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EU Leaders Working on New Corporate Due Diligence Requirements

Oct 16, 2020

Key Summary

• EU preparing mandatory due diligence rules covering supply chain, human rights and environmental impacts
• Electronics manufacturers expected to fall squarely within the scope of future legislation

Q:
Why is the EU pursuing mandatory due diligence requirements?
A:

Voluntary measures have not driven consistent supply chain accountability. The EU aims to strengthen environmental and human rights protections by requiring companies to identify and mitigate risks across their value chains.
 

Q:
Will electronics manufacturers be affected by the new rules?
A:

Yes. The scope is expected to be broad and will likely include electronics manufacturing because of complex global supply chains and potential links to labor, environmental and sourcing risks.
 

Q:
How does COVID-19 influence this legislation?
A:

The pandemic highlighted supply chain vulnerabilities and pushed the EU to prioritize sustainable, resilient and responsible corporate governance as part of its economic recovery strategy.
 

Q:
What are EU Member States doing individually?
A:

Several countries, including Germany and France, already have or are developing their own supply chain due diligence laws. EU-wide rules aim to avoid fragmentation and ensure consistency across the Single Market.
 

U.S. EPA Evaluating Risk for More Than 30 Chemicals

Jan 15, 2021
| By Kelly Scanlon

Key Summary

• EPA is advancing multiple TSCA risk evaluation cycles covering more than 30 chemicals
• Several chemicals commonly used in electronics manufacturing have been found to pose unreasonable risks

Q:
What TSCA actions is the EPA taking that affect electronics manufacturing?
A:

The EPA is completing risk evaluations for 10 chemicals and beginning evaluations for 20 more. Several of these substances are used in electronics manufacturing, meaning the forthcoming risk management rules could directly affect materials, processes, and product compliance.
 

Q:
Which chemicals evaluated under TSCA pose risks to electronics manufacturers?
A:

EPA identified unreasonable risks for methylene chloride, 1-bromopropane, certain cyclic aliphatic bromide cluster chemicals including HBCD, and n-methylpyrrolidone. These chemicals are used in solvents, cleaning applications, solder materials, coatings, and semiconductor processes.
 

Q:
How will upcoming TSCA risk management rules impact industry operations?
A:

EPA can restrict manufacturing, processing, distribution, disposal, or labeling of chemicals that pose unreasonable risks. Electronics manufacturers may face new limits, reporting requirements, or process changes depending on how each rule is crafted.
 

Q:
What new requirements apply to PBT chemicals such as decaBDE?
A:

A final rule prohibits the manufacture, import, and processing of decaBDE. Use in electronics products is banned 60 days after publication, and distribution of products containing decaBDE is prohibited one year after the effective date.
 

Q:
How can companies engage in the TSCA chemical evaluation process?
A:

EPA needs industry data on safe uses, alternatives, and phased-out applications. Companies should work with IPC to provide information, participate in rulemaking, and ensure that final regulations protect health while supporting viable electronics manufacturing practices.

U.S. President Biden Budget Proposes More Funding for Workforce, Manufacturing, R&D

Apr 16, 2021
| By Ken Schramko

Key Summary

• President Biden’s FY22 “skinny budget” highlights major proposed increases for workforce training, manufacturing, and R&D
• The plan expands funding for Registered Apprenticeships and broader workforce development

Q:
How does President Biden’s FY22 budget proposal support U.S. workforce development?
A:

The proposal expands funding for Registered Apprenticeships and other training programs to help businesses build a stronger, more diverse workforce. It emphasizes providing multiple paths to career advancement and supporting industries that rely on skilled labor.
 

Q:
What manufacturing programs would receive more funding under the proposed budget?
A:

The proposal would more than double funding for NIST manufacturing programs and nearly double support for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership. These increases aim to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity and competitiveness.
 

Q:
How does the proposed budget increase federal R&D investment?
A:

It calls for historic funding growth across agencies such as NSF, NASA, NIST, and DOE. These investments are intended to accelerate innovation, strengthen U.S. scientific leadership, and support emerging technologies critical to economic growth.
 

Q:
What infrastructure priorities are included in the budget proposal?
A:

The plan supports modernizing highways, transit, and rail; improving safety and equity; addressing climate resilience; and investing in community-focused projects that reconnect neighborhoods and expand economic opportunity.
 

