AS6081
Definition
AS6081 is an SAE International aerospace standard that establishes requirements and practices for avoiding, detecting, and dispositioning counterfeit electronic parts purchased from sources other than the original manufacturer or an authorized distributor. It defines supplier controls, incoming inspection, test methods, and traceability specifically for the secondary market.
Why it matters
Most counterfeit exposure comes from buying outside authorized channels, which is unavoidable for obsolete and allocated parts. AS6081 exists to make that channel safer. Where AS9120 governs a distributor's overall quality system, AS6081 focuses tightly on the counterfeit-avoidance process: how parts are inspected, tested, and documented before they are accepted.
For a buyer, an independent distributor certified to AS6081 has a defined, auditable process for catching counterfeits. It reduces risk substantially, though for critical applications, independent sample testing is still the final safeguard.
Related terms
- AS9120: the broader quality standard for aerospace distributors.
- Counterfeit Electronic Component: the risk AS6081 is designed to mitigate.
- Independent Distributor / Broker: the channel AS6081 governs.
3E Technology lets you reach suppliers directly to confirm certifications like AS6081 and request the traceability records that back them up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AS6081?+
AS6081 is an SAE aerospace standard that defines requirements and practices for avoiding, detecting, and dispositioning counterfeit electronic parts when purchasing from sources other than the original manufacturer or authorized distributors. It covers supplier controls, inspection, test methods, and traceability for the secondary market.
When does AS6081 apply?+
AS6081 applies when parts are bought from independent distributors or the open market rather than from the manufacturer or an authorized distributor, which is common for obsolete and allocated components. It sets the inspection and testing regime used to reduce counterfeit risk in that channel.
Related Resources
AS9120
AS9120 is the quality management standard for distributors of aerospace parts, adding traceability and counterfeit controls to ISO 9001. Here's what it covers.
Counterfeit Electronic Component
A counterfeit electronic component is a part misrepresented as to its origin or authenticity. Here's how counterfeits enter the supply chain and how to avoid them.
Independent Distributor (Broker)
An independent distributor or broker buys and sells components on the open market without manufacturer authorization. Here's the role they fill and how to vet them.
Authorized (Franchised) Distributor
An authorized distributor sells components under a direct agreement with the manufacturer. Here's what that means for traceability and counterfeit risk.
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