Fundamentals of Electrostatic Discharge-THE WHO AND WHY OF STANDARDS

Who uses ESD standards? Manufacturers and users of ESD sensitive (ESDS) items, manufacturers and distributors of ESD control products, certification registrars, and third-party testers of ESD control products.

Why use ESD standards? They help assure consistency of ESDS items and consistency of ESD control products and services. They provide a means of objective evaluation and comparison among competitive ESD control products. They help reduce conflicts between users and suppliers of ESD control products. They help in developing, implementing, auditing, and certifying ESD control programs. And, they help reduce confusion in the marketplace.

In the United States, the use of standards is voluntary, although their use can be written into contracts or purchasing agreements between buyer and seller. In most of the rest of the world, the use of standards, where they exist, is compulsory.