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Dear IPC Members:
As it stands now, it looks to be a busy summer here in Washington, especially in the halls of Congress. Check out the news items below to know what should be on your radar going forward.
For example, IPC is actively engaged in the debate on how to revitalize U.S. manufacturing and why electronics, including printed circuit boards (PCBs), must be a priority. This week, IPC led a multi-industry coalition in sending a letter to Congress on how the United States can begin to address this challenge by passing H.R. 7677, the Supporting American Printed Circuit Boards Act of 2022. |
Also, don’t miss the latest environmental news items from around the globe, including Europe and Asia-Pacific, as well as a new opportunity to join the IPC team and dive deeper on these issues.
As always, please let us know if you have any input or questions on what governments should be doing to support the industry’s long-term growth and evolution.
All the best,
Chris Mitchell
Vice President, Global Government Relations
The Headlines at a Glance:
TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK
- IPC and Industry Partners Urge Congress to Support PCB Act
- Top Industry CEOs Call for Passage of Competitiveness Legislation
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
- Industry CEOs Call on Congress to Support Electronics
IPC ADVOCACY AND YOU
- IPC Is Recruiting for a Regulatory Affairs Manager
ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH
- IPC Shares Industry Concerns in General Review of RoHS Directive
- Canada Proposes Limits on Flame Retardants, Other EEE Substances
- China Cancels Imported Coatings Requirement
EUROPEAN UNION
- EU Policymakers Assess Chips Act and Industrial Policy
- EU Commissioner Calls for New Legislation on Raw Materials
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TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK
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IPC and Industry Partners Urge Congress to Support PCB Act: This week IPC and its industry allies in the PCB Association of America and the U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics sent a letter urging every member of the U.S Congress to support legislation that would address challenges in the printed circuit board (PCB) industry and the entire U.S. electronics supply chain. The letter made the case that the Supporting American Printed Circuit Boards Act of 2022 is critical to rebuilding U.S. electronics manufacturing; would ease an already strained U.S. supply chain; and improve national security. Read the full letter here, then call on your Members of Congress to support this bill via IPC’s Action Alert Center. IPC Contact: Ken Schramko.
Top Industry CEOs Call for Passage of Competitiveness Legislation: Several IPC members this week signed onto a letter urging the U.S. Congress to pass legislation that includes much-needed funding for semiconductor manufacturing and other advanced technologies. Both the House- and Senate-passed bills include $52 billion in CHIPS Act funding as well as additional measures to boost domestic research and development (R&D). IPC continues to urge Congress to complete and pass this legislation, and we will continue to work the Biden administration and Congress to strengthen the semiconductor supply chain, including advanced packaging, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and related sectors. IPC Contact: Ken Schramko.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“This legislation is the one of the most significant steps in years to bolster the overlooked PCB sector and improve supply chain resiliency. Electronic systems cannot function without PCBs, and the industry needs support.”
– An industry letter, led by IPC, called on every member of the U.S. Congress to support H.R. 7677, the Supporting American Printed Circuit Boards Act of 2022, introduced recently by Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Blake Moore (R-UT). |
IPC ADVOCACY AND YOU
IPC Is Recruiting for a Regulatory Affairs Manager: Passionate about environment and health issues? IPC is looking to hire an environmental regulatory affairs manager who will be responsible for coordinating information relevant to regulatory affairs and industry advocacy. This position will help monitor global environmental policy developments and regulatory requirements, liaise with industry members and policymakers, and develop responses to government consultations. Let us know if you have any questions! IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.
ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH
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IPC Shares Industry Concerns in General Review of RoHS Directive: IPC recently submitted comments to the European Commission’s public consultation on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, which included evaluation of the criteria and timelines for exemptions. IPC’s response indicated support for a shift from RoHS as a directive to a regulation; a flexible exemptions process; support for “one substance, one assessment;” and the continued use of sound science and transparency. Please let us know if you have any questions about this consultation. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.
Canada Proposes New Limits on Flame Retardants, Other EEE Substances: Canada recently proposed a new regulation to prohibit the manufacture, use, sale, and import of two additive flame retardants used in a wide variety of electronic and electrical equipment (EEEs), including wire and cable jacketing. The regulation would also implement new restrictions on perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its related compounds. For more information, please read the regulatory impact analysis statement, and let us know if you have any questions. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.
China Cancels Imported Coatings Requirement: China recently moved to terminate a measure that would require notification and testing of imported coatings two months prior to importation. However, this change will not affect supervision and testing of the products by China customs, and businesses should ensure coatings follow relevant concentration standards for hazardous chemical substances. Let us know if you have any questions. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.
EUROPEAN UNION
EU Policymakers Call for More Assurances on Chips Act: Policymakers largely welcomed progress on the EU Chips Act during an EU competitiveness council meeting last week. During the meeting, policymakers advocated for investment in advanced chips and legacy technologies that are essential across sectors like manufacturing, but they called for clarity around the financial breakdown of the legislation and definitions of “first-of-a-kind” facilities. IPC is monitoring these discussions and working with European institutions and EU Member States to implement the Chips Act and augment it with support for the industries upon which semiconductor manufacturers rely. IPC Contact: Alison James.
EU Commissioner Calls for New Legislation on Raw Materials: EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton this week called for new legislation that would define which raw materials “are critical or strategic for Europe.” The demand for silicon, a critical component of semiconductors, is expected to “increase fivefold by 2030,” but the European Union is dependent on imports for many raw materials, which puts its member countries at risk of supply chain shocks. Breton also called for increased mining in Europe and for “requirements for the sustainable, circular and socially responsible sourcing of these raw materials.” IPC Contact: Alison James.
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This month’s global sentiment survey is now live. Help us take the “pulse” of the electronics manufacturing industry and receive a copy of the research results when the survey is completed.
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After more than two decades of outsourcing, the United States can design cutting-edge electronics, but cannot manufacture them. ICYMI, the IPC study on the current state of advanced packaging in the U.S. semiconductor value chain found that urgent action is required to strengthen the domestic packaging ecosystem to meet increased production of semiconductor chips. |
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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