New ARP 6178 released on Fraudulent/Counterfeit Electronic Parts; Tool for Risk Assessment of Distributors

Today we’re going to follow up on our previous blog on AS 5553, “Counterfeit Electronic Parts; Avoidance, Detection, Mitigation, and Disposition.”  SAE has just released a new Aerospace Recommended Practice ARP 6178, “Fraudulent/Counterfeit Electronic Parts; Tool for Risk Assessment of Distributors.”

Dated 12/19/2011, it’s applicable to all organizations that procure electronic components from sources other than the original component manufacturer.  ARP6178 is especially useful for assessing distributors that sell electronic components without contractual authorization from the original component manufacturer.

With the obvious dangers inherent in using counterfeit electronic components, manufacturers need any and all tools at their disposal for identifying and avoiding the use of non-compliant parts.  SAE has been actively working with industry on this topic for a number of years now and these new documents are the result of those efforts.

All current SAE standards, and many obsolete ones, are available from Document Center Inc. via our website, www.document-center.com.  Or consider contacting us by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com).  Our staff can assist you in identifying, purchasing, and maintaining the standards you need to protect your business from the liabilities associated with non-conformance to best practices and current standards.