Interested in Chemical and Electronics Product Regulations in Asia-Pacific Countries?

Sep 04, 2020
| By Corey Lynn

Key Summary

• Asia-Pacific countries maintain comprehensive environmental, health, and safety regulatory frameworks
• IPC is monitoring RoHS- and REACH-like regulations that may affect chemicals and electronic products
• Six white papers outline regulatory history, current systems, updates, and trends in key APAC countries
• Countries covered include China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand
• Members can access updates through the Global Advocacy Report and IPC’s website

The Asia-Pacific region is home to several of the world’s largest nations and many of its most dynamic economies. The governments in this region have generally established comprehensive environmental, health and safety policy frameworks, with a variety of approaches and enforcement mechanisms.

Because these policy frameworks have so much importance for our members, IPC monitors and engages in selected, high-priority environmental policy matters in the Asia-Pacific region. Most recently, we have focused on RoHS- and REACH-like regulations that may affect the chemicals and electronic products that are manufactured or imported into countries in the region.

To help our members, IPC has created six white papers, each of which highlights the history of chemical regulations, current regulatory systems, recent regulatory updates, and anticipated trends in the following countries:

In addition, we publish news on the latest developments in the weekly Global Advocacy Report and on IPC’s website. We welcome your review and feedback.

 

Q:
Why is IPC monitoring chemical and electronics regulations in the Asia-Pacific region?
A:

Because these regulations significantly affect companies that manufacture or import chemicals and electronic products into APAC countries.
 

Q:
What regulatory themes are most relevant to electronics companies?
A:

RoHS- and REACH-like requirements, which shape chemical use, product compliance, and market access.
 

Q:
Which countries are included in IPC’s regulatory white papers?
A:

China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand each have a dedicated overview.
 

Q:
What information do the white papers provide?
A:

They summarize regulatory history, current frameworks, recent updates, and expected future trends.
 

Q:
How can members stay updated on APAC regulatory changes?
A:

Through IPC’s weekly Global Advocacy Report and ongoing updates published on IPC’s website.

Power Your Potential with J-STD-001 for Operators

Sep 02, 2020
| By Corey Lynn

Key Summary

• J-STD-001 is a globally recognized standard for soldered electrical and electronic assemblies.
• IPC created the J-STD-001 for Operators course to help operators and technicians apply the standard in real production environments.
• The training focuses on navigation, interpretation, and application of J-STD-001 acceptability criteria.
• The course includes four modules covering materials, soldering, assembly, product assurance, and cleaning requirements.
• It is available in both self-paced and instructor-led formats and takes about 6 to 8 hours to complete.

The IPC Standard, J-STD-001G: Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies, is globally recognized for its criteria on soldering processes and materials for electrical and electronic assemblies. Because J-STD-001 is a critical standard for the industry, IPC Workforce Training created the course, J-STD-001 for Operators, to provide operators, technicians, and other assembly line staff with a practical introduction to the terms, concepts and acceptability criteria found in the standard.

IPC Workforce Training courses are specifically designed to help the electronics industry overcome gaps in workforce skills with essential and value-added coursework that addresses the most difficult-to-fill positions in the electronics industry.

The objective of J-STD-001 for Operators is to enable learners to effectively navigate, locate, and apply the criteria specified in the IPC J-STD-001 standard to the role of assembly line operator, technician, or supervisor. The J-STD-001 Workforce Training program provides engaging videos, activities and quizzes designed to help students learn, remember, and apply criteria to the electronics assembly process. Enrollment in the course is continuous.

Composed of four modules – General Standard Information and Requirements, General Materials, Soldering and Assembly and Produce Assurance Requirements, Wires, Terminals and Component Mounting, and Cleaning, PCB, and Conformal Coating Requirements – this course covers all the requirements assembly line operators, technicians and supervisors need to advance their careers and enrich their technical education. J-STD-001 for Operators takes approximately 6-8 hours to complete and is available in both self-paced and instructor-led versions. Students must complete Electronics Assembly for Operators as a prerequisite to J-STD-001 for Operators.

Learn More About the Workforce Training J-STD-001 for Operators
This course is specifically designed to help operators navigate the IPC J-STD-001 standard. It is an introductory course and not a certification..
Learn More
Q:
What is J-STD-001 and why is it important?
A:

J-STD-001 is the industry standard for soldering materials and processes, providing essential criteria for building reliable electrical and electronic assemblies.
 

