IPC Argues for Reduction in Reporting Burdens for Electronics Manufacturers
by Alison James, senior director, European government relations
Key Summary
• IPC engaged in an EU feedback exercise to identify the heaviest reporting burdens for manufacturers
• The effort aligns with the EU goal to reduce reporting burdens by 25 percent
• IPC highlighted duplicated reporting in environmental laws and inconsistent Member State implementation
• IPC noted growing sustainability reporting demands that heavily affect electronics manufacturers
• IPC emphasized the challenges faced by companies with complex supply chains, especially SMEs
IPC this week took part in a European Commission Industrial Forum feedback exercise to identify EU legislation with the heaviest reporting burdens for manufacturers in the European Union. The exercise follows European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen’s commitment to simplify reporting burdens and reduce them by 25 percent. A first Commission proposal is expected before the Autumn.
This important exercise to identify main reporting burdens is first of a kind at EU level and comes in recognition of the high administrative burdens placed on EU companies. IPC highlighted amongst other areas duplification of reporting in environmental legislation, disparity in Member State implementation increasing burden as well as a host of existing and pending sustainability reporting measures. The EU’s intent is not to diminish policy impact but to gain full understanding of the complete burden on companies across all legislative areas with a view to reduction and simplification.
IPC will continue to engage in the exercise highlighting the issue of electronics manufacturers with complex supply chains and manufacturers, often SMEs, who are also subject to multiple information requests. For more information on this issue, please contact me at AlisonJames@ipc.org.
IPC joined the exercise to ensure that the reporting burdens affecting electronics manufacturers are accurately reflected as the EU reviews opportunities to simplify requirements.
IPC pointed to duplicative environmental reporting, inconsistent implementation across Member States, and the growing volume of sustainability reporting obligations.
The EU seeks to simplify administrative requirements without weakening policy goals, recognizing that heavy reporting demands strain companies across all sectors.
Electronics manufacturers often manage complex global supply chains and face multiple overlapping requests for information, creating a higher administrative load.
IPC will continue engaging with EU officials to ensure that the final simplification measures consider the realities of electronics manufacturers and SMEs.