PCBA Tech - How to avoid purchasing counterfeit PCB components?

How to avoid counterfeit electronic components is a constant challenge for PCBA company purchasers who deal with a large number of parts purchases. As long as the following points are followed, the risk of encountering fake parts can be effectively reduced, and the fake parts can be caught when they pass, so as to avoid using them in PCBA processing.

1. Strictly control the source of procurement

If the PCBA factory directly purchases electronic parts, it should strictly control the source of purchase to help avoid counterfeiting electronic parts. Always buy parts from reliable sources. Purchasing from one of these sources will greatly reduce the risk of obtaining forged parts.

1. Raw material manufacturer

Purchase the parts directly from the raw material manufacturer. The company is the original company that manufactures these parts and is a reliable method to ensure the legality of the parts. Because these components are not controlled by any other aspect, it is impossible for anyone to tamper with them. It is still possible for manufacturers to disguise lower-quality parts as higher-quality parts, but PCBA manufacturers can choose to purchase from a reliable OCM to avoid this. The PCBA factory can judge whether the OCM is trustworthy based on the professional reputation of the OCM and the certificates obtained.

2. Licensed or authorized suppliers

If the PCBA factory cannot directly purchase the product from the manufacturer, then the next closest product is a franchise or authorized distributor, reseller or aftermarket supplier. OCM has approved these businesses, and cooperation with them usually includes OCM's guarantee of product quality and original manufacturer's guarantee. PCBA factories can conduct their own research on authorized suppliers by viewing comments from customers and checking certification. However, if a reputable OCM supports them, it can be reasonably determined that they are legitimate.

3. Reputable independent distributors

Sometimes, PCBA factory cannot purchase parts from OCM or OCM authorized company, especially when PCBA factory needs parts out of production. In this case, the PCBA factory does not have the guarantee of OCM, so the PCBA factory must conduct its own reputation research. The company's professional reputation and customer reviews will enable PCBA factories to understand their credibility. Also, please check what certifications they have and what standards they follow. For example, IS0 9001:2008 guides quality management.

When working with independent distributors, PCBA factories may request to check conformance and procurement certification, so that they can track the location of the required components. The deeper the PCBA factory's support for these procurement documents, the more the PCBA factory can guarantee that the part is authentic. In the best case, the PCBA factory will be able to obtain documents until OCM. Independent companies may not be able to provide complete traceability documentation. This does not necessarily mean that the part is counterfeit, but it does mean that the PCBA factory takes more risks because the PCBA factory knows less about the source of its parts.

If the PCBA factory purchases electronic components from one of these three sources, the PCBA factory can have full confidence in the authenticity of the product. However, even products from the same batch are slightly different in quality from each other, and may even be fake parts. Although this is rare, it does happen. To resolve this risk, follow the steps below.

2. PCBA incoming inspection

PCBA's internal quality inspection department can greatly improve the company's counterfeit electronic detection capabilities and reduce the use of inferior or damaged parts. If possible, a PCBA company should set up one, because the benefits of a well-run quality inspection department will exceed the costs. This department will act as another line of defense between the purchasing department and the application of electronic components in the final product by checking the incoming parts for counterfeit products.

The department’s inspection should check the incoming parts for evidence of forgery, verify specifications and conduct electrical tests to ensure acceptable performance. It may also test the finished product. If all parts cannot be inspected due to the large amount of incoming parts, the quality inspector can perform random quality inspections. Even random inspections will help reduce the number of forgeries to assembly.

If the PCBA company lacks the resources to establish a quality inspection department, the PCBA factory can still take measures to sign contracts with third parties to identify and eliminate counterfeit parts.

3. Cooperation with third parties

One way to avoid counterfeit goods is to hire a third-party company to inspect PCBA factory components. This service will include strict inspections, but of course, hiring an external company is an additional cost. Another strategy is to work with electronics manufacturers trusted by PCBA factories to prevent counterfeit products.

It takes a lot of time and effort to choose a reliable partner, but it is worth mentioning that improving the quality of the equipment can be assured. PCBA factories should choose manufacturers that have relationships with OCM, authorized distributors or reputable independent suppliers. They should establish a reliable quality management system that meets the ISO 9001:2008 standard. The company should also be easy to contact, its processes should be transparent, and provide PCBA factories with the required information and customer service.

Fourth, obsolescence management

Another strategy to avoid counterfeiting electronic components is to implement outdated management practices, which include planning when components will become obsolete and developing strategies to update equipment in an active rather than passive manner. When a company needs a part that is out of date, the company usually has to turn to an independent distributor, which means OCM no longer produces the part. Cooperating with these unauthorized suppliers increases the risk of encountering counterfeit parts. According to IHS Markit, since two-thirds of counterfeit products are obsolete parts, this may have a significant impact. By helping companies avoid obsolete parts and unauthorized distributors, establishing an outdated management system can help them avoid fake parts and improve equipment efficiency and performance.