Counterfeit Components in the Supply Chain
Counterfeit Components are permeating the Supply Chain. While some have speculated that the economic downturn has slowed the counterfeit threat, others observe that it is actually increacing, particularly in China, where experts opine that 30% of the supply consists of knock-offs. The problem is more of a challange because of the organization involved in creating such counterfeits. According to the FBI, counterfeiting is largely being done by organized crime and terrorists. There is also state-sponsored counterfeiting, said Robin Gray, executive VP of the National Electronic Distributors Association (NEDA), an industry group of franchised distributors in Alpharetta, Ga.1
The most expolited market niche is the demand for obsolete and hard to find parts. In particular, demand for non-ROHS components remains high for military, aerospace and medical industries, which continues to use leaded product. In fact,
Military purchasers in particular are turning to the open market to find non-ROHS parts. A lot of counterfeiting comes from the fact that military customers cannot buy through the channels they are comfortable buying through,said Avnets [Steve] Schultz. If I have 10 military customers, at least half of them will raise the question of counterfeiting.2
The current ecomomic downturn highlights the severity of the problem; in this environment, the unfortunate truth is that for many small and mid-level OEMs one bad purchase can break a business. Clearly, OEMs that need hard to find components need another approach.
Electronic Component Testing, Authentication and Certification
In the face of this challenge, Electro-Comp Services, Inc. has encouraging news for the OEM that needs hard to find components at reasonable prices. At Electro-Comp, we have many electronic components in stock, and we enjoy relationships with a solid network of reliable component distributors and manufacturers that stock such components both here in the states and abroad.
We take pride that, unlike brokers, we have over 20 years of history in this business, including an in-house test lab that is quality-certified to test electronic components, as well as other value-added services such as tape and reel, MSL baking, and tinning, all located in our 16,000 square feet facility in Clearwater, Florida. When we provide components, we provide components that are authenticated and certified.
Because of our history, we are in a unique position to meet your component needs through alternative means while preserving the integrity of your supply chain. When you order components from Electro-Comp, you minimize risk, increase profitability, and gain security for future component acquisitions. Feel free to contact us for more information. We welcome you and look forward to doing business with you!
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1. Electronic Design, Strategy, News, "Counterfeit Components Remains A Huge Electronics Componen Supply Chain Problem" See source.
2. Id.
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