Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Support Services
The Customer Support department is open from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Friday - Central Standard Time. For questions, please call +1 847 615 7100.

How can I update my company or personal information? 
To update your company or personal contact information, please email Contact@electronics.org .

Where can I find the price list for all products?
To find pricing for a specific product go to the Online Store. A price is provided for both members and nonmembers. To receive member pricing, your site address must be listed as a member company in the Global Electronics Association database, and you need to be logged in to see member pricing. If you do not see a specific product in the online store or believe membership status is incorrectly reflected, contact Contact@electronics.org for assistance.

How do I get member pricing?
You must be from a member company to receive member pricing. Visit the Membership page to learn more about membership benefits and how to apply for membership online.

Do I need to be logged in to browse products on the Online Store? 
No, it is not necessary to be logged in to browse the online store, however, when you log in, we are able to identify if you are a member company or nonmember company. This allows us to assign the correct price calculations to your order. Some products may not be available for viewing if you are not logged in.

How secure is your online ordering system?
The safety and security of your order is of the highest priority to us. We ensure that your internet transactions stay private and protected by encrypting information through our secure server software. Your data, including name, address, and credit card number, cannot be read by anyone else while the information travels from your computer to our server. Once your order reaches us, your credit card number is stored on a system that has no connection to the internet.

Will the Global Electronics Association share my information with other parties?
Your privacy is crucial to doing business with us. We will not share your information with anyone else unless you give us permission to do so. From time to time, we may send you information via e-mail on programs or products we have to offer. Please visit Manage Your Email Preferences to manage the emails you receive from the Global Electronics Association.

In which languages are your publications available?
All documents are available in English. Additional languages, if available, are listed in the Online Store.

What are the available document formats that you offer?
Our documents are provided in electronic download and hard copy formats.

• Hard Copy — A professionally printed and bound document.
• Download — Available as a Single-user and MDL (Multi Device License) electronic format. A Single-user license allows one user to access the document from one electronic device. MDL is device driven and does not require user assignment. The electronic format does not allow printing. 

Can the Global Electronics Association provide a quote?
You can now create quotes online and save them in PDF format to your computer. Quotes expire in 90 days. Quotes falling within the 90-day limit can be converted to an order and finalized by applying payment online. For assistance, contact customer service to request a quote at +1 847 615 7100 or email your request to Contact@electronics.org

How can I place an order?
You can place your order in the Online Store; using Master Card, Visa, American Express, or Discover. Members can place orders with a Purchase Order on Net30 terms via the online store. Orders may also be placed through Customer Servia at 1+847 615 7100 or via email to Contact@electronics.org

How can I make a payment to the Global Electronics Association?
To make a payment, please refer to the payment instructions included in the Global Electronics Association's documents for quotes and invoices. Please remit payment to AR@electronics.org.

I placed my order online. How can I confirm my order went through? 
All online orders have a Sales Order number which is generated at the completion of checkout.  The SO number is confirmation for your order.  All sales orders have an invoice, or a cash sale receipt associated with them. To view all the transactions and order status, please login to your account and select Purchase History.

How can I make changes to an existing order?
You can contact customer service at +1 847 615 7100 or email Contact@electronics.org .

What is the Global Electronics Association’s order processing time? 
Order fulfillment will take 1-3 business days and after which the order will be shipped via the selected shipping method.  If a shipping method is not selected, the Global Electronics Association will default to FedEx Ground for domestic and FedEx International Economy for anything outside of the United States. Please note, some items may ship separately.

Order status is available online by logging into your online store account or by contacting customer service at +1 847 615 7100, or via email request to Contact@electronics.org.

Will my order be shipped next day with expedited shipping?
No, regardless of shipping method order fulfillment will take 1-3 business days after which the order will be shipped via the expedite shipping method selected.

Are Global Electronics Association products dual use?
While the harmonization code we use for our standards could be considered dual use, in the case of the Global Electronics Association, our standards are NOT classified as dual use. Under the European regulations, dual use products would be initially designed for military use and could also be applicable in other capacities. Global Electronics Association products are not included on the ITAR list (International Trade and Arms Regulations).

Is the Global Electronics Association ISO certified?
The Global Electronics Association is a trade association and does not maintain an ISO certification.

