Converge meets AS6081 anti-counterfeit standard

Reverse logistics specialist Converge has been certified to the AS6081 standard, which is designed to keep counterfeits out of the electronics supply chain.

AS6081 was drawn up in 2012 and standardizes the requirements for distributors in the procurement of parts, detection of counterfeits, and establishment of quality management processes.

It aims to provide "a higher level of protection and to assess, mitigate, and control the risk of fraudulent/counterfeit parts being distributed or entering the global electronics supply chain," said Converge, which was awarded the certificate after assessment by National Quality Assurance USA (NQA).

The standard helps companies to identify reliable sources to procure parts through supplier and vendor management; evaluate, mitigate and control the risk of fraudulent and counterfeit parts being distributed; and properly report suspect and confirmed fraudulent/counterfeit parts to other potential users and the authorities.

"Obsolescence in components is increasing and the industry needed a response to protect the supply chain," said Eric Checkoway, vice president and general manager of Converge.

"The bar for quality in supply has never been higher, and now manufacturers will be able to better judge who they should engage with in the independent space," he added, noting that Converge is among the first companies globally to be certified to the standard.

Audits at Converge have been ongoing since the release of the standard. The company has been compliant with the new AS6081 standard since 2014, and certification became effective on February 23, 2015.