SMT Perspectives & Prospects: Artificial Intelligence Part 6: Data Module 1
Standard of Excellence: Overcoming Service Failures—The Art of the Apology
Nolan’s Notes: Tariffs, Technologies, and Optimization
EU Conflict Minerals Negotiators Reach Agreement
June 20, 2016 | IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
On June 16, the European Union (EU) Commission, Council and Parliament agreed on a framework for conflict minerals legislation. Overall, the legislation will be less burdensome for IPC members and the electronics industry than previously proposed. While the EU Commission had originally proposed a voluntary system, the EU Parliament had voted for mandatory requirements for the entire supply chain. Under the agreement reached this week, due diligence requirements will apply only to the upstream portions of the whole supply chain.
The framework for legislation, which is a working document, will need technical work before it is finalized, including cooperation with the legal services of the European Commission. A vote in the European Parliament could take place before the end of the year, and would have to be followed by a formal adoption in the Council for the text to become law.
Over past four years, IPC has met with EU Commission staff, European Parliament Rapporteur Iuliu Winkler’s staff and several other MEP offices. In the meetings, IPC emphasized the burdens and unintended problems Dodd-Frank has caused, both for manufacturers and the miners in Africa it was intended to help. IPC encouraged the EU to adopt voluntary measures in alignment with the existing Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and other industry programs in order to minimize the burden of compliance.
IPC will continue to actively advocate for our members and industry on this important issue and will continue to keep you informed of any new developments regarding conflict minerals.
Share on:
Testimonial
"Our marketing partnership with I-Connect007 is already delivering. Just a day after our press release went live, we received a direct inquiry about our updated products!"
Rachael Temple - AlltematedSuggested Items
Amplifying Innovation: New Podcast Series Spotlights Electronics Industry Leaders
10/08/2025 | I-Connect007In the debut episode, “Building Reliability: KOKI’s Approach to Solder Joint Challenges,” host Marcy LaRont speaks with Shantanu Joshi, Head of Customer Solutions and Operational Excellence at KOKI Solder America. They explore how advanced materials, such as crack-free fluxes and zero-flux-residue solder pastes, are addressing issues like voiding, heat dissipation, and solder joint reliability in demanding applications, where failure can result in costly repairs or even catastrophic loss.
The Training Connection, LLC Welcomes Industry Veteran Jack Harris to Lead Training Partnerships
10/07/2025 | The Training Connection LLCThe Training Connection, LLC (TTC-LLC), a premier provider of test engineering and development training, is proud to announce that Jack Harris, one of the most recognized names in electronics manufacturing training and technical development, has joined the company as Relationship Lead, Training.
EDADOC Ushers in a New Era of Robotics Innovation
10/07/2025 | Edy Yu, Editor-in-Chief, ECIOOn Sept. 11, Shanghai Zhiyuan Technology Co., Ltd. (MScape) made a stunning debut at Shanghai’s 2025 Fourth North Bund Cybersecurity Forum and Cyber Intelligence Security Frontier Technology and Equipment Exhibition. The company presented the world’s first Dvorak super heterogeneous architecture and the Zhijing T-series-embodied intelligence (robotics) edge computing power platform. This has been a game-changer in the cybersecurity technology field, filling the gap in the domestic robotics core computing power platform.
Technica Hosts In-House Visit from PCBAA
10/01/2025 | Technica USADavid Schild, Executive Director of PCBAA (Printed Circuit Board Association of America) visited Technica USA to discuss the activity in the market and the advocacy of the PCBAA. The organization was formed to work on Capitol Hill, educating, advocating and getting congressional support to legislate on behalf of building a stronger PCB and substrate manufacturing base in the U.S.A.
New Podcast Episode: How Does UHDI Benefit SWaP?
10/03/2025 | I-Connect007In podcast episode 4, “SWaP Considerations,” host Nolan Johnson welcomes back industry expert John Johnson, Director of Quality and Advanced Technology at American Standard Circuits (ASC). Together, they explore how UHDI delivers measurable advantages in size, weight, and power (SWaP)—unlocking new possibilities in speed, efficiency, and miniaturization.