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Sandy Gentry
Global Electronics Association Communications Director
SandyGentry@electronics.org 

Global Electronics Association Releases IPC-1401B ESG Management System Standard

Updated standard gives manufacturers a global framework to demonstrate ESG performance to customers, investors, and regulators

BANNOCKBURN, Ill., June 22, 2026 — The Global Electronics Association today announced the release of IPC-1401B, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Management System Standard, an updated industry standard that provides manufacturers with a practical, scalable framework to demonstrate ESG performance to customers, investors, and regulators.

ESG requirements are no longer voluntary. Customers are demanding supply chain transparency. Investors are tying capital allocation to measurable sustainability performance. Regulators across the world, such as the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), are raising the compliance bar. Manufacturers without a verified, structured ESG management system face growing commercial, financial, and regulatory exposure. IPC-1401B provides that system. 

"Manufacturers are under growing pressure to demonstrate credible, measurable ESG performance across their operations and supply chains,” said Peter Zhou, lead sustainability expert at the Global Electronics Association’s IPC China office. “IPC-1401B gives manufacturers a practical, scalable framework to integrate ESG into the way they do business every day, strengthening governance, managing risk, and meeting evolving market expectations that are reshaping procurement and investment decisions."

Developed through more than a decade of global collaboration, IPC-1401B was shaped by more than 400 committee members representing over 300 companies and more than 20 industry associations. Global industry leaders, including Foxconn, Huawei, Fujifilm, and ZTE, have adopted and deployed IPC-1401 within their operations and supply chains.

IPC-1401B enables manufacturers to:

  • Embed ESG into every business function—from marketing and procurement to R&D, logistics, and after-sales services.
  • Manage supply chain risk by integrating ESG guidance across the value chain.
  • Strengthen accountability by aligning compliance, governance, and investor-grade transparency.
  • Meet customer and investor requirements with a framework designed to address evolving expectations.
  • Support responsible products, services, and business conduct.

IPC-1401B is designed to complement existing management systems rather than replace them. It is fully compatible with ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 37301, RBA, IFRS S1, and GRI frameworks. The standard is built on the ISO Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology and aligned with OECD due diligence guidelines.

"As ESG requirements increasingly shape green products, green production, responsible procurement and sustainable investment, IPC-1401B offers manufacturers a timely tool to strengthen resilience, improve transparency, and support long-term competitiveness,” added Zhou

To learn more about IPC-1401B or to purchase the standard, visit the Global Electronics Association online store.

About the Global Electronics Association

The Global Electronics Association is the voice of the electronics industry, working with thousands of members and partners to build a more resilient supply chain and drive sustainable growth. We advocate for fair trade, smart regulation, and regional manufacturing, and educate on industry practices, actionable intelligence and technical innovations to empower the future. The Association collaborates with governments and companies worldwide to advance a trusted and prosperous electronics industry. Formerly known as IPC, the organization serves a $6 trillion market and operates from offices across Asia-Pacific, Europe and North and South America. 

Learn more at www.electronics.org.

About IPC Standards

IPC Standards and IPC Certifications, driven by our technology solutions, sustainability, and advocacy initiatives, allow us to unify industry practices that enhance and ensure product quality, compliance, and workforce development across the global electronics sector. This industry harmonization lifts all companies by giving them a framework for building electronics better.