Q:
Who should take the J-STD-001 for Operators course?
A:

Operators, technicians, supervisors, and assembly line personnel who work directly with soldering and electronics assembly will benefit most from the course.
 

Q:
What does the course teach?
A:

The course teaches learners how to navigate and apply J-STD-001 criteria, covering materials, soldering, component mounting, product assurance, cleaning, and conformal coating.
 

Q:
How long does the course take to complete?
A:

The training typically takes 6 to 8 hours and is available in both instructor-led and self-paced versions.
 

Q:
Are there prerequisites?
A:

Yes. Students must complete Electronics Assembly for Operators before enrolling in J-STD-001 for Operators.

WHMA Announces Appointment of Two New Board Members

The Wiring Harness Manufacturer’s Association (WHMA), a nonprofit trade association exclusively representing the cable and wire harness manufacturing industry including manufacturers, their suppliers and customers, announced today the appointment of two new members to the board of directors: John Dew, senior vice president of global sales, IEWC, and Dave Matheny, president of ESAM. Both companies are founding members of WHMA and ESAM had an original member on the Board of Directors, Robert Morison.

Dew has been with IEWC, a global solutions provider for wire and cable management, for more than 30 years and will bring his extensive knowledge in supply chains and logistic solutions for wire, cable and wire management products. He is also responsible for sharing a WHMA-member resource titled “Hot Wire,” a news and economic outlook for the wire and cable industry, that you can find on WHMA’s website under the Resources/Newsletter tab.

Matheny has been with ESAM for more 25 years and will bring his vast knowledge in outsourcing manufacturing in wire and cable assemblies and harnesses and engineering services to the board as well as experience in strategy and collaboration.

“We are thrilled to welcome John and Dave to our board of directors,” said David Bergman, WHMA executive director. “They bring decades of leadership and expertise in manufacturing and technology – two areas that are vital to our association’s ongoing success and strategy.”

The 2020-2021 Board of Directors and Officers are listed below.

2020/2021 Board Officers:

  • Chairman: Rick Bromm, Altex
  • Vice Chairman/Secretary: Joe DeMan, Amphenol – CTI

2020/2021 Board Directors:

  • Parker Garrett, EMSCO
  • Bud Bowen, Winchester Interconnect
  • Joe Roberts, Hellermann Tyton
  • Gustavo Farell, Cesar-Scott
  • Micah Durham, Schleuniger
  • Todd Maines, Tack Electronics
  • John Dew, IEWC
  • Dave Matheny, ESAM
  • David Bergman, Executive Director, WHMA

IPC Report: IPC Launches Monthly Economic Report

Economic data from May and June suggest the U.S. economy was on the mend, but the rise of COVID-19 cases in late June and early July altered that outlook, likely causing a halt to business investment as companies wait for a more certain economic environment.

In response to the ongoing changes in the economy, IPC created the IPC Monthly Economic Report to provide data on the economy, industrial production, capacity utilization, PCB demand, and industry employment, particularly as it relates to the electronics manufacturing industry.

“We are currently experiencing one of the most volatile periods in our economic history,” said Shawn DuBravac, IPC chief economist. “How that turbulence affects the manufacturing industry is of great interest to our members, and we hope that this information will be of benefit as they make critical decisions about their businesses in the months ahead.”

The inaugural (July) issue of the IPC Monthly Economic Report can be found at http://www.ipc.org/emails/gr/0720IPCEconomicReport.pdf. Going forward, future reports will be issued mid-month, every month.

Excel Electronics, Inc. Earns IPC J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610 Qualified Manufacturers Listing Recertification

Under IPC's Validation Services Program, Excel Electronics, Inc. has earned an IPC J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610 Qualified Manufacturers Listing (QML) Class 2 recertification. The company continues to be a trusted source and supplier, meeting the stringent requirements of the QML based on two of IPC's foremost standards: IPC J-STD-001, Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies and IPC-A-610, Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies.

Chip Estep, president of Excel Electronics Inc. stated, “The IPC Validation Program has improved the overall quality of all our finished products while increasing our operation’s efficiency and overall value to our customers.” Estep added, “Since receiving the prestigious QML designation, Excel Electronics, Inc. has been contacted by several global companies regarding our capabilities and product availability”.  

IPC's Validations Services QPL/QML Program was developed to promote supply chain verification. It also provides auditing and certification of electronics companies' products and identifies processes which conform to IPC standards.