Q:
How will IPC engage with the full FY22 budget process?
A:

IPC will review the detailed budget request once released and continue advocating for strong federal support of manufacturing, workforce development, and R&D programs that benefit the electronics industry.

EU Steps Up “Semiconductor Sovereignty” Plans

Sep 16, 2021

By Alison James, IPC Senior Director, Government Relations, Europe

Q:
What is the European Chips Act designed to accomplish?
A:

It is intended to boost semiconductor manufacturing in Europe by supporting research, expanding production capacity, and creating a framework for international cooperation.
 

Q:
Why does the European Commission want to increase semiconductor production?
A:

EU leaders want to reduce foreign dependencies, strengthen supply chain resilience, and build advanced facilities capable of producing energy efficient chips at high volumes.
 

Q:
What parts of the supply chain does the European Chips Act aim to support?
A:

It aims to support design, production, packaging, equipment, suppliers, and overall monitoring of the semiconductor ecosystem.
 

Q:
Why is IPC urging policymakers to look beyond semiconductor fabrication?
A:

IPC stresses that strong electronics systems require PCBs, interconnections, and assembly capabilities because chips alone cannot function without them.
 

Q:
How could Europe benefit from a holistic electronics strategy?
A:

A broader approach could support economic recovery, strengthen resilience, and help Europe achieve long term technological sovereignty.

IPC Plays Key Role in NIST Workshop on Semiconductor Metrology R&D

May 06, 2022
| By Ken Schramko
Q:
What was the purpose of the NIST semiconductor metrology R&D workshop?
A:

The workshop aimed to gather experts to discuss metrology challenges and priorities related to semiconductors, supporting U.S. CHIPS Act goals and broader electronics manufacturing R&D planning.
 

Q:
How was IPC involved in the workshop?
A:

IPC leaders and affiliated experts contributed as plenary speakers, panel moderators, and thought leaders, emphasizing the critical role of advanced packaging and IC-substrates in securing the semiconductor supply chain.
 

Q:
Why is advanced packaging important to U.S. competitiveness?
A:

Advanced packaging enables higher performance, greater efficiency, and improved integration of chips. Without strong domestic capabilities, the U.S. remains vulnerable in the semiconductor supply chain.
 

Q:
Who participated in IPC’s advanced packaging panel?
A:

The panel included experts from AMD, Plexus, TTM Technologies, Amkor, and IBM Research, offering perspectives on manufacturing needs and future supply chain challenges.
 

Q:
How does this workshop fit into IPC’s advocacy efforts?
A:

It supports IPC’s push for policymakers to adopt a “silicon-to-systems” strategy, ensuring that federal investments address chips, substrates, assembly, and the full electronics manufacturing ecosystem.

IPC Responds to European Chemicals Agency for a Proposed Universal Ban on PFAS

Sep 25, 2023
| By Suhani Chitalia

By Suhani Chitalia, manager, IPC environmental regulatory affairs

Q:
Why is IPC requesting a 15-year transition period?
A:

Because the electronics supply chain needs significant time to identify PFAS use, assess alternatives, and ensure safe, effective substitutions without disrupting production.
 

Q:
What concerns does IPC have with ECHA’s proposed timeline?
A:

The current transition period is too short to map PFAS across multi-tiered global supply chains, increasing the risk of supply disruption and unsafe replacement materials.
 

Q:
Why are PFAS important in electronics?
A:

PFAS enable essential functions—like heat resistance, reliability, and performance—in components and manufacturing processes critical to modern electronics.
 

Q:
What is the risk of moving too fast on a ban?
A:

A rushed restriction could cause unintended impacts, including product failures, loss of critical capabilities, and missed sustainability and digitalization targets.
 

Q:
How is IPC supporting its position?
A:

Through data from its PFAS Uses Survey, PFAS Uses Data Sheet, and industry expert Tiger Team, forming a science-based response advocating balanced, feasible regulation.

CEN and CENELEC Host Workshops Starting in January on Digital Product Passports for PCBs

Dec 05, 2024

Key Summary

• CEN and CENELEC will host a 2025 stakeholder dialogue on Digital Product Passports (DPPs) for PCBs under the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.

Q:
What is the purpose of the Digital Product Passport (DPP) for PCBs?
A:

The DPP will serve as a digital identity card, providing key information on sustainability, recyclability, and environmental impact for PCBs.
 

Q:
Who is organizing the DPP stakeholder dialogue for PCBs?
A:

CEN and CENELEC are organizing a series of workshops and web conferences to discuss and shape DPP requirements for PCBs.
 

