Counterfeit Part Prevention in the Aerospace Supply Chain

The Counterfeit Parts Risk in Aerospace

Counterfeit parts — components that misrepresent their source, materials, performance or conformance — entered the aerospace supply chain in significant volumes during the component shortages of 2021–2023, and the risk has not diminished as supply chains normalised. Counterfeit electronic components, fasteners, and bearings have been identified in flight-critical applications at Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers who lacked the inspection and qualification capability to detect them.

AS5553 (counterfeit electronic parts) and AS6081 (fraudulent/counterfeit parts) set the aerospace industry requirements for counterfeit prevention. Most prime contractors and Tier 1 suppliers now require their supply chain to demonstrate compliance with these standards. This guide walks through the programme elements that satisfy both standards and the prime contractor requirements that reference them.

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Step 01

Approved supplier list development and maintenance

Establish an Approved Supplier List (ASL) that covers all sources of aerospace parts and materials. For electronic components specifically, preference for Original Component Manufacturers (OCM), OCM-authorised distributors, and Independent Distributors with traceability to OCM is the AS5553 requirement. For parts of other types, AS6081 requires supplier qualification that includes counterfeit risk assessment. Maintain ASL currency — supplier authorisations expire and must be reverified.

Step 02

Incoming inspection programme

Design an incoming inspection programme for suspected counterfeit parts that goes beyond visual inspection. For electronic components: X-ray fluorescence for material verification, lead measurement for RoHS compliance verification, and electrical testing against specification. For fasteners and hardware: chemical analysis of material claims and dimensional verification. The inspection depth should be proportionate to the risk level — new suppliers and grey market sources require the most intensive inspection.

Step 03

Suspect and counterfeit part reporting

AS5553 requires organisations to report suspect or confirmed counterfeit parts to GIDEP (Government-Industry Data Exchange Program) and to the relevant industry reporting body. Establish a reporting procedure that designates who has authority to confirm a suspect part finding, what the notification requirements are to your customer, and how the part is quarantined and ultimately disposed of — counterfeit parts must not re-enter the supply chain.

Step 04

Training and awareness

All personnel involved in procurement, receiving inspection, stores, and materials management must receive training on counterfeit part indicators and detection. Counterfeit parts are often difficult to distinguish visually from genuine parts — training must include examples of confirmed counterfeit items and the technical indicators that distinguish them from genuine parts in your specific commodity areas.

Counterfeit Parts Prevention Readiness Checklist

Approved Supplier List includes OCM and OCM-authorised distributor preference for electronic components

Incoming inspection programme addresses counterfeit detection beyond visual inspection for high-risk commodities

Suspect counterfeit part reporting procedure designated — authority, notification, quarantine, GIDEP reporting

Personnel involved in procurement and receiving have received counterfeit awareness training

AS5553 and/or AS6081 compliance requirements are flowed down to sub-tier suppliers

Counterfeit prevention programme is documented in your AS/EN 9100 QMS scope

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About AjaCertX

AjaCertX is a specialist compliance, certification and assurance partner serving the aerospace and defence supply chain. Our Aerospace Assurance practice delivers AS/EN 9100 certification, NADCAP preparation, and counterfeit parts prevention programme design.