AS6081 is a counterfeit avoidance standard for distributors and organizations that procure electronic components from the open market. It defines risk-based inspection, traceability verification, testing, material analysis and documentation requirements to identify suspect or counterfeit parts.

How is AS6081 different from AS6171?

AS6081 focuses on counterfeit avoidance at the procurement and distribution level, defining screening and documentation processes. AS6171 defines laboratory-driven component authentication test methods. AAA Engineering & Test Lab performs AS6171 authentication and provides AS6081 screening support for high-risk components.

AS6081 is used by distributors, aerospace and defense contractors, government suppliers, and manufacturers who source electronic components from high-risk vendors or the open market. It supports compliance with AS5553 and counterfeit avoidance requirements.

Does AAA perform AS6081 procurement controls?

AAA Engineering & Test Lab does not perform procurement or supply-chain functions. We provide screening and analysis support through inspection, testing and material verification. We test electronic components only and do not perform medical, clinical or automotive diagnostics.

AS6081 Counterfeit Avoidance & Detection

AS6081 Counterfeit Avoidance Screening Services

Counterfeit Avoidance for Distributors & High-Reliability Supply Chains

AAA Engineering & Test Lab supports AS6081 counterfeit avoidance and detection through risk-based screening and inspection of semiconductors and electronic components. AS6081 is designed for distributors and organizations procuring parts from high-risk sources, providing a structured process to identify suspect or counterfeit components.

AAA is an American-owned leader in precision testing. We fortify your supply chain against counterfeit electronic components with comprehensive authentication services compliant with SAE AS6081. In the DoD supply chain, counterfeit electronic components pose a severe threat, with official reports highlighting their prevalence. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) 2010 Defense Industrial Base Assessment on Counterfeit Electronics, incidents of counterfeits reported by survey respondents rose dramatically from 3,868 in 2005 to 9,356 in 2008, a 142% increase. This survey found that 39% of DoD companies encountered counterfeits, with BIS estimating that counterfeits contribute to a 5-15% annual decrease in DoD weapon systems reliability.

A 2012 U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee investigation identified 1,800 cases involving over 1 million suspected parts, while ERAI’s 2022 data showed a 35% increase in reported counterfeits from 2021, and DSIAC estimates 15% of DoD spare and replacement parts are counterfeit. Originally issued in November 2012, this aerospace standard was born from the urgent need to stem the tide of fraudulent parts infiltrating high-stakes supply chains. It built upon predecessors like AS5553 (2009), which focused on OEM counterfeit mitigation, by tailoring requirements for independent distributors sourcing from the open market. Since its inception, AS6081 has been embraced by distributors, brokers, and testing labs globally—such as those supporting Raytheon and Lockheed Martin—providing a structured framework to assess suppliers, inspect parts, and report incidents, thereby enhancing reliability in critical systems.

SAE Definitions and Historical Context

Suspect Counterfeit EEE Part: An EEE part with objective, credible evidence suggesting it’s likely counterfeit.
Counterfeit EEE Part: An unauthorized copy, imitation, substitute, or modified EEE part misrepresented as genuine; or a used part presented as new without disclosure.
Predecessors: Built on earlier efforts like AS5553, which addressed OEM risks, AS6081 standardized distributor practices.
Usage & Benefits: Adopted by independent distributors and labs; reduces risks in aerospace, defense, medical; standardizes detection for safety and reliability.
Evolution: Updated to AS6081A in April 2023, refining risk mitigation and integrating AS6171 (2016) test methods for advanced detection.

Key Elements of AS6081

Qualification to ISO 9001 or AS9120 QMS
Fraudulent/counterfeit parts mitigation policy
Risk-based supplier evaluation
Mandatory part authentication testing
Material control and segregation
Detailed documentation and reporting
Participation in GIDEP and ERAI databases

AS6081 vs. AS6171 (Moderate Risk Model 2)

Aspect	AS6081	AS6171 Moderate Risk Model 2
Scope	Distributor-focused, open-market EEE parts	Risk-based for all suppliers, part types, and risk levels
Tests	~7 required (e.g., visual, solvent, X-Ray, decapsulation); optional electrical	20+ required (e.g., visual, X-Ray, XRF, electrical DC at ambient, optional burn-in); mandatory electrical
Sampling	Table 1 (e.g., 100% visual <30 units)	Table 10 (e.g., 100% visual <30 units, 5% electrical c=0)
Coverage	Basic defect detection	90% defect/type coverage target
Flexibility	Single table	Models 1/2 for cost/risk balance

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Risk-Based AS6081 Screening Requirements
(per AS6171 Guidance)

Our 13,000-square-foot facility, equipped with cutting-edge tools and staffed by seasoned engineers, supports all Level A tests:

Documentation and Packaging Inspection: Verifies labels, packaging, and paperwork for tampering.
External Visual Inspection: Examines markings and surfaces for irregularities.
Solvent Testing for Remarking & Resurfacing: Detects altered surfaces chemically.
X-Ray Inspection: Assesses internal consistency.
Lead Finish Evaluation (XRF/EDS): Analyzes composition for re-plating.
Delid/Decapsulation Internal Analysis: Inspects die for authenticity.