, health, and safety (EHS) experts in 2021. Notably, China has released new guidelines for the use and control of 10 chemical substances used in electronics, while Japan has moved to ban perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its salts. These are just two of nine white papers on the history of chemical regulations, current regulatory systems, and upcoming trends in the Asia-Pacific region. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

Thailand Moves to Add PFOAs to List of Hazardous Substances: Thailand’s Department of Industrial Works (DIW) issued a notice May 3 that, if approved, would add perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its related compounds to the country’s hazardous substance list and could affect products used in semiconductor manufacturing and electronics. Under the Hazardous Substance Act, PFOAs and other hazardous substances would be subject to strict control, including potential prohibition of production, import, export, or possession. Thailand is also expected to approve new chemical legislation by the end of 2021, which will introduce a risk-based chemicals management system. Please let us know if this move affects your business. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

India Nears Completion of Major Chemical Regulation: India is nearing completion of new European-style regulations on chemical substances that would likely affect those in the electronics sector. A final draft of India’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) rule – similar to the European Union’s REACH regulation – will be released later this year. Under the rule, existing and new chemical substances manufactured, imported, or used within India will be required to be notified, registered, and reported under certain circumstances by manufacturers and importers, or authorized representatives (AR). Read more about India’s upcoming chemicals legislation in a new IPC blog here; please let us know if you have any questions. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

TRADE AND SUPPLY CHAIN

IPC Urges Biden Administration to Bolster Entire Electronics Supply Chain: IPC sent a letter to the Biden administration outlining how investing in semiconductors to revive U.S. technology leadership, without taking a holistic approach to the entire electronics supply chain, will still allow other nations to dominate one of the world’s most critical industries. Meanwhile, the Biden administration is set to conclude its 100-day supply chain review this coming week; we will update you on any results relevant to our industry. Read the full letter, complete with seven specific steps to revitalize U.S. electronics manufacturing, here. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

EU Policy Makers Supportive of Updated Industrial Strategy: On May 27, European Union competitiveness ministers welcomed the updated Industrial Strategy, citing the strategy’s focus on “strategic autonomy,” strengthening the resilience of the EU internal market, and diversifying supply chains. Ministers also applauded the European Commission’s plan to launch industrial alliances in sectors such as microelectronics, which is expected to be announced this summer. IPC is continuing to engage with EU policy makers to highlight the strategic nature of the entire electronics ecosystem in meeting future market needs. And if you haven’t yet, be sure to check out IPC’s report on European electronics manufacturing with the commission, and let us know if you have any questions. IPC Contact: Alison James.

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

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.

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