AS6081 Testing Explained- Preventing Counterfeit Electronic Components

The risk of counterfeit components in electronics manufacturing has never been higher. As global supply chains grow more complex and grey market sourcing becomes more common, buyers are seeking recognised frameworks to safeguard their operations.

One such framework is AS6081, a quality management standard developed to combat the infiltration of counterfeit and suspect electronic parts into the supply chain. This guide explains what AS6081 covers, why it matters in 2025, and how buyers can use it to benchmark and assess their sourcing strategies.

What Is AS6081?

AS6081 is a standard developed by SAE International that sets out requirements for detecting and avoiding counterfeit electronic parts in the independent distribution supply chain. It was created in response to growing concerns around counterfeit components in aerospace, defence, and other high-reliability sectors.

It is designed for independent distributors – that is, suppliers who procure components outside of OEM-authorised or franchised distribution networks. The standard provides a comprehensive set of procedures to assess risk, inspect components, and document traceability.

Why AS6081 Matters in 2025

The relevance of AS6081 has grown well beyond its original aerospace use case. For OEMs sourcing end-of-life components, navigating shortages, or operating in regulated sectors, the ability to demonstrate due diligence in sourcing is critical.

Procurement teams are under increasing pressure to show:

Those components have been properly vetted
That suppliers follow structured inspection procedures
That traceability and chain of custody are being maintained
That there are defined escalation processes for suspect parts

AS6081 provides a consistent framework that buyers can use to assess suppliers and manage risk.

What AS6081 Requires

AS6081 covers a range of procedures designed to detect and avoid counterfeit components. Key areas include:

Area	Description
Risk Assessment	Classify risk based on component type, source, and availability
Inspection Procedures	Visual, mechanical, and electrical inspections of parts
Testing Protocols	Use of tools like X-ray, XRF, and decapsulation, where applicable
Traceability	Documentation of source, handling history, and movement
Chain of Custody	Controlled storage and part handling procedures
Corrective Action	Defined steps to isolate and manage suspect or confirmed counterfeit parts

The standard outlines testing levels based on risk category, with more intensive testing required for high-risk or high-value components.

Who Should Use AS6081?

AS6081 is not a legal requirement, but it is increasingly treated as a best-practice benchmark for:

OEMs sourcing from independent or unauthorised distributors
Organisations operating in aerospace, defence, medical, or automotive sectors
Buyers procuring end-of-life (EOL) or hard-to-source components
Quality managers responsible for supplier onboarding or auditing

Even when not contractually required, AS6081 is used as a risk management tool to evaluate whether a supplier has sufficient processes in place to prevent counterfeit infiltration.

How Buyers Can Apply AS6081

Procurement teams can apply AS6081 principles in two key ways:

Supplier Evaluation
Use AS6081 as a checklist to assess whether an independent distributor has appropriate inspection, documentation, and risk management protocols in place.
Internal Standard Operating Procedure Development
Build AS6081-aligned processes into internal standard operating procedures (SOP) to ensure that any parts sourced outside franchised channels are tested and tracked appropriately.

For teams working with multiple suppliers, AS6081 provides a common language for evaluating and comparing sourcing partners.

How to Build Your Own AS6081 Audit Checklist

Many OEMs create internal checklists to benchmark suppliers against AS6081 requirements. While there’s no universal template, your checklist should typically cover:

Supplier qualification procedures
Risk classification framework
Visual and electrical testing capabilities
Traceability and documentation review
Chain of custody controls
Escalation process for suspect parts

Using AS6081 as a reference, buyers can formalise supplier assessment processes, even when the standard is not contractually required.

Counterfeit mitigation is no longer just an engineering issue; it’s a procurement responsibility. AS6081 doesn’t eliminate the risks of independent sourcing, but it gives buyers a structured way to manage those risks, evaluate suppliers, and support due diligence across the supply chain.

FAQs

What is AS6081?

AS6081 is a quality management standard developed by SAE International for independent distributors of electronic components. It outlines procedures to detect and avoid counterfeit parts.

Is AS6081 mandatory?

No. However, it is widely adopted as a best-practice framework in aerospace, defence, and other high-reliability sectors, and is often required in supplier contracts.

What industries use AS6081?

Aerospace, defence, automotive, medical, and other sectors where component failure could result in significant safety, compliance, or financial consequences.

What types of testing does AS6081 include?

Testing may include visual inspection, dimensional checks, X-ray analysis, XRF material testing, decapsulation, and electrical verification, depending on the risk level of the part.

Can AS6081 be used internally by OEMs?

Yes. While designed for independent distributors, OEMs, and EMS providers often adopt elements of AS6081 into their internal procedures to strengthen counterfeit mitigation efforts.