CAAP approves first accreditation to AC7403

Mouser Electronics, Inc. achieves global recognition for compliance to industry requirements The Counterfeit Avoidance Accreditation Program (CAAP) has authorized the first accreditation for AC7403, which focuses on authorized distributors of electronic, electrical and electromechanical parts. This Audit Criteria was released in June as part of the ongoing aerospace industry activity to address and disrupt the presence of counterfeit parts. Achieving accreditation means that Mouser Electronics had to evidence a number key anti-counterfeit measures, such as having a counterfeit parts control plan; having systems to ensure traceability of parts to other authorized sources and OCMs; and having systems to identify suspect parts and take the appropriate actions if identified. AC7403 is based on AS6496, an Aerospace Standard developed by SAE International technical committee G19AD. It allows a company to demonstrate compliance to AS6496, which is Fraudulent/Counterfeit Electronic Parts: Avoidance, Detection, Mitigation, and Disposition - Authorized/Franchised Distribution. “By becoming accredited to AS6496, Mouser demonstrates that we are committed to providing customers with only authorized, genuine components,” said Chuck Amsden, Mouser Electronics’ Vice President of Quality. “At Mouser, we can provide full traceability to the manufacturer on everything we sell. From sales to shipping, Mouser is committed to providing our customers with the right product, on time, every time. Our mission is to be the source most preferred by engineers and buyers to design, prototype, test and manufacture electronics.” CAAP Subscribers The Boeing Company, Defense Contract Management Agency, GE, Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Rockwell Collins and UTC collaborated to develop AC7403, with support from aerospace distributors/suppliers Arrow, Mouser Electronics, and TTI Inc. Rolls-Royce and the Electronic Components Industry Association were also involved in this effort. AC7403 was created in response to aerospace industry demand and joins AC7402 – Audit Criteria for Accreditation to AS6081 in the potential audit scope available to distributors seeking CAAP accreditation. CAAP also conducts audits to AC7401 (for AS5553) and AC7401/1 (for DFARS 252.246-7007 and 7008). While AC7402 and AC7403 are both for distributors, the AC7401 series is for people purchasing parts and/or assemblies for use, not for distribution. Together, the checklists represent a robust defence against counterfeit parts in the aerospace industry. “As the aerospace industry grows internationally and in complexity, more robust mechanisms are required to ensure transparency and minimize the opportunity for counterfeit parts to slide into the supply chain,” said Jim Lewis, CAAP Program Manager. “PRI is dedicated to working with industry stakeholders to improve the reliability of aerospace parts. Our congratulations go to Mouser Electronics for this significant achievement.”