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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

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

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
• Support for Re-Establishing a Rare Earth Oxide, Metal, Alloy and Permanent Magnet Manufacturing Supply Chain
• 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

Net Operating Loss Relief

Net Operating Loss (NOL) is a special tax relief that allows businesses to offset one year's losses against another year's income. NOL relief aids in stabilizing businesses at a time when many businesses are struggling.

Learn more about Net Operating Loss Relief

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