AS9100D calls for the prevention of counterfeit parts in the manufacture of aviation, space, and defense products. The standard defines counterfeit as “An unauthorized copy, imitation, substitute, or modified part (e.g., material, part, component), which is knowingly misrepresented as a specified genuine part of an original or authorized manufacturer.”
Section 8.1.4 requires planning, implementation, and use of processes to prevent introduction of counterfeit parts into products. It suggests consideration of appropriate training, monitoring, traceability, verification, and quarantine processes in this prevention. It also suggests controls for use of authorized manufacturers.
Concerns in the Aerospace Industry
There is an escalating trend for counterfeit parts in the aerospace and defense industries. Components at risk include semiconductors, fasteners, electronic assemblies, and composite structures. This risk presents obvious safety hazards, reputational damage, and increased maintenance costs. Using authorized suppliers and conducting supply chain inspections and audits can help minimize these risks.
Counterfeit Parts a Growing Concern for all Industries
ERAI’s 2024 Annual Report noted a significant increase in reported cases of electronic counterfeit parts. A large segment of these cases involved components such as cooling fans, analog ICs, memory ICs, microprocessors, and programmable logic ICs. Targeted manufacturers included 3ON Systems Inc., Altera Corp, ST Microelectronics, Texas Instruments, Analog Devices, and Xilinx Inc. The report also noted that targeted devices were no longer limited to obsolete or hard to source devices.
Counterfeit parts are a concern for all industries, not just the aerospace and defense sectors. The automobile industry has seen notable increases in components such as brake pads and airbags that are crucial safety devices.
CVG Strategy Quality Management Consultants
Prevention of counterfeit parts is important to manufacturers in all sectors. A well-designed Quality Management System can identify such risks and mitigate counterfeit components from your products. CVG Strategy quality consultancy team can help your organization implement an integrated business management system effectively and painlessly. Our consulting services will guide you through all phases of QMS, from assessment and development to the certification process.
CVG Strategy Access Control Signs, Badges, and Visitor Logs
Facility security is an essential part of an export and cybersecurity compliance program. CVG Strategy’s Signs & Badges Store has a variety of signs, badges, and visitor logs to help your organization meet these requirements.
CVG Strategy also offers a wide array of EZ-Test Plan Templates for product test and evaluation that meet the requirements of MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-1275, MIL-STD-704, and others. Each environmental test plan is compliant with MIL-STD-810 Task 405. EMI/EMC test plans are compliant with MIL-STD-461 per DI-EMCS-80201.