Q:
How is IPC involved in the DPP Stakeholder dialogue?
A:

IPC's Diana Radovan will attend on behalf of the electronics industry, and IPC will help consolidate input from its member companies.
 

Q:
How can stakeholders participate or provide feedback to the DPP stakeholder dialogue?
A:

Stakeholders can register by submitting a form to the workshop secretary by 10 January and may comment on the draft Project Plan via a template or by contacting Diana Radovan.

Global Trade Coverage

International trade policy continues to shape the electronics industry. Trade dynamics are constantly evolving, driven by shifting geopolitical relationships, regional agreements, and the growing complexity of global manufacturing networks. The electronics industry sits at the center of many of these developments, making it essential to stay informed.

The Global Electronics Association actively monitors trade developments worldwide and engages with policymakers on behalf of the electronics industry. Our coverage spans policy analysis, research, industry data, and expert perspectives, drawing on our global network to deliver intelligence that is both timely and actionable.

This hub compiles our latest trade resources, updated continuously as new developments emerge. Explore the resources below to stay informed on the trade issues that matter most to your business.

Global Trade

Highlighted Trade Resources 

TRADE FLOWS STUDY
Interconnected: Global Electronics Trade in an Age of Disruption
While many discussions focus on where a product is assembled, this report emphasizes the critical importance of where it begins: where components are made, sourced, and moved.

 

INDUSTRY INTELLIGENCE BRIEF
Copper Tariffs and the Hidden Costs to U.S. Electronics Manufacturing
Tariffs intended to stimulate U.S. copper production could raise manufacturers’ costs significantly – long before any new domestic supply is ready – creating unintended competitive disadvantages

 

Why Mexico Matters to U.S. Manufacturing
From risk to resilience: The United States and Mexico share one of the world’s most productive and strategically aligned manufacturing partnerships. This report examines the extent to which deeply integrated electronics supply chains between the two nations contribute to U.S. industrial strength, job growth, and national security.

 

New Transatlantic Trade Agreement
A single deal—the new transatlantic tariff agreement—is shaping the future of Europe’s electronics industry, starting on August 1, 2025.

 

Securing the Electronics Value Chain
The Blind Spot in the European Union’s Defence Agenda?

 

Routers, Restrictions, and Reality: The FCC's Latest Supply Chain Curveball
The Global Electronics Association's new report examines the Federal Communications Commission’s March 2026 decision to add all foreign-produced consumer routers to its Covered List.

 

The Memory Squeeze: How AI-Driven Capacity Reallocation is Reshaping Memory Supply for Electronics Manufacturers
The findings are based on a February 2026 survey of global electronics manufacturers and reflect real-time market conditions. The report reinforces the Association’s role as a leading source of data-driven insight into electronics supply chain dynamics.

 

Leadership Lost? Rebuilding the U.S. Electronics Supply Chain (January 2022)
The report, written by industry veteran Joe O’Neil under IPC’s Thought Leaders Program, was prompted in part by the Senate-passed U.S. Innovation and Competitiveness Act (USICA) and similar legislation being prepared in the House.

 

Strengthening Interconnections: The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and the Electronics Industry
The purpose of this report is to provide an independent, informational, and analytical resource that describes
the potential impacts of the proposed U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on the U.S. and global
electronics industry

 

Advocacy
Tariff War Fallout
Electronics manufacturers try to mitigate impacts
2025 Updates

The White House today announced a new trade agreement with China aimed at reducing trade tensions and providing temporary tariff relief for manufacturers.

🔹 Key Provisions:

  • Tariff Reductions Announced: The U.S. will reduce tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, while China will lower tariffs on U.S. goods from 125% to 10%.
  • 90-Day Implementation Window: The tariff reductions take effect May 14, 2025, and remain in place for an initial 90-day period.
  • Suspension of New Tariffs: Both countries will suspend additional tariff actions taken since April 2025, although a baseline 10% tariff will remain in effect.
  • IEEPA and Section 301 Tariffs Still in Place: The 20% IEEPA tariff on fentanyl-related products and all existing Section 301 tariffs remain unchanged.
  • Printed Circuit Board Exception: The current exception for 2- and 4-layer printed circuit boards remains in effect through May 31, 2025.
  • Continued Dialogue: The deal establishes an official U.S.–China dialogue led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, alongside Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng.

