IPC Global Advocacy Report

10/20/2023

Dear IPC Members:

Here is your weekly, five-minute read on what your IPC Government Relations team is watching and doing on your behalf.  

Much of the world remains concerned by the ongoing events in Israel and Gaza, where IPC has nearly 50 member companies. We continue to pray for peace and restraint on all sides. 

In Washington, legislative activity is stalled as the U.S. House of Representatives attempts to choose a new Speaker. To say we’re in unprecedented times is an understatement, but IPC is continuing to advocate for industry, assuming that things will get back to “normal” soon.

In Brussels, the European Commission published a 2024 Work Programme with a heavy emphasis on reducing reporting requirements, as called for by President Ursula von der Leyen.

Last week was the deadline for proposals for the Defense Business Accelerator (DBX) Microelectronics Challenge, a program spearheaded by the U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics, an IPC subsidiary. The number of submissions, especially from small- to medium-sized companies, has exceeded expectations.

In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed new climate disclosure laws that could have wide-reaching effect for U.S. companies.    

Please read on to learn more about our efforts on these issues and much more – and let us know your thoughts and questions.  

All the best,

Chris Mitchell
Vice President, Global Government Relations

 

The Headlines at a Glance: 

TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK 

  • European Commission Aims to Reduce Reporting Requirements
  • New Climate Disclosure Laws Signed in California

QUOTE OF THE WEEK 

  • TechConnect VP Matt Laudon on the DBX Microelectronics Challenge

IPC ADVOCACY AND YOU

  • Raimondo Backs the EM Ecosystem Again, But Questions Remain

ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH

  • Japan Adds PFHxS to List of Regulated PFAS Substances
  • U.S. EPA Finalizes Rule on PFAS Reporting Requirements

EUROPEAN UNION

  • IPC Renews Call for Silicon-to-Systems EU Industrial Strategy

TRADE AND SUPPLY CHAIN

  • DBX Microelectronics Challenge Entries Exceed Expectations
  • USPAE Announces Planning Sprint for PCB Market Catalyst

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • IPC CEMAC 2023: Shanghai, Oct. 27
  • IPC WinterCom 2024: Barcelona, Jan. 22-25
  • iNEMI Counterfeit Components Tech Topic Series
  • Highlights of IPC’s 2023 PCB Technology Trends Study: Webinar, Nov. 9
  • PFAS: Global Regulations, Restrictions, and Alternatives

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TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK

EC’s 2024 Work Programme Aims to Reduce Reporting Requirements: The European Commission this week published its 2024 Work Programme, with an emphasis on reducing reporting requirements by 25% to improve the European Union’s global competitiveness. IPC welcomes the move, having previously communicated to the EC about the breadth of reporting obligations faced by electronics manufacturers, notably in the environmental and sustainability fields. As part of the Work Programme, the EC is seeking comments through Nov. 28 to identify reporting requirements that can be removed or rationalized without undermining policy objectives. IPC will be submitting comments, and we welcome your input. In related action, the Commission also proposed to postpone the deadline to adopt sector-specific European sustainability reporting standards. “Fitness checks” on a series of existing legislation will continue. IPC Contact: Alison James

New Climate Disclosure Laws Signed in California: California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Oct. 7 signed the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act, which will require U.S. companies with annual revenues of $1 billion or more to report both their direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions starting in 2026. A second signed law, the Climate-related Financial Risk Act, will require companies generating $500 million or more to report financial risks related to climate change and their risk mitigation plans. These rules go further than other proposed climate disclosure rules in the U.S. and are likely to have far-reaching impacts. A good summary of the policies is here. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.


QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“The DBX project is a great example of how new approaches can leverage innovation hubs to achieve great success.”
–  Matt Laudon, vice president of the TechConnect Division at ATI, on the Defense Business Accelerator Microelectronics Challenge managed by IPC-subsidiary USPAE. The DBX Challenge has received twice the number of entries expected for an opportunity to win government funding for dual-use R&D projects.

IPC ADVOCACY AND YOU

Raimondo Backs the EM Ecosystem Again, But Questions Remain: U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo on Oct. 4 testified before the Senate Commerce Committee about implementation of the CHIPS Act, and for what was perhaps the fifth time this year, she highlighted the government’s efforts to build up domestic electronics manufacturing capabilities beyond just semiconductor chips, including “advanced packaging.” IPC and others have praised the positive signals but have called on the Commerce Dept. to clarify its plans with regard to advanced packaging, printed circuit boards (PCBs) and IC substrates under the CHIPS for America program. The latest Notice of Funding Opportunities under the program does not cover these related components, which are overwhelmingly produced abroad and which chips need to function. Raimondo also cautioned that a possible government shutdown in November would impact the department’s ability to award funds for manufacturing investments. IPC Contact: Rich Cappetto.

