IPC publishes IPC-1752

As the deadline for compliance with the European Union's Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive draws near, companies across the electronics supply chain are focusing their efforts on materials declaration.

Now, thanks to efforts by IPC's 2-18 Supplier Declaration Committee, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Adobe(TM), the International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI), RosettaNet and other dedicated volunteers, IPC-1752, Materials Declaration Management standard, has restored order to the chaos that was multiple reporting forms and formats for materials declaration.

IPC-1752 outlines a supply chain materials declaration format and process that provides a simple, effective approach to collecting, tracking and disclosing product material content information. The standard establishes electronic data formats and provides standardized forms to simplify the exchange of materials declaration information while improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Suppliers and their customers can use IPC-1752 to exchange data at their choice of three reporting levels which are organized into six reporting classes.

"When you introduce a supply chain standard, it's important to have industry buy-in" noted IPC President Denny McGuirk. "By working closely with iNEMI, we have a strong base of companies who have already publicly stated their support for the document."

According to iNEMI, "IPC-1752 is a cornerstone in the overall industry strategy for standardization of materials content declarations across the supply chain.  This standard integrates and leverages several industry efforts, establishing a common solution that is shaped not only by regulatory guidelines but also by industry needs and requirements." 

The document is available for free download at www.ipc.org/ipc-175x.