The Global Electronics Association welcomes this progress and the recognition of key manufacturing inputs. However, significant trade barriers remain. We continue to urge the Administration to grant broader relief for materials and components essential to the domestic electronics industry.

In comments submitted to the U.S. Commerce Department, the Global Electronics Association agreed that the United States should secure its supply chains for semiconductors and related technologies but advised against a round of tariffs. The difficulties would be even worse for small and mid-sized manufacturers who lack alternative sources of supply or pricing power to demand supplier concessions.

Instead of tariffs, the Global Electronics Association recommends a proactive strategy that combines targeted incentives for manufacturing along with international partnerships and measured trade tools.

The association's official comments were developed with input from Global Electronics Assocation members across the electronics value chain, including suppliers, PCB, EMS and OEMs. 

Read the full comments. 

Yesterday, President Donald Trump announced sweeping new trade measures under the banner of “Liberation Day,” invoking emergency powers to impose a new round of tariffs that could have significant implications for the U.S. electronics manufacturing industry.

Here’s what Global Electronics Association members need to know: http://emails.ipc.org/links/IPC-LiberationDay-Update.pdf

On April 1, Global Electronics Association North American Government Relations submitted official comments to the U.S. Department of Commerce in response to its request for public input on the Section 232 national security investigation into imports of copper and its derivative products.  

The comments submitted to the Bureau of Industry and Security, detailed the centrality of copper inputs across the electronics value chain from bare PCB fabrication to electronics assembly, and wire and cable manufacturing. The comments cautioned the Administration against raising costs on domestic manufacturers, who depend on many specialty products like copper foils, that are only available from foreign sources. 

Read full comments. 

  • The February 4, 10% tariff on imports from China was amended to temporarily re-instate the duty free de minimis exception for shipments from China valued at less than $800 to allow for “adequate systems…to fully and expediently process and collect tariff revenue.”
  • President Trump signed two actions yesterday announcing 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum effective March 12. Citing oversupply of the metals as a threat to national security, and ineffectiveness of previous agreements in stemming the import of foreign sources, The actions terminate and amend prior actions, and curtail the ability of the Secretary of Commerce to grant exceptions.  
  • Earlier this weekend, on his way to the Super Bowl, President Trump announced his intention to implement a new regime of “universal reciprocal tariffs” as soon as today or tomorrow. Under such a policy, the United States would impost import duties at the same rate that other countries tariff American Products. This would represent a major change in U.S. policy structure and would possibly require a lengthy and complex reorganization of administrative mechanisms to effectuate the new policy. Given the complexity of implementing this, we expect the actions to stipulate the policy, and set off a process or series of processes to implement at some future date. (See bullet point #1 as an example of implementation for a change orders of magnitude less complex). 

Community Feedback

Below is a snapshot of results from last week’s survey. We are preparing a new survey to be released soon. In the meantime, if you would like to share additional feedback, please feel free to email RichardCappetto@electronics.org. 

  • 1 in 5 respondents are considering relocating some of their manufacturing outside of the US, with India specified in some comments.
  • Many gave feedback on how some components are only available in China and they feel trapped having to pay more for the same.
  • Some responses suggested a domestic sourcing tax incentive would offset some of the new tariff burden.

As always, if you have any questions, or there is some additional information that may be helpful for the Global Electronics Association to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Chris Mitchell at ChrisMitchell@electronics.org or Rich Cappetto at RichardCappetto@electronics.org.

 

  • After initially announcing that it would no longer accept packages from China and Hong Kong, today the United States Postal Service (USPS) says it is temporarily holding inbound packages arriving from China and Hong Kong as it works with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) to implement a mechanism to collect tariffs.  This freeze is the notable result of the executive order’s elimination of a the de minimis exception for packages under $800 in value. Macau has announced that it will suspend postal services for small and regular sized packages. Delivery of letters and flats should not be affected.
  • A call between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping was canceled yesterday afternoon despite officials from the White House indicating that a call between U.S. and China would take place within the day, or “very soon.” Later President Trump said he was in no rush, and that a call would occur at the “appropriate time.”
  • European Union leaders have signaled an eagerness to engage in talks with the Trump Administration before a potential stand-off the likes of Colombia, Canada, Mexico, and China. Reports indicate there is a little difficulty doing so, given the small circle of advisors working with the President on this issue, and the fact that officials like the U.S. Trade Representative, and Secretary of Commerce have not yet been confirmed by the Senate and installed.
  • The first Trump administration levied tariffs of 25% and 10% on global steel and aluminum imports, respectively, including from the EU. At that time the EU responded with targeted tariffs on $2.8 billion worth of U.S. imports. During the Biden Administration, the U.S. and EU negotiated a shift to tariff rate quotas, and the EU suspended its tariffs. The EU tariffs are scheduled to re-enter in force a the end of March 2025; the U.S. tariff rate quotas are currently set for the remainder of 2025, though they could be modified by Trump at any time. 

