Counterfeit Prevention

How we protect your supply chain from counterfeit and substandard components.

The Counterfeit Risk

Counterfeit electronic components are a serious and growing problem in the global supply chain. These fraudulent parts can cause product failures, safety hazards, and costly recalls.

As an independent distributor, we take this risk seriously. Our multi-layered approach to supplier vetting and component verification helps protect your production from counterfeit infiltration.

Counterfeit Risks Include:

Product failures in the field
Safety hazards for end users
Costly product recalls
Reputation damage
Regulatory compliance issues

Our Prevention Approach

Supplier Vetting

We carefully evaluate all suppliers before adding them to our network. This includes business verification, reference checks, and quality system assessment.

Documentation

We require and verify documentation including Certificates of Conformance, date codes, lot codes, and country of origin for traceability.

Visual Inspection

All incoming parts undergo visual inspection for signs of remarking, resurfacing, or other indicators of counterfeit activity.

Detection Methods

Standard Inspection

Package marking verification
Lead/termination inspection
Surface finish examination
Package dimension check
Date code verification

Advanced Testing (When Required)

X-ray fluorescence (XRF)
Decapsulation & die verification
Electrical testing
Solderability testing
X-ray imaging

Common Signs of Counterfeits

Inconsistent or blurry markings

Legitimate parts have clean, consistent laser or ink markings

Signs of remarking

Sanding marks, uneven surfaces, or residue from removed markings

Inconsistent lead finish

Oxidation, discoloration, or replating evidence

Wrong packaging

Generic tubes/trays, missing labels, or incorrect moisture sensitivity

Date code anomalies

Future dates, impossible codes, or mismatched lot/date codes

Price too good to be true

Significantly below-market pricing is a red flag

Our Commitment

We only source from vetted, trusted suppliers

We maintain full traceability for all components

We provide documentation for quality verification

We stand behind the authenticity of parts we supply

We continuously update our procedures based on industry best practices