What is the Global Electronics Association’s HTS code (Harmonized Tariff Schedule code)?
Hard Copy Standards HST #4901.99.0050 - Technical, scientific and professional books.
COO (Country of Origin): United States of America

Do the IPC standards have an ECCN number or Schedule B number? 
Our products fall under the EAR99 (NLR) designation and are ITAR exempt. We do not, therefore, have an ECCN #. Our Schedule B # is 4911.10.0050 for the standards documents.

Are IPC standards documents already export rated? 
Our products fall under the EAR99 (NLR) designation and are ITAR exempt. We do not, therefore, have an ECCN #. Our Schedule B # is 4911.10.0050 for the standards documents.

Can the Global Electronics Association bill to a non-member address and ship to a member address? 
Yes, we can do that. Prepayments by credit card, check or wire transfer are required. You will need to contact Contact@electronics.org with your request.

What is the Global Electronics Association’s shipping and handling policy?
Your order will be shipped via FedEx Ground if shipped within the United States and via FedEx International Economy when shipped Outside the United States, unless otherwise specified at the time when your order is placed.

Why do you charge a handling fee?
All orders have a small handling fee which is shown on the documentation. Orders that are placed with your-own shipping account will show a small handling fee as a separate charge. The handling fee is to offset the cost of processing your order.

What is the Global Electronics Association’s return policy?
You may return any item within 21 days of receipt, except for downloadable products, graphic images, CQI (Certification Exam Credits), or specified documents, for a full refund excluding shipping and handling. 

Does the Global Electronics Association offer a quantity discount? 
A ten percent quantity discount is applied to a quantity of twenty or more of the same items when purchased on a single order. The discount does not apply to certification exam credits or IPC EDGE 2.0 products.

Are Global Electronics Association products available for resale?
A Global Electronics Association distributor agreement is required to resell Global Electronics Association products. Otherwise, they products are not for resale.

What do I do if I have a question about the content of a standard?
For technical questions about IPC standards or specifications, e-mail Contact@electronics.org .

I purchased a downloadable document but am having an issue opening/viewing it. 
As the downloadable file is in PDF format, you need to have Adobe Reader installed on your computer. The popup blocker may be preventing the download job from running, please allow for the popup to run. Switching to a different browser (like Google Chrome or Firefox) may help. Internet Explorer can have issues and cause the problem. If you continue to have issues with the download, please contact Member Support department at +1 847 615 7100 or e-mail Contact@electronics.org and we will work with you to fix the issue. If this is a Digital Rights Management document (DRM) please see DRM Frequently Asked Questions.

Why can’t I see the downloadable document that I purchased? 
Please contact the Member Support team via email Contact@electronics.org or by phone +1 847 615 7100 with the transaction number associated with the order and we will be glad to research your inquiry. 

Are there any restrictions on using images from IPC standards?
Images found in IPC standards are copyright protected and require the user to make a request in writing for permission to use the images. Customers need to submit a request to Contact@electronics.org.  The request should include name of the standard, the page number and identify specific images by number. Depending on the quantity of images there may be a charge for use of the images. The customer will comply with the legal requirements of use once permission is granted by the Global Electronics Association.

How do I become a member of the Global Electronics Association?

To become a member, please complete the Online Membership Application and choose the appropriate membership tier.  After your membership application is approved and payment is received, your member benefits will be activated. 

Are there requirements for becoming a member of the Global Electronics Association?

To qualify for a membership, your company needs to be part of the electronics manufacturing industry supply chain.  The Global Electronics Association is a trade association and memberships are sold to companies, not individuals. 

What is the annual membership dues structure?

The dues structure is based on the company’s global annual revenue in equivalent US ($) or company category.  Learn more…

Why are there two separate membership dues: Membership Dues for companies and Membership Dues for Standards Subscribers?

Purchasing a subscription to IPC standards is available through select authorized distributors of the Global Electronics Association and requires active membership. A subscription provides convenient access to a wide variety of IPC standards to users and adheres to a separate member dues schedule (in addition to the cost of the subscription.)

Does the 50% first-time first-year discount apply to company-based membership?

Yes. Sign up as a new member and get 50% off your first year’s membership if your company has not been a member in the past. Past membership will be verified upon receipt of your application.  

Does the multi-year discount apply to company-based membership?

Yes.  Sign up for multiple years and save!  Receive a 15% discount on a three-year membership and a 10% discount on a two-year membership.  Discounts apply when multi-year membership is purchased on the same order.   

Can I combine membership dues discounts?

Yes. The 50% first year discount and the multi-year discount can be combined. 

Does my company receive membership to WHMA with purchase of the Global Electronics Association membership?

