Herndon, Va. and Bannockburn, Ill. (September 8, 2006) — The International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI) and IPC–Association Connecting Electronics Industries® announce a half-day forum, "Life after EU RoHS," on September 28, 2006 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. (Chicago).  This forum will look at emerging environmental regulations around the globe and identify collaborative efforts to close policy and technology gaps in preparation for future legislation.

"There are a number of new requirements being implemented in Europe, Asia, and the U.S., and industry needs to be involved in the policy discussions as well as preparing for the technology challenges" says Fern Abrams, director of environmental policy for IPC.

The forum will provide an overview of key legislation that is currently pending, such as EU REACH, EU EuP, China RoHS and state laws in the U.S., plus review policy monitoring and advocacy efforts underway.  Participants will also identify policy and technology gaps and discuss potential new efforts to close them.

Forum speakers include:

• Robert C. Pfahl, vice president, iNEMI
• Fern Abrams, director of environmental policy, IPC
• Jean-Philippe Brisson, senior counsel, Allen & Overy, LLP
• Thomas E. Valliere, senior vice president, Design Chain Associates, LLC

"Although many electronics manufacturers are already involved in the policy debates underway, communication between the policy and technology functions within companies could be improved," says Bob Pfahl, vice president for iNEMI.  "As was the case with RoHS/WEEE, a number of these new regulations will require multiple functions within companies to develop effective and traceable solutions that harmonize with existing product and process requirements."

Click here for additional information about the forum.

About IPC
IPC (http://www.ipc.org) is a global trade association based in Bannockburn, Ill., dedicated to the competitive excellence and financial success of its 2,400 member companies, which represent all facets of the electronic interconnection industry, including design, printed circuit board manufacturing and electronics assembly.  As a member-driven organization and leading source for industry standards, training, market research and public policy advocacy, IPC supports programs to meet the needs of an estimated $3.4 trillion global electronics industry.  IPC maintains additional offices in Taos, N.M.; Arlington, Va.; Garden Grove, Calif.; Stockholm, Sweden; and Shanghai, China.

About iNEMI
The International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative’s mission is to assure leadership of the global electronics manufacturing supply chain.  Based in Herndon, Va., the industry-led consortium is made up of approximately 70 manufacturers, suppliers, industry associations and consortia, government agencies and universities.  iNEMI roadmaps the needs of the electronics industry, identifies gaps in the technology infrastructure, establishes implementation projects to eliminate these gaps (both business and technical), and stimulates standards activities to speed the introduction of new technologies.  The consortium also works with government, universities and other funding agencies to set priorities for future industry needs and R&D initiatives.  For additional information about iNEMI, visit www.inemi.org.

For further information:

Cynthia Williams, iNEMI
+1 207-871-1260
cwilliams@inemi.org

Anna Garrido, IPC
+1 847-597-2804
AnnaGarrido@ipc.org