AS6081 outlines guidelines for the avoidance, detection, mitigation, and disposition of fraudulent and counterfeit electronic parts by distributors. It standardizes practices and requirements for companies dealing with Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical (EEE) parts procured from the open market, including excess and returned purchases.
Requirements According to SAE AS6081:
Quality Management System: The organization must hold certification to a recognized quality management system standard, such as ISO 9001, SAE AS9120, or equivalent, from a duly accredited Certification Body.
Fraudulent/Counterfeit Parts Mitigation Policy: Executive management must establish and document policies to prevent acquiring, accepting, and distributing fraudulent or counterfeit parts. Policies regarding the handling and reporting suspect or confirmed counterfeit parts must also be clearly outlined.
Fraudulent/Counterfeit Electronic-Parts Control Plan: A comprehensive control plan must be developed and implemented, detailing processes for risk mitigation, disposition, and reporting of fraudulent or counterfeit parts.
Customer-Related Contract Review, Agreement, and Execution: Documented procedures must govern the review, agreement, and execution of contractual obligations to minimize the risk of dealing with fraudulent or counterfeit parts. This includes timely notification to customers if commitments cannot be met, disclosure of supply sources, and provision of warranties.
Supplier Approval and Source Selection: Potential suppliers must be assessed for the risk of providing fraudulent or counterfeit parts, and a register of approved suppliers must be maintained.
Purchase Order Requirement: Contracts must include provisions establishing controls for avoiding fraudulent or counterfeit parts.
Supply Chain Traceability: Processes must ensure records retention, providing supply chain traceability whenever possible.
Preservation of Product: Procedures must be in place to preserve product integrity during internal processing, handling, packaging, storage, and transportation to maintain conformity to requirements.
Verification of Purchased Product: Products must be verified by defined standards.
Control of Nonconforming Products: Nonconforming products must be identified, segregated, and controlled to prevent unintended use or delivery. Documented procedures must define controls and responsibilities for dealing with such products.
Material Control: Processes must not alter or tamper with the original manufacturer’s labeling. Excess and nonconforming parts must be controlled, and fraudulent or counterfeit parts must be prevented from re-entering the supply chain.
Reporting: Any suspect, fraudulent, or confirmed counterfeit parts must be reported to internal stakeholders, customers, and relevant government authorities within 60 days of identification.
Personnel Training: Employees handling electronic parts must be trained to detect suspect, fraudulent, or counterfeit parts.
Internal Audit: Regular internal audits must be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the quality management system.
