1. Introduction
Purpose
Lascar Electronics acknowledges that the proliferation of counterfeit components is a serious problem with detrimental impacts on the global economy, the safety of individuals and the environment, and the reputation of businesses, trademarks and branded products. This policy aims to prevent the introduction of counterfeit electronic parts into Lascar Electronics’ supply chain,
manufacturing processes, and final products. It supports our commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable, and compliant products to our customers.
This Counterfeit Parts Prevention & Control Policy is also a guide for employees and suppliers in relation to the robust processes to prevent, detect, and report counterfeit components.
Definitions
Counterfeit Part: An unauthorised copy, imitation, substitute, or modified part that is knowingly misrepresented as a genuine part from an authorised manufacturer.
Authorised Supplier: A source that has been verified and approved by the original component manufacturer (OCM) or original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
Suspect Part: A part that has characteristics inconsistent with those of legitimate parts or fails authentication/inspection tests.
Scope
This policy applies to all Lascar Electronics employees, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and customers involved in the supply, sourcing, inspection, handling, and use of electronic components.
All parties in our supply chain shall maintain appropriate processes to isolate, quarantine, report and remove counterfeit components.
2. Responsibility
Lascar Electronics will train all relevant staff on counterfeit part risks, identification and prevention. Training will be provided to employees involved with procurement, quality and inspection.
Employees
All employees should report any suspicion or evidence of suspect parts to their supervisor and the QA Manager. Production team members should notify QA of any suspect parts with anomalies or failures.
3. Supply Chain Procurement & Management
Managers and supervisors should ensure that Purchasing teams only source components from OCMs, OEMs or their authorised distributors.
If the above is not possible, parts should only be purchased with a complete chain of custody to the component manufacturer.
If the above is not possible and a supplier cannot provide evidence the component is a genuine part, parts should only be purchased, or provided by the customer, if Lascar Electronics has agreement from the customer that they will accept the risk of using an untraceable component.
All suppliers must be approved in accordance with the Company’s supplier approval process.
4. Quality Assurance
Lascar Electronics operates an established systematic process designed to ensure that products meet specified requirements and quality standards. This process includes, but is not limited to:
- Checking Certificates of Conformance (CoC) provided by the supplier and, when necessary, additional test reports.
- Implementing and maintaining traceability records and risk-based screening processes.
- Reporting and imposing quarantine on all suspect or counterfeit parts immediately.
- Commissioning certified third-party laboratories for advanced testing of high-risk parts.
5. Reporting and Disposal
All suspect or confirmed counterfeit parts must be reported to the QA Manager. The QA Manager must report to all relevant departments.
Suspect parts may be returned to the supplier for testing and authenticity checks.
Confirmed counterfeit parts must be quarantined, clearly identified, and securely stored to prevent reuse.
Disposal shall follow procedures that ensure parts cannot re-enter the supply chain.
6. Compliance
Failure to comply with the policy could result in serious consequences for Lascar Electronics, or its customers. Any breach will be thoroughly investigated and could result in disciplinary action against the offender. Suppliers who put Lascar Electronics at risk may be removed from the company-approved supplier list.
Upload date: 02/07/2025