 

Community Feedback

Another snapshot of the results from the survey opened on Friday is below. Again, if you have not yet completed the survey, please taka e quick moment to share how these tariffs will impact your business. 

  • 37% of respondents expect delays or disruptions in receiving necessary components, with potential production slowdowns.
  • Yet, 22% believe this could encourage a shift toward domestic suppliers, reducing reliance on imports.
  • 20% are considering relocating production outside the U.S. in response to tariffs.
  • Alternatively, some respondents highlighted potential competitive benefits to producers in Korea, Japan, or the Caribbean. 

Please let us know if you have any questions or if there’s anything particular that you would like to see our Government Relations team to advocate on,or find intel on as we engage with officials in Washington. 

  • Tariffs on Mexico and Canada are effectively postponed by virtue of border security agreements with President Trump. The White House re-issued executive orders with the effective date for the tariffs extended to March 4.
  • The 10% tariff on imports from China is now in effect as of 12:01AM today. The Department of Homeland security notice amending the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) is now on the Federal Register website.
  • Based on preliminary review of the notice, all goods from China and Hong Kong are included except for humanitarian donations and certain informational media (books, CDs, records, etc.)
  • Notably, there is no allowance for de minimis exemption for shipments under $800. Therefore, all mail shipments from China will require formal entry.
  • China announced new tariffs effective February 10 that include a15% tariff on coal and liquefied natural gas, and a 10% tariff on crude oil and a longer list of agricultural machines, vehicle engines, and electric trucks
  • President Trump has suggested that the U.S. and China may engage in discussions similar to Mexico and Canada, but as of this morning it is unclear the timeline or probability of that happening.
  • Reminder: while this raft of tariffs are largely being treated as round 2 in the President’s negotiating strategy for immigration goals, there is still more than a dozen “reviews” of U.S. trade policy ordered by the Day One “America First Trade Policy” memorandum set to be completed by April 1. Today, White House Senior Counselor for Manufacturing and Trade, Peter Navarro, reiterated the White House vision of achieving a “structural shift” of the economy with tariff revenue.

 

Community Feedback

 

Another snapshot of the results from the survey opened on Friday is below. Again, if you have not yet completed the survey, please take a quick moment to share how these tariffs will impact your business. 

 

  • 68% of respondents foresee increased material and component costs, citing tariffs as a significant financial pressure.
  • At the same time, 14% believe tariffs could offer a competitive advantage, reducing foreign competition and opening market opportunities.
  • 58% expect to raise product prices as a direct result of increased input costs.
  • However, 21% see potential demand growth for U.S.-sourced components, suggesting a shift toward domestic suppliers.

 

Please let the team know if you have any questions or if there’s anything particular that you would like to see our Government Relations team to advocate on, or find intel on as we engage with officials in Washington. 

2025 Trade Actions

Executive Order – 10% Universal Tariff and Reciprocal Tariffs (April 2)

  • Annex I – Country Specific Reciprocal Tariffs
  • Annex II - Exemptions from 4/2 actions

Executive Order – Discontinuing De Minimis exemption for low value shipments from China or Hong Kong.

Investment and Innovation

  • IPC supports government efforts to promote research, development, and innovation in factories of the future.  
  • IPC urges governments to take a holistic approach to supporting electronics manufacturing, as opposed to focusing on just a few links in the supply chain.
  • IPC supports tax policies, including R&D tax credits and lower corporate tax rates, that drive growth and innovation in our industry.
  • IPC advocates for strong intellectual property protection and strives to prevent counterfeit products in the supply chain through our standards initiatives and advocacy efforts.
ISSUE BRIEF
The U.S. Should Develop and Implement a Robust Manufacturing Strategy
Electronics manufacturing is on the cusp of tremendous change, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, automation, digitization, and machine-to-machine communications.
CHIPS Act Implementation Requires Strong Focus on "Advanced Packaging
Leaders of top semiconductor, microelectronic, IC-Substrate, PCB, EMS, and OSAT companies along with the U.S. government and European Commission gathered in Washington to discuss the critical need to expand "advanced packaging" capacities and capabilities in tandem with expanding production of semiconductor chips.
IPC Goes Deep on Advance Packaging
IPC has stepped up its efforts to educate policymakers and other key audiences on the importance of investing in the entire semiconductor supply chain, including advanced packaging and printed circuit boards, to achieve the goals of the CHIPS Act.
IPC Calls for Policies to Support Factories of the Future
Electronics manufacturing is on the cusp of transformation, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, automation, and machine-to-machine communications. Read IPC’s letter to U.S. President Joe Biden, outlining our comprehensive policy agenda to ensure the long-term growth and resilience of electronics manufacturing.

