The Global Industry Practices Committee (GIPC) of the Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA) has published a concise document outlining the critical reasons for sourcing electronic components exclusively through the authorised channel.
In light of the increasing prevalence of counterfeit components, driven by sophisticated methods employed by bad actors, and the frequent disruptions in the supply chain, the importance of vigilance has never been greater.
Don Elario, ECIA Vice President of Industry Practices, stated: “These guidelines spell out the specific risks taken when going outside the safety of the authorised channel to buy electronic components. We urge customers to seriously consider the consequences that can occur when a counterfeit component infiltrates their BOM: catastrophic failure, brand damage, liability, and so on. Our document contrasts those risks with the assurances that come from the authentic chain of custody from the component manufacturer through the authorised channel.”
The guidelines are designed to be easily disseminated across the industry, encouraging ECIA members and others in the supply chain to actively promote this information.
ECIA Senior Vice President, Victor Meijers, emphasised: “These guidelines are intended to be easily communicated throughout the industry: the GIPC urges ECIA members and others in the channel to spread the word by posting this PDF on their website, by using the diagrams in their own customer materials, and doing all they can to warn and inform their customers and supplier partners about this important issue. Product integrity is more important now than ever before as electronics are built into more areas of our lives: medical, defence, IoT, automotive, aerospace. That’s why ECIA members built the www.TrustedParts.com platform.”
The GIPC Guideline, titled ‘The Risks of Buying Components Outside the Authorized Channel,’ is available for download.
