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Research and Development Tax Credit

Research and Development (R&D) is critical in advancing technology, growing a business, and diversifying a product line. Important to a strong electronics industry, R&D enables businesses to develop new processes and products. The passage of a permanent R&D tax credit is imperative for the electronics industry to remain competitive, retain jobs, and ensure the competitiveness of U.S. technology-based businesses.

Learn more about R&D tax credits

Rare Earth Elements

Electronics companies will be affected by the future availability of rare earth elements (REE), also known as rare earth metals. REE are used in commercial and military electronics, "green energy technologies," and other applications. Although REE are located all over the world, most of the current global supply is sourced from active mines in China. A number of studies and a recent survey of electronics companies all signify that the demand for REE is likely to exceed supply very soon. Unfortunately, ongoing discussions within governments about the future shortage of REE have not yet been converted into laws or other tangible actions. Electronics companies should pay close attention to the rapidly changing trends in REE supply because any shortage of REE in the near future will affect the electronics industry.

Learn more about the future supply of rare earth

Restriction on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Review

The electronics industry involves businesses from around the world and members should not consider themselves geographically isolated. A tremendous benefit of being a member of a global organization like IPC is that North American, Asian and European based members are able to share IPC knowledge, identify policy positions, and be effective advocates by contacting their regional officials.

The European Commission has released proposed revisions to the RoHS Directive. IPC is prepared to advocate for a final revised RoHS Directive that is based on sound science. IPC continues to aggressively lobby to ensure the RoHS Revisions process reflects the needs of the electronics industry.

Learn more about the Call to Action on the RoHS revisions

Take action and voice your concerns about the RoHS revisions

Foreign Currency

• IPC White Paper on China Currency (.pdf)

International Trade

• IPC Board of Directors Position Statement on Trade Policy

U.S. Export Controls

U.S. export controls include the laws and regulations managing the sale or transfer of sensitive goods and technology, services, and expertise to non-U.S. citizens. Companies must obtain a license to lawfully export controlled items.

Learn more about U.S. export controls

Deemed Exports

Deemed export is the release of controlled technology and/or information to a non-U.S. person regardless of where the export takes place. Even the slightest exposure of technology or information by a company to any foreign national can cause the company to violate U.S. export regulations.

Learn more about Deemed Exports

North American Competitiveness

Learn about and join IPC efforts to foster economic growth, job creation and enhancement of U.S. companies' ability to compete globally.

• Electronic Interconnect Industry's role in National Security
• Ensuring a Competitive Regulatory Environment in North America
• Other ongoing efforts

Learn more about steps you can take to ensure North American Competitiveness

Conflict Minerals

Conflict minerals are minerals mined in areas, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which provide revenue to rebel groups committing atrocities.  Efforts by Congress, human rights groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and industry are underway to improve transparency in minerals, such as columbite-tantalite (coltan), cassiterite, wolframite (ores for tantalum, tin, and cobalt, respectively) and gold, that provide revenue to rebel groups committing atrocities in the DRC.  

Learn More about the actions taken to improve transparency regarding conflict minerals

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
(Economic Stimulus Bill)

Electronics manufacturers stand to benefit from a number of provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, (ARRA) or the economic stimulus bill. The bill has a lot of aspects that are designed to help many businesses, including printed board and electronics assembly manufacturers.

Learn more about the Economic Stimulus Bill

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act
(CPSIA)

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) is a comprehensive overhaul of consumer product safety laws.  CPSIA regulates the lead content, third party testing, tracking labels, and many others for all products manufactured and sold in the United States intended for children. 

Learn more about the CPSIA