In this article, Mouser Electronics steps readers through the company’s accreditations which demonstrate the organization’s dedication to anti-counterfeiting
As demand increases and fake parts are harder to detect, the threat of counterfeit components entering the supply chain is a growing concern. Combined with current product shortages, it’s more important than ever to buy from an authorized distributor like Mouser Electronics.
Mouser customers can order with confidence, knowing the global authorized distributor has rigorous processes in place to prevent counterfeit products from entering its inventory. Customers can expect 100 per cent certified, genuine products, fully traceable to each manufacturer.
Mouser is the electronic component industry’s first authorized distributor to receive accreditation to AS6496, the aerospace industry’s high standard for anti-counterfeit measures in authorized electronic component distribution. The standard sets requirements for the avoidance, detection, mitigation and disposition of counterfeit products in the authorized distribution supply chain. This international standard requires authorized distributors to have a counterfeit mitigation policy and a counterfeit electronics parts control plan. Industries and individuals looking to reduce the risk of counterfeit electronic parts entering the supply chain can accomplish this by using authorized distributors accredited to AS6496.
Mouser received the AS6496 accreditation in Fall 2018 from the Performance Review Institute (PRI), as part of the Counterfeit Avoidance Accreditation Program (CAAP). The CAAP audit was based on audit criteria (AC7403) created jointly by PRI, the Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA) and aerospace OEM representatives.
CAAP is a cooperative industry effort to mitigate the risk of introducing counterfeit parts into the supply chain and the cost for compliance throughout the aviation, space and defense industries. The program was established to enable organizations like Mouser that purchase components and assemblies to demonstrate they have systems in place to identify counterfeit products and to minimize the risks associated with them. CAAP accreditation reassures customers of the organizations’ vigilance and ability to act appropriately.
Mouser is also registered to AS9100D/ISO 9001:2015 and ANSI/ESD S20.20-2014, the industry’s gold standards for quality, control and electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection. Mouser’s AS9100D/ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System adds additional aviation, space and defense industry requirements, including procedures and processes for the prevention of counterfeit parts. Registration to these standards provides customers with the confidence that Mouser is an authorized distributor of the highest quality components by providing traceability, risk management, process control, customer support, product availability and document/record control.
The global authorized distributor strives to empower innovation among design engineers and buyers by delivering advanced technologies. Mouser stocks the world’s widest selection of the latest semiconductors and electronic components for the newest design projects. The company’s website is continually updated and offers advanced search methods to help customers quickly locate inventory. Mouser.com also houses data sheets, supplier-specific reference designs, application notes, technical design information, and engineering tools.
Whether customers are buying online or through one of its Customer Service Representatives, Mouser has the professionals and procedures in place to ensure an effective and efficient supply chain, free of counterfeit or gray market products.
Over 1,200 semiconductor and electronic component manufacturers depend on Mouser to help them introduce their products into the global marketplace.
Some sources are very limited in their component offerings. With Mouser, customers can source their entire bill-of-materials with confidence: easy, one-stop buying. The company strives to balance speed and efficiency to consistently provide customers with best-in-class service and a suite of online buying tools, such as the Price & Availability Assistant.