Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

The Risk of Counterfeit Components in Electronics Supply Chains

The Risk of Counterfeit Components in Electronics Supply Chains

The estimated annual losses caused by counterfeit components in the electronics industry reach up to $250 billion, posing a serious threat to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Where do these components come from, and why are they so dangerous? Find answers to these questions, along with recommendations on mitigating the risks of counterfeit components below.

What are counterfeit electronic components?

A counterfeit electronic component is an unauthorized or illegal replica of a genuine product or its parts, produced by parties other than the original manufacturer. These components can take various forms, such as unauthorized copies, substitutes, and fraudulently altered, remarked, or re-topped components.

As a rule, counterfeit components often exhibit lower quality than legitimate ones. Not only may they fail to meet the standards of components provided by the original manufacturer but can also deviate from intended specifications. Yet, many can maintain desirable performance under ideal conditions, making their detection challenging. However, fluctuations in conditions can lead to the failure of these elements.


Despite the inferior quality and performance of counterfeit electronic components compared to original products, malicious players offer these substitutes at prices similar to legitimate elements, deceiving unsuspecting customers.

Find more at: https://asselems.com/en/preventing-the-supply-chain-from-counterfeit-components

How can counterfeit electronic components affect OEMs?

Counterfeit electronic elements can cause a wide range of serious and costly issues, some of which are described below:

Compromised quality

Even a single counterfeit element in an electronic device can result in the product’s non-compliance with its performance specifications. This poses potential safety hazards and decreases device reliability, increasing the likelihood of defects, malfunction, and premature failure. Additionally, the use of a counterfeit element may make repairs more challenging and costly.

Loss of customers' trust

Infiltration of counterfeit components, especially if they impact customer safety, can severely damage the brand's position in the market. The loss of trust in a product can be detrimental to the original equipment manufacturer's brand.

Regulatory compliance risks

Non-compliance with industry standards and regulations not only poses a safety hazard for customers but also subjects OEMs to legal consequences. Offering goods that involve counterfeit elements can result in regulatory compliance issues.

Supply chain disruption

If faulty products reach customers, devices may be rejected at the last stage of the supply chain. Identifying the root problem requires investigating quality issues and searching for vendors supplying legitimate components, which further disrupts the regular operation of the supply chain.

Financial damage

Nearly all the issues mentioned above are associated with considerable expenses. Supply chain and production disruption, customer rejections, and loss of brand reputation are factors caused by counterfeit elements that contribute to significant financial losses.

Mitigating risks of counterfeit components

Fortunately, it is possible to minimize the risk of counterfeit components. For instance, Poland-based contract electronics manufacturer Assel works only with vendors who are found trustworthy and reliable after thorough screening. Additionally, this EMS provider has implemented a robust traceability system and regular testing of components provided by vendors.

While the chances of encountering counterfeit components are especially high during market shortages, an experienced EMS provider is aware of potential threats and takes proactive measures to mitigate these risks.

Production resistant to counterfeit elements

Working with an experienced EMS provider, who offers professional supply management, has a network of reliable electronic component suppliers, and thoroughly tests all components used for manufacturing, can help you avoid issues caused by counterfeit components. To learn more about working with such a contract manufacturer, visit https://asselems.com/

More For You

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra says she wants strong roles not just ornamental characters

Getty Images

Priyanka Chopra says she is just getting started in Hollywood with 'Heads of State' on Prime Video

Quick highlights:

  • Priyanka Chopra Jonas says she’s just getting started in Hollywood.
  • Stars as a fierce MI6 agent alongside Idris Elba and John Cena.
  • Gets into serious action mode with explosions, helicopters, and hand-to-hand combat.
  • Says her journey is still evolving, with much more to explore in the West.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas may have ruled Bollywood for over two decades, but the global star believes she’s still “nascent” in her Hollywood journey, and that’s what makes it exciting.

The Quantico and Citadel actor stars in the new Amazon Prime Video film Heads of State, playing a sharp MI6 agent named Noel Bisset. Her character has a complicated history with British Prime Minister Sam Clarke (played by Idris Elba) and is tasked with protecting him and the newly elected US President Will Derringer (John Cena) when they're attacked before a major NATO conference.

Keep ReadingShow less
Arijit Singh

Arijit Singh becomes most followed musician on Spotify

Getty Images

Arijit Singh overtakes Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran to become most followed artist on Spotify

Quick highlights:

• Arijit Singh makes global music history with 151 million Spotify followers

• Surpasses Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran in follower count

Keep ReadingShow less
Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

Photo for representation. (iStock)

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE is now investigating more than 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects, following years of public criticism and institutional failings in tackling child sexual exploitation.

A new report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has revealed the force has made “significant improvements” in dealing with group-based sexual abuse and related crimes.

Keep ReadingShow less
Diwali

This year’s Diwali event will still see Belgrave Road continue to host what is left of the festival. (Representational image)

Major changes announced for Leicester’s Diwali celebrations amid safety fears

LDRS

THIS year’s annual Diwali celebrations will be stripped back amid public safety fears. Leicester City Council has said there will be no fireworks or stage entertainment as part of major changes announced for the event.

Cossington Street Recreation Ground will also not be used for the festivities, the council has revealed. The green space previously was the location for the main stage and the Diwali Village with its food stalls, funfair rides, fashion and arts. The annual fire garden display was also based there, offering “a peaceful oasis amid the festive excitement”.

Keep ReadingShow less
Liam Gallagher

Liam Gallagher arrives for the special screening of Oasis documentary "Supersonic"

Getty Images

Liam Gallagher apologises for racial slur after backlash as Oasis reunion tour kicks off

Quick highlights:

  • Liam Gallagher issued an apology after using a racial slur in a now-deleted social media post.
  • The offensive post appeared just days before Oasis kicked off their reunion tour in Cardiff.
  • Fans criticised the singer on X, prompting him to clarify it was unintentional.
  • Oasis will perform over 40 shows globally, starting 5 July in Wales.

Liam Gallagher has apologised for using a racial slur in a post on X, as Oasis reunites for their first tour in 15 years. The singer shared a one-word reply on Monday that included a derogatory term aimed at East Asian people. Though he quickly deleted it, screenshots circulated online, sparking widespread criticism.

In a follow-up post on Tuesday, Gallagher wrote: “Sorry if I offended anyone with my tweet before it wasn’t intentional you know I love you all and I do not discriminate. Peace and love LG x.”

Keep ReadingShow less