The Electrostatic Discharge Association(ESD) is an independent trade association in the United States. It is affiliated with the American National Standards Institute. The Electrostatic Discharge Association is a voluntary association founded in 1982. The ESD Association has the responsibility of representing the interest of the United States at the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in the area of electrostatics. With the increasing need for global harmonization in the area of standards, the international focus of the ESD Association is vitally important.