Yes, WHMA membership is included with the Global Electronics Association membership.

How can I renew my membership?

To renew your membership, please complete the Membership Renewal Form.  If you need an updated quote, please reach out to our Customer Service team at contact@electronics.org. 

How can I view my company’s membership status?

To view your company’s membership status, please login to My  Dashboard.  If you do not have an account with us, you can Register to create an account and then view My Dashboard. 

How can we pay for membership?https://www.electronicsorg/dashboard/edit-profile

All membership dues are in U.S. dollars. We accept payment by credit card, check or wire transfer.  Purchase Orders are not accepted to establish membership. Credit card payment can be made as part of the online membership application at www.electronics.org/Renew-Today or by calling customer service at +1 847 615 7100. 

PAYMENT INFORMATION: Please remit payment to AR@electronics.org

Make all checks payable IPC International, Inc. DBA Global Electronics Association 

USD WIRE TRANSFER: JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. New York, NY
I SWIFT CHASUS33 I Acc# 0018231861 I ABA RTN# 021000021

EUR WIRE TRANSFER: JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. London
I SWIFT CHASGB2L I Acc# 0077104001 I IBAN GB32 CHAS 6092 4277 1040 01

How can a member update contact information?

Changes to your contact information such as name, email address and phone number, can be requested by contacting us at contact@electronics.org .

Can I, as a member, see a list of all  the Global Electronics Association member companies?

You can now access the Membership Directory to see the list of all members of the Association.

How do I become a WHMA member?

WHMA membership is included with the Global Electronics Association membership. To become a member, apply online. 

Are there requirements for becoming a WHMA member?

No. Becoming a member of the Global Electronics Association, you are also a member of WHMA. 

I'm with a WHMA member company and am not receiving member benefits or able to log-in to members only.

An account needs to be created for you in our database. Please send your name, company, city, state, country and your direct e-mail to contact@electronics.org. You will receive a message to create a password to log-in to members only in the future.

How do I change my WHMA company information?

Please submit your request to contact@electronics.org and we will update your records accordingly.

How do I get updates from WHMA?

Just complete the simple form Sign up for email update from WHMA at the bottom of the https://whma.org/ website. 

How can I post jobs on the WHMA website?

Members who are Wire Harness Manufacturers and Suppliers to the wire harness industry can post jobs on the WHMA website as part of the member benefit.  To post a job, you will need WHMA login credentials.  If you lost your WHMA login password, follow this link to Reset Password. If you’ve never logged in to the WHMA website or if you are not sure you have an account, email contact@electronics.org

Training and Certification Frequently Asked Questions are housed here:

https://ipcinc.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/2
 

How do I login to the Global Electronics Association websites?

Enter your email address and password and click the "Log In" button.

Note: Passwords are case-sensitive. You must login with the email address associated with your record in our database.

How do I reset my password?

1. To set/reset your password, visit www.electronics.org/password.
2. Enter your email address and click “Send Email.”
3. Check your email for a message with the subject “Your Global Electronics Association Login Account - Reset Password” and click on the link provided.
4. Enter a new password into the form and click “Change Password.”
5. You may now use your email address and your new password to login. *

* If you saved your password in your browser, you must type your new password into the login form. You will be prompted to update the saved password in your browser.

I requested to reset my password, but I never received an email. What happened?

If you do not receive an email from us within 15 minutes, check your junk/spam folder.

If the email is not in your junk/spam folder, it is possible that your company's spam filter is blocking our emails. To ensure you receive emails from the Global Electronics Association online systems, please work with your IT department to whitelist the following domain and/or IP addresses in your email filter. Once this is complete, return to www.electronics.org/password to request a new password reset email.

• electronics.org
• 54.240.42.82
• 54.240.42.83

How can I update the email address on my account?

For security purposes, our online systems do not allow you to change your email address online. To request an update to your email address, send an email to contact@electronics.org with the following information:

• Your full name
• Your company name and address
• Your old email address
• Your new email address

Once your email address has been changed in our database, you will be required to reset your password. Visit www.electronics.org/password to request a password reset email.

For security purposes, all saved credit cards associated with your account will be deleted when your email address is updated.

Can the Global Electronics Association send me a password reset email for my co-worker?

No. For security purposes, the password reset link can only be sent to the email address associated with an individual's user account.

I received the password reset email but when I click on the link, I receive a message that the link has expired.