The U.S. Government Needs to Embrace a Silicon-to-Systems Approach

Nov 08, 2022
| By Ken Schramko

by Ken Schramko, IPC senior director, North American government relations

Q:
Why isn’t focusing on semiconductors enough for U.S. competitiveness?
A:

Because chips must be connected, packaged, and integrated into systems using PCBs — a capability the U.S. currently lacks at scale.
 

Q:
What is the Supporting American Printed Circuit Boards Act (H.R. 7677)?
A:

It’s a bill offering tax credits and manufacturing support to revitalize domestic PCB production and research.
 

Q:
How would strengthening PCB manufacturing benefit national security?
A:

It reduces reliance on foreign suppliers for mission-critical components and ensures secure, resilient defense systems.
 

Q:
What actions should the U.S. government prioritize next?
A:

Passing H.R. 7677, fully leveraging CHIPS Act packaging funds, issuing a DPA determination on PCBs, and expanding R&D programs.
 

Q:
How severe is the U.S. decline in PCB manufacturing?
A:

The U.S. has dropped from over 30% of global PCB production to just 4%, with China now producing about half of the world’s supply.

IPC Brings Funding, Workforce Message to Capitol Hill

Sep 28, 2023

By Chris Mitchell, vice president, global government relations 

Q:
Why did IPC call for a silicon to system approach during CHIPS Act discussions?
A:

IPC stressed that focusing only on semiconductor chips leaves major gaps because the United States depends heavily on overseas suppliers for PCBs, IC substrates, and advanced packaging.
 

Q:
What supply chain concerns did IPC raise with policymakers?
A:

IPC highlighted that strengthening domestic chip production will not improve resilience unless paired with investments that expand PCB and EMS manufacturing capacity.
 

Q:
How is IPC addressing workforce shortages in electronics manufacturing?
A:

IPC is expanding certification programs, building student chapters at colleges, and engaging underserved communities to support career entry into PCB and EMS roles.
 

Q:
What workforce policies did IPC recommend to federal officials?
A:

IPC called for reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and tax incentives that support training and certification.
 

Q:
What legislative actions does IPC plan to continue supporting?
A:

IPC will continue advocating for measures such as the Protecting Circuit Boards and Substrates Act to encourage domestic PCB purchases and investments in facilities, equipment, training, and R&D.

Sep 11, 2024
|
Bannockburn
IL
US

Demystifying the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) for the Electronics Manufacturing Industry

The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) is a European Union directive that introduces legal obligations on businesses to respect human rights and the environment.

Call to Action: The PFAS Clock is Ticking; Have Your Say in our Global Survey Before Upcoming ECHA Consultations

Aug 25, 2025

Key Summary

• A global survey is open to gather industry input on PFAS use and alternatives in electronics.

Q:
What is the purpose of the PFAS global survey?
A:

The survey collects industry feedback on PFAS usage and alternatives to support evidence-based policy and advocacy efforts.
 

Q:
How long does the PFAS survey take to complete?
A:

It takes approximately 10 minutes and includes both multiple-choice and open-ended questions.
 

Q:
Will my PFAS survey responses be confidential?
A:

Yes. All responses are confidential, anonymous, and analyzed only in aggregate.
 

Q:
Why is industry input on PFAS usage important right now?
A:

ECHA has published updated PFAS documentation, and timely industry data is essential to help policymakers understand real-world impacts on electronics.

Asia-Pacific EHS Policy Landscape

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.