"Different from other audit programs, IPC's Validation Services Programs uniquely provides technical and in-depth assessments of products and processes in accordance with IPC standards," said Randy Cherry, IPC director of Validation Services. "We are pleased to recognize Excel Electronics, Inc. for achieving recertification to the J-STD-001/IPC-A-610 QML program and continuing as a member of IPC’s network of trusted QML suppliers."

For more information about IPC's Validation Services QPL/QML Program, visit ipcvalidation.org or contact Randy Cherry at RandyCherry@ipc.org or +1 847-597-2806.   

IPC Announces Electronics Workforce Training Courses

Help Upskill Employees

Two-thirds of electronics industry companies have difficulty finding production workers according to a recent IPC study, IPC Findings on the Skills Gap in U.S. Electronics Manufacturing. To help solve this problem, IPC is launching all-new IPC Electronics Workforce Training courses to help electronics companies and their employees.

IPC Electronics Workforce Training courses will help IPC members overcome workforce skill gap challenges with essential and value-added coursework that is curated exclusively to address the most difficult-to-fill positions in the electronics industry.

“Employees are concerned with job security, and employers strive to sustain and grow their business,” said Carlos Plaza, director of education development at IPC. “IPC Electronics Workforce Training courses are an effective way to help close this gap.”

IPC Electronics Workforce Training courses were created by industry experts and educational specialists to help provide real-world knowledge and skills that frontline employees need to accomplish their tasks the right way every time. Powered by the IPC EDGE online learning management system, IPC Electronics Workforce Training courses are available in both instructor-led and self-paced online formats. These programs can either be offered directly to employees or easily integrated into a more comprehensive company training program.

“Successful companies embrace today’s pace of change and gain competitive advantage by proactively investing in the professional development of new and existing employees,” said David Hernandez, vice president of education at IPC. The use of IPC Electronics Workforce Training will enable employers to:

  • Reduce employee turnover
  • Attract and incentivize new talent
  • Improve customer satisfaction
  • Plan for the future with greater accuracy

The new courses launching in August 2020 are: Electronics Assembly for Operators, IPC-A-610 for Operators, IPC-J-STD-001 for Operators, and Soldering Fundamentals I. ESD Control for Electronics Assembly is also available.  For course descriptions and to view IPC’s expanded course catalog, visit https://training.ipc.org.  

Electronics Manufacturing Industry Calls on Congress to Pass New COVID Recovery Bill with Pro-Industrial-Base Provisions

IPC, the global electronics manufacturing association, is calling on the U.S. Congress to enact a COVID-19 recovery bill and include provisions of importance to everyone who depends on electronics.

In a letter to the top four leaders in Congress, IPC stresses that electronics are at the heart of the modern economy and key sectors, including urgently needed medical equipment, critical infrastructure, and defense systems. “Yet, the crisis has exposed vulnerabilities in our manufacturing base,” the letter adds.

The association urges Congress to support the nation’s industrial resiliency by passing a Recovery Package with the following measures:

  • Modified unemployment insurance benefit to continue essential support for laid-off workers, helping to maintain consumer demand while reducing disincentives to return to work.
  • Common-sense liability protections shielding businesses that have taken “reasonable steps” to comply with government workplace safety guidelines.
  • Paycheck Protection Program extension and the Safe and Healthy Workplace tax credit. 
  • Supplementary funding to sustain and rebuild the defense industrial base.
  • Aid to state and local governments to ensure essential services are maintained.

The timing and scope of the legislation are still being worked out, but a package is expected to be negotiated and voted upon soon.   

IPC and iNEMI Sign Memorandum of Understanding, Strengthening Collaboration Focused on the Future of Electronics Manufacturing

IPC and International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate and share information on developing technology roadmaps, organizing forums, establishing new programs, and identifying additional industry needs and projects for the mutual benefit of the membership of both organizations.

“iNEMI is a well-established R&D consortium that has long provided valuable expertise and support in the development of IPC standards,” said Matt Kelly, IPC chief technologist. “This agreement will enable us to work closely together to study the technology needs of the electronics manufacturing supply chain and provide greater benefit to our respective membership.” 

“iNEMI and its members value the long-standing relationship with IPC, which dates back 20+ years. This updated MoU reinforces our partnership and the benefits of collaboration across the electronics manufacturing eco-system,” said Marc Benowitz, iNEMI CEO. “We are excited about the opportunities to further our collective impact for the advancement of the industry as a whole.”