For security purposes, the password reset link expires 30 minutes after it is sent to you. Once the link has expired, you must return to www.electronicsw.org/password to request a new password reset email.

What is an IPC Standard? 

An IPC standard is a set of rules, criteria, guidelines and characteristics for procedures, products, and processes developed by electronics industry experts in their fields for the Global Electronics Association.  Standards allow manufacturers, customers, and suppliers to understand one another more clearly.  Standards allow manufacturers greater efficiencies when they set up their processes to meet industry standards, allowing them to offer their customers quality products at a reasonable price.  IPC publishes standards for the Global Electronics Association including many steps of the printed circuit manufacturing and assembly processes, from design to final acceptance. To purchase a standard, visit our Store to see all the standards currently used by the industry and download the IPC Standards Tree.

Why are standards required?

Standards are required to assure uniformity and consistency throughout all facets of a products life cycle from: design, supply, manufacturing, and final assembly. Compliance to standards results in universal product acceptance and quality of products developed.

Who develops IPC standards? 

A technical committee comprised of volunteers who are experts in the subject matter of interest develops IPC standards for the Global Electronics Association. These members represent a broad cross section of the electronics industry reflecting the various elements of the supply chain: designers, suppliers, and manufacturers. Each of these committees have their own subcommittee. Check this list to see committees and subcommittees.

What is the review cycle on existing standards? 

Most standards are on a three-year review cycle.

Why do we charge for standards?

The Global Electronics Association spends hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to support volunteers in the standards and publications development process.  There are many rounds of drafts sent out for evaluation and the committees spend hundreds of hours in review and development.  Our staff attends and participates in committee activities, typesets and circulates document drafts, and follows all necessary procedures to qualify for ANSI approval.

How do I find information on standards under development?

We provide a status of standardization that shows the status of standards under development.  Once published, the documents are available from our Store.

What is a red line document?  

A redline document is a document that shows all tracked changes that were captured during the revision process. With a redline version, you can quickly spot sections that have been changed and tell specifically what has been changed from the previous edition, saving time and confusion.

What is a document amendment? 

Amendments are documents that show revisions to the main document. Amendments are only published within the life cycle of the main document from one revision to the next revision.

What is a document addendum? 

An addendum is a document for a specific industry that requires special specifications that are not met in the base document.  An addendum cannot stand on its own merit as a standard and requires the base document, when addressing specific topics for a given industry.

What is a free member document? 

A free member document is a benefit for member companies of the Global Electronics Association which provides them with one free copy of a new or revised standard when they are released to the public for sale. Amendments, addendums and translations do not qualify as free member documents.  Free member documents are DRM (Digital Rights Management) protected and are not allowed for print or screenshot. For an FAQ on Digital Rights Management document (DRM) please see DRM Frequently Asked Questions.

Which standards have related training and certification programs?

Currently, the following standards have related training and certification programs:
IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, IPC/WHMA-A-620, IPC-7711/21, IPC-A-600 and IPC-6012.

Does the Global Electronics Association offer subscription service to standards?

Please contact contact@electronics.org for information.

Single-User Documents

What is digital rights management (DRM)?

Digital rights management (DRM) is a way for the Global Electronics Association to protect its published IPC documents from piracy or other unauthorized distribution. It is an assurance that the document(s) our customers purchase will not be used by others who have not purchased the documents.

Why does the Global Electronics Association protect standards with DRM?

We protect the intellectual property developed by industry committee members for industry. This protection provided an added level of security to prevent alterations to the standards without being reviewed by the committee and voted on by the industry. An additional benefit is to ensure the documents you purchase or receive as a free member benefit are not being pirated or stolen for use by others. The DRM protection matches our single-user license agreements.

What is FileOpen DRM?

FileOpen DRM is a utility we selected to ensure published electronic documents can be opened only by people with permission to do so. The utility uses a free plugin from Adobe to verify that the user is authorized to open the document. This is similar to opening a book purchased through Amazon or music purchased through iTunes.

We selected FileOpen DRM for two reasons:

1. Many of our members and customers (i.e., those who have purchased subscriptions to IPC documents through other our partners) already use FileOpen DRM to access documents published by the Global Electronics Association and other standards developers.
2. It uses a free plugin utility for Adobe. No “reader” software is required to open DRM-protected our documents, and most users already have Adobe or can download Adobe Reader at no cost.

How do I get the FileOpen DRM plugin for Adobe?

