Dear IPC Members: I hope you and yours are well. Here’s your five-minute update on current government policy actions that may affect your business.

Meanwhile, the global economy and electronics manufacturers worldwide are feeling the effects from the Russia/Ukraine conflict. Check out IPC’s latest monthly economic report and global sentiment survey below, and let us know how the conflict is affecting your outlook.

All the best,

Chris Mitchell
Vice President, Global Government Relations

The Headlines at a Glance: 

TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK 

• Geopolitical Uncertainty Affects Electronics Manufacturers Worldwide
• U.S. Senate Passes Competitiveness Legislation

IPC ADVOCACY AND YOU

• Tell Congress: A Robust U.S. Electronics Industry Is in Everyone’s Interest!

ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH

• Lead Included on Draft List for REACH Authorization
• IPC Shares Input on Proposed Changes to RoHS Directive
• EPA Reopens Comments on 20 Toxic Substances
• China to Add Four Phthalates to RoHS Restriction List

EUROPEAN UNION

• Parliament Plans Review of EU Chips Act

TRADE AND SUPPLY CHAIN

• Sanctions on Russia Include Electronics-Related Export Controls

UPCOMING EVENTS

• How PFAS Policies Affect the Electronics Industry

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US

TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK

Geopolitical Uncertainty Affects Electronics Manufacturers Worldwide: According to the latest data from IPC, the electronics manufacturing supply chain is already feeling the effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. IPC’s April Monthly Economic Update and Global Sentiment Survey found that 80% of manufacturers expect the war to have a negative impact on commodity prices and transportation costs, while 70% anticipate a negative impact on the stock of raw materials. Let us know if you have any questions. IPC Contact: Shawn DuBravac.

U.S. Senate Passes Competitiveness Legislation: The U.S. Senate this week took an important procedural step forward on a bill that will provide much-needed funding for semiconductor manufacturing and other advanced technologies. The U.S.Innovation and Competition Act (USCIA), includes $52 billion in CHIPS Act funding as well as additional measures to boost domestic research and development (R&D). Senate and House leaders will soon name a team of lawmakers to negotiate a final compromise version of the legislation. IPC urges Congress to complete and pass this legislation, and we will continue to work with the Biden administration and Congress to strengthen America’s semiconductor supply chain, including advanced packaging, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and related sectors. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

IPC ADVOCACY AND YOU

Tell Congress: A Robust U.S. Electronics Industry Is in Everyone’s Interest: Encouraging the U.S. government to take a holistic approach to rebuilding its domestic electronics manufacturing ecosystem has been the central theme of IPC’s IMPACT Washington Advocacy Campaign. If you agree, please visit the IPC Online Advocacy Center to tell your Members of Congress to help secure federal support for the entire electronics supply chain. IPC Contact: Ken Schramko.

ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH

Lead Included on Draft List for REACH Authorization: Lead (Pb) metal is one of eight substances included in a draft list of substances being considered for inclusion on the Authorization List (Annex XIV) of the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation. IPC is preparing to respond to the public consultation by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), which closes on May 2, to provide industry insights on the potential socio-economic effects should Pb be added. Let us know if you would like to learn more. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

IPC Shares Input on Proposed Changes to RoHS Directive: On March 14, IPC submitted comments to the European Commission’s call for evidence for an impact assessment on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive and how it affects electronics. IPC also supported the response from the RoHS Industry Umbrella Project. In other RoHS-related news, the commission also opened a public consultation through June 2 on a general review of the directive. IPC will coordinate a response to this questionnaire, and we welcome your engagement with us. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

EPA Reopens Comments on 20 Toxic Substances: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reopened the dockets for the 20 high-priority substances to undergo risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This provides an additional opportunity for the public to submit information that would help inform the risk evaluation processes for these chemicals. The dockets are open until June 9. Please let us know if you are interested in this opportunity to inform future policy decisions. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

China to Add Four Phthalates to RoHS Restriction List: On March 14, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) announced it plans to strengthen its regulation restricting the use of hazardous substances (RoHS2) by adding four new phthalates. Two of the substances, diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) and diisononyl phthalate (DINP), may be used as a plasticizer in polyvinyl chloride in addition to other applications that may affect electronics manufacturing. These additions would also bring China’s chemical regulation in accordance with the EU’s  RoHS Directive. Let us know if you have any questions. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

EUROPEAN UNION

Parliament Plans Review of EU Chips Act: The European Parliament this week appointed its lead negotiators on the European Commission's proposed European Chips Act who are responsible for discussing and amending the legislation before it can enter into force. The parliament is expected to begin discussions on the proposed Chips Act and the Chips Joint Undertaking, which outlines a major public-private investment scheme into the microchips sector, next month. IPC welcomes the legislation, with its strong support for advanced packaging, and is calling for its swift adoption and implementation as part of a broader strategy to rebuild the European electronics manufacturing ecosystem. IPC Contact: Alison James.

UPCOMING EVENTS

How PFAS Policies Affect the Electronics Industry: Virtual, April 21. IPC is hosting a free webinar to provide information on emerging chemical and product regulations and the complex nature of the uses of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in electronics. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Gary Stanley, President at Global Legal Services, recently led an IPC webinar providing information on newly imposed export controls related to the conflict in Ukraine and how they affect the electronics industry.		What ecodesign challenges do you face in electronics manufacturing, and where can you find resources to address those issues? A recent IPC webinar provides an opportunity to learn more about ecodesign for a circular economy.

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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