 

ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, AND SUSTAINABILITY

Japan Adds PFHxS to List of Regulated PFAS Substances: The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and Ministry of Environment (MoE) jointly issued a notice for public consultation regarding a proposal to designate perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) and their salts as Class I Specified Chemical Substances. These substances are being eyed for regulations because they are persistent in the environment and pose risks of long-term toxicity to human health. As a result of this revision, companies would need to seek permission for the manufacture and import of these substances. PFHxS would join perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) as types of PFAS being banned for manufacture and import to Japan. This policy action is just one of many that IPC is tracking that address the manufacture and use of PFAS around the world. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

U.S. EPA Finalizes Rule on PFAS Reporting Requirements: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the reporting and recordkeeping requirements for companies that manufacture or import per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) including PFAS in articles. The rule defines the scope of PFAS included in the requirements; the scope of entities covered by the rule; and the information that must be reported. Here is a summary of the rule by our friends at Bergeson & Campbell law firm. Required data spans to January 1, 2011, and is due to the EPA within 18 months from November 13, 2023, the effective date of the final rule. The due date for small businesses importing articles extends to 24 months after the effective date. IPC worked with partner associations CTA and ITI to submit comments to the EPA during the proposed rulemaking process in 2021, and we will continue to advise you on the implications of the final rule for electronics manufacturers. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

 

EUROPEAN UNION

IPC Renews Call for Silicon-to-Systems EU Industrial Strategy: As European political leaders gathered in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 6-7 to discuss the EU’s Strategic Agenda for a resilient EU, and as the European Commission released its Recommendation on Critical Technologies for Economic Security, IPC reiterated its call for an EU “silicon-to-systems” industrial strategy. IPC highlighted this summer’s industry-curated analysis on the need to bolster Europe’s PCB and EMS industries, a report that was supported by a broad European stakeholder base and prepared at the request of the European Commission. IPC is continuing to pursue next steps following the report. IPC Contact: Alison James.

 

TRADE AND SUPPLY CHAIN

DBX Challenge Entries Exceed Expectations: The Defense Business Accelerator (DBX) Microelectronics Challenge, launched in late September by IPC-subsidiary U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics (USPAE) with funding from the U.S. Department of Defense, received twice the number of entries expected by the Oct. 12 deadline. A third of the entries came from small- and medium-sized microelectronics firms, a sign of both the depth of innovation running through the industry and the interest to develop dual-use technologies with applications in both civilian and national security sectors. DBX will award up to 10 grants between $500,000 and $2 million to develop the proposals. Finalists will be announced in coming weeks and invited to pitch their solutions at the Defense TechConnect Innovation & Expo on Nov. 28. USPAE Contact: Nathan Edwards.
 
USPAE Announces Planning Sprint for PCB Market Catalyst: In another new industry initiative with funding from the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics (USPAE)  announced it is developing a new business model that could support advanced PCB manufacturing growth through services, workforce development, and research. The funding award is a reflection of the industry’s collective efforts to educate government leaders on the importance of domestic capabilities for UHDI PCB development and manufacturing. Industry veteran Joe O’Neil is leading a “planning sprint” to gather input from the industry to shape the long-term initiative. Learn more and lend your insights at www.uspae.org/PCBMarketCatalyst.


UPCOMING EVENTS

IPC CEMAC 2023: Shanghai, Oct.27. IPC CEMAC (China Electronics Manufacturing Annual Conference), co-organized with Pudong New Area Association for Quality and Technology Shanghai, will feature discussions with experts on IPC standards, automotive electronics, advanced packaging, the factory of the future, talent cultivation and sustainability, and innovative products and solutions. An IPC member awards and appreciation dinner will be held as well. Register today!

iNEMI Counterfeit Components Tech Topic Series: Counterfeit Management & Best Practices: Webinar, Nov. 7, 11:00 am-12:30 pm EST. Focusing on standards that address issues related to counterfeits, such as detection, traceability, mitigation, reporting and more. Open to the industry, advanced registration is required.

Highlights of IPC’s 2023 PCB Technology Trends Study: Webinar, Nov. 9, 10:00-11:00 am CST. Industry veteran Mike Carano will present key findings from IPC’s recently published PCB Technology Trends study. The findings provide guidance to the electronics supply chain in meeting the current and future needs of OEMs and the outlook for circuit board technology development through 2028. Registration is free.

PFAS: Global Regulations, Restrictions, and Alternatives: Virtual, Dec. 5. Presented by Chemical Watch, this one-day conference will address the latest regulatory developments around per- and polyfluoroalkyl and share advice on how to respond, including discussions about the rising market for PFAS-free alternatives. Registration is ₤495.

IPC WinterCom 2024: Barcelona, Spain, Jan. 22-25, 2024. A new event to support IPC standards development committees in face-to-face sessions, WinterCom 2024 will convene colleagues from around the globe for a week of meetings. The event is free to both IPC members and non-members with an interest in IPC standards development. Register today!

 

PLEASE "LIKE" AND "SHARE" OUR LINKEDIN POSTS

 

Getting caught up on some recent social media posts by Team IPC, here's another recent highlight. It was a treat to help organize IPC's participation in the recent NIST CHIPS R&D Standards Summit and to facilitate meetings between our subject matter experts and policy makers across Washington. We're making progress on our policy agenda, but there is much more work to do. Yours truly shown here at the White House with my colleagues Richard Cappetto and Matt Kelly.

Making an Impact with Manufacturing Day 2023!
I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer through my job with IPC and participate with Deep East Texas Manufacturing Alliance to bring Manufacturing Day 2023 to the students of East Texas. It’s all about inspiring and educating the next generation about the exciting world of manufacturing.

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US 

Meet the IPC GR Team: Whether it is engaging with policymakers in the Americas, the European Union, or Asia, 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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