You will receive a prompt to download the FileOpen DRM plugin for Adobe when you attempt to open a DRM-protected document for the first time on a device. You can also download the plugin at https://plugin.fileopen.com/all.aspx.

I already use FileOpen DRM-protected documents. Will I need to reinstall the plugin?

No. If you already have the FileOpen plugin for Adobe on your device, you will not need to reinstall a plugin. This is one of the primary reasons we selected FileOpen as its DRM utility.

How do I know if I have the FileOpen plugin for Adobe on my machine?

Open Adobe and click on the Help drop-down menu item. Click on About Third-Party Plugins menu item. You already have the plugin installed if you see FileOpen Client in that list.

Does FileOpen work on any device or operating system?

FileOpen is supported by Windows, Macintosh, iOS Android and Linux. Visit the FileOpen plugin installer page (https://plugin.fileopen.com/all.aspx) for system requirements.

Do I need to be online to open the document?

Users will need to be connected to the internet the first time they open the document and at least once every 30 days to verify continued permission to open the document.

Can I open my DRM-protected document on multiple devices?

You can only open a DRM-protected document on multiple devices if it is a multiple-device DRM document.

If you purchased a single-device DRM document, the FileOpen permission server will consider the first device you use to open a DRM-protected IPC document as your device. Please consider this before opening your DRM-protected IPC document for the first time.

What happens if I change my primary device (i.e., received a replacement work computer)?

Once you have registered a document(s) to your device, you cannot open it on other devices without contacting the Global Electronics Association to set up a device switch for you. Email contact@electronics.org if you need to change your device.

I am a member company. Can I change the free member document recipient for the documents I receive as a member benefit?

Yes. To reassign a document or documents to a different user, email contact@electronics.org

I use a different version of Adobe; will it support DRM?

Some companies have reported that their version of Adobe does not support DRM. These companies use Nuance Power and/or Edge, which do support DRM. If Adobe does not work, try these apps, consult with your IT department and/or email contact@electronics.org for assistance.

Does a DRM-protected IPC document work differently from other IPC documents I use?

No. Aside from the required plugin, the IPC document works the same. The unique thing you will notice is the watermark on each page, which identifies you as the document's owner.

What should I do if I am ordering DRM-protected IPC documents for other people?

If you are a purchasing agent for your company, the Global Electronics Association distributor, etc., please have each user's first name, last name, and email address when you place your order. Once your order has been processed, they can access the document(s).

Can I email myself a DRM-protected document for access on another device (i.e., home computer for a document purchased by my employer)?

You will only be able to open the document on your primary device. If this is a document purchased by your employer for work use, you may be limited to the device for your company. If you purchased the document for yourself but opened it on your work computer and would like to change the device to a home computer or other personal device, email contact@electronics.org.

What if an employee leaves our company and a new employee will need access to the documents we purchased for the original employee?

The Global Electronics Association can help change access to the document in these instances. Email: contact@electronics.org for assistance.

Can I print DRM-protected documents?

No. The DRM protection prevents printing, copying, and screenshots. Keep in mind that copying IPC documents violates copyright law.

Can I turn off the watermark that appears on my DRM-protected IPC documents?

No. This feature is mandatory for DRM-protected IPC documents.

Do I need to open the FileOpen utility to access DRM-protected documents?

No. The FileOpen plugin for Adobe runs in the background of Adobe. You will open the pdf in Adobe as you open any pdf.

Are there any firewall issues associated with the Global Electronics Association FileOpen permission server?

As with any server-to-server interaction, some company firewalls may block initial access to the FileOpen permission server. If this happens, consult your IT department and ask them to whitelist traffic to https://drm.electronics.org.   Your IT department can contact contact@electronics.org with any questions.

 Multi-Device Documents

How are device limits controlled?

Each time the DRM-protected PDF is opened on a device, that will count against the total number of devices for the multiple-device product order. For instance, if you purchased a 25-device product, and that PDF is opened on 13 different devices, you will have 12 more devices remaining on your account. Note that even if one person opens the document on multiple devices, the devices and not the individual are counted against the total number of devices on your product order.

How can I check the status of our registered number of devices?

To verify how many devices have been used for an order, email contact@electronics.org.

Where can we store this document for distribution to employees?

There are no restrictions on where you can store the document (e.g., shared server, document library, etc.), and you can also email it as an attachment or share it on a memory stick. Just keep in mind that you should make employees aware of the document device restriction so individuals who may not need the document do not open it and have it count against your device limit.