IPC and iNEMI have worked successfully for decades on projects requiring “round robin” tests for various programs, have collaborated on each organization’s roadmaps and events and most recently on a best practices document on disinfecting electronics products and assemblies.

North American PCB Industry Sales up 0.8 Percent in June

IPC Releases PCB Industry Results for June 2020

IPC announced today the June 2020 findings from its North American Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 1.12.

Total North American PCB shipments in June 2020 were up 0.8 percent compared to the same month last year. Compared to the preceding month, June shipments rose 19.7 percent.

PCB bookings in June increased 16.9 percent year-over-year and rose 33 percent from the previous month.

“June saw another month of strong demand for PCBs in North America. PCB bookings are up nearly 17 percent from last year, suggesting growth for electronics manufacturing remains robust despite the continued economic headwinds brought on by the pandemic,” said Shawn DuBravac, IPC’s chief economist.


Note: The December 2019 ratios have been revised since their original publication due to updated data from statistical program participants


Note: The June, October, and December 2019 growth rates have been revised since their original publication due to updated data from statistical program participants

View Charts in PDF

Detailed Data Available

Companies that participate in IPC’s North American PCB Statistical Program have access to detailed findings on rigid PCB and flexible circuit sales and orders, including separate rigid and flex book-to-bill ratios, growth trends by product types and company size tiers, demand for prototypes, sales growth to military and medical markets, and other timely data.

Interpreting the Data

The book-to-bill ratios are calculated by dividing the value of orders booked over the past three months by the value of sales billed during the same period from companies in IPC’s survey sample. A ratio of more than 1.00 suggests that current demand is ahead of supply, which is a positive indicator for sales growth over the next three to twelve months. A ratio of less than 1.00 indicates the reverse.

Year-on-year and year-to-date growth rates provide the most meaningful view of industry growth. Month-to-month comparisons should be made with caution as they reflect seasonal effects and short-term volatility. Because bookings tend to be more volatile than shipments, changes in the book-to-bill ratios from month to month might not be significant unless a trend of more than three consecutive months is apparent. It is also important to consider changes in both bookings and shipments to understand what is driving changes in the book-to-bill ratio.

IPC’s monthly PCB industry statistics are based on data provided by a representative sample of both rigid PCB and flexible circuit manufacturers selling in the USA and Canada. IPC publishes the PCB book-to-bill ratio by the end of each month.

Electronics Manufacturing Industry Applauds Congressional Actions to Bolster Resiliency and Security of U.S. Defense Electronics Supply Chain

IPC, the global electronics manufacturing association, applauds leaders in the U.S. Senate and House for approving IPC-backed measures that will bolster the resiliency and security of the U.S. defense electronics industrial base. 

The measures were included in the Senate’s version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), approved on Thursday, and in the House’s version, approved on Tuesday. The pro-electronics measures were offered by Sens. Josh Hawley (R-MO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Reps. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mike Turner (R-OH), Anthony Brindisi (D-NY), Joe Wilson (R-SC), and Mike Gallagher (R-WI).

Both would require, over the next 10 years, a rising percentage of commercial (non-ITAR) printed circuit boards (PCBs) and printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) acquired for sensitive U.S. defense systems to be produced in the U.S. Or U.S.-allied countries. The bills include multiple provisions to ensure that the private sector will have enough time and flexibility to comply with the law if they want to sell to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The law does not affect any company’s existing commercial business.

“These defense provisions are a positive step forward in diversifying the PCB industrial base by creating additional capacity and competition for items used in U.S. national defense,” said Chris Mitchell, IPC vice president of global government relations. “Domestic and allied sourcing requirements for commercially available, trusted PCBs/PCBAs will spur investment in needed manufacturing capabilities, personnel, and R&D, and will reduce future costs to DoD.”

“IPC is committed to global commerce and a lowering of trade barriers; we also believe that countries can and must take meaningful steps to build trusted and resilient supply chains for electronics to provide for essential governmental functions, including national security,” he added.     

Both the Senate and House NDAAs also include funding and tax credits to strengthen domestic semiconductor production, and the Senate version includes an IPC-backed measure requiring the Defense Department to analyze certain materials and technology sectors — including printed circuit boards and other electronics components — for possible action to address sourcing and industrial capacity.

The differences between the two chambers’ bills will now be resolved by a conference committee of members from both bodies, and a final bill will be voted upon soon.   

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