IPC monitors and engages in selected, high-priority EHS policy matters in the Asia-Pacific region. IPC white papers on evolving chemicals regulations in China, Japan, and South Korea provide a detailed look at the history of the policies, recent regulatory updates, and the regulatory trends in the respective countries. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

Latest News

China Revises Regulations on Ozone-Depleting Substances: On May 19, 2020, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) published the draft revision to the Regulations on Administration of Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS). Notably, the updated regulations will incorporate hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) into the regulatory framework. The decision was made in order to keep in pace with international conventions. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

China Publishes New Chemical Regulations: On April 29, 2020, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) published the Measures of Environmental Management and Registration of New Chemical Substances (MEE Order 12), replacing the current new chemical regulation, Measures of Environmental Management of New Chemical Substances (MEP Order 7). MEE Order 12 “introduces substantial changes to the registration system for new chemical substances, and will likely have significant impacts on producers, importers, processors of the new chemical substances,” and will take effect on January 1, 2021. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

China Launches Online Safety Information System for Hazardous Chemicals: The National Registration Center for Chemicals (NRCC) launched an online platform allowing companies to search hazardous chemicals information such as identification; safety label elements; physical characteristics; hazard information; emergent measures; and inventories. The system also serves as a database for all current hazardous chemical regulations; chemical inventories; and chemical registration information. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

Malaysia Updates List of Classified Chemicals: On February 11, 2020, Malaysia’s Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) published Part One of the Industry Code of Practice on Chemicals Classification and Hazard Communication (Amendment) 2019 (ICOP). ICOP was first approved on October 11, 2019, and Part One, which updates a list of classified chemicals, adds more than 400 chemicals to the previous 229 classified chemicals. ICOP is a guidance for chemical suppliers to comply with the provisions in Part Two of the Occupational Safety and Health (Classification, Labelling and Safety Data Sheet of Hazardous Chemicals) Regulations 2013, which deals with chemical classification. Chemical suppliers should check if products contain any substances in the 2019 Amendment and, if so, reclassify products and update information accordingly. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

South Korea Updates Toxics Substances List: South Korea’s National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) approved an update on the Toxic Chemical Substances List (TCSL) on March 24, 2020. The update includes adding 13 chemicals into TCSL, modifying concentration limit of two toxic chemicals, and providing transitional measures for newly added toxic chemicals.

South Korea MoE Launches Online Platform for K-REACH Registration: On January 31, the South Korean Ministry of Environment launched the online data support platform for K-REACH registration. The platform contains a large amount of information on chemical and physical properties, and human health and environmental hazard data on 1,515 existing chemicals, collected from other countries and international organizations. The data set includes data sources and test methods for each chemical, which can be taken as reference for K-REACH registration. Please see detailed information on the chemical list and platform guide in their latest notice. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

Taiwan Begins Annual Reporting of Registered New and Existing Chemicals: Beginning on April 1, Taiwan instituted a policy of mandatory reporting of new and existing chemical substances. Under the Regulations of New and Existing Chemical Registration, registrants should report their manufactured or imported new or existing chemical substances from the previous year. All reports are due by September 30. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

Taiwan Releases Guidance for PECs Registration: On June 9, 2020, Taiwan finalized the Guidance on Existing Chemical Substances Standard Registration, which will help businesses navigate the priority existing chemical substances (PECs) registration process that formally began on January 1. There is a possibility that Taiwan will postpone the registration deadline for the 106 PECs currently listed for mandatory registration; stay tuned for updates. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon. 

Thailand Publishes Online Existing Chemical Inventory: Thailand’s Department of Industrial Works (DIW) recently published a new inventory of existing chemicals. While further details of obligations for the listed chemicals are yet to be confirmed, it is likely the inventory will be associated with the upcoming Chemical Substances Act, which has been proposed to replace Thailand’s current Hazardous Substances Act. Chemical regulation in Thailand is currently transitioning from “hazard-based to risk-based," and “the development of a national chemical inventory is an essential step needed in the country’s establishment of its new chemical law.” IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

Thailand Releases Hazardous Substance Licensing Tool: On April 16, the Thailand Department of Industrial Works (DIW) launched the Hazardous Substance Single Submission (HSSS) tool to help companies that intend to manufacture or import type 2 and type 3 hazardous substances apply for hazardous chemical registration and licensing. Corporations or individuals who intend to use this platform can submit the application form with the company certificate of registration or identification of individuals to activate the HSSS account. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

 

IPC’s November 2020 Economic Report: U.S. and EU Outlook

Nov 24, 2020

It is, as Charles Dickens might say, the best of times and the worst of times. Across both the United States and Europe, COVID-19 cases have accelerated sharply and will curtail economic activity in the coming months.