If you source electronic components from the open market, especially in aerospace, defence or any high reliability application, you are likely to have come across the standards AS6081 and AS6171. Both are published by SAE International and address counterfeit and fraudulent parts. But they do different jobs and confusion between them can leave gaps in your supply chain protection.
At Princeps we work with these standards every day, so we have put together this clear, practical breakdown of what each standard covers and how they work together.
What Is AS6081?
AS6081 is the standard written for independent distributors. It sets out the processes a distributor must follow when sourcing electrical, electronic and electromechanical (EEE) parts from the open market as opposed to direct sourcing from an authorised manufacturer.
It sits alongside AS5553, which governs OEM-level counterfeit avoidance. It means that the OEM adheres to AS5553 and then expects its independent distributor to comply with AS6081.
To comply with AS6081 a distributor must carry out a set of inspections and tests on incoming stock. These tend to include:
- Visual inspection
- Solvent resistance testing
- X-ray analysis
- Decapsulation
- Electrical testing
It is the most recognised standard for independent distributors and is required by the US Defense Logistics Agency for suppliers in that market.
What Is AS6171?
Where AS6081 is a distributor standard, AS6171 is a laboratory testing standard. This is a detailed specification for how physical inspection of components should be undertaken.
AS6171 introduces a structured risk model where parts are categorised by:
- Active
- Passive
- Electromechanical
- Risk level
Testing is customised by each category. At a moderate risk level over 20 individual tests may be required, compared to around 7 under AS6081. Additionally, electrical inspection is optional under AS6081, but it becomes mandatory under AS6171. The standard targets 90% defect coverage at critical risk levels.
AS6171 is supported by sub-specifications for individual test methods including:
- X-ray fluorescence (XRF)
- X-ray imaging
- Destructive physical analysis (DPA)
- Electrical testing
- Raman spectroscopy
- FTIR analysis
Laboratories performing AS6171 testing are also typically accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, which certifies they have the correct equipment, trained staff and documented processes to carry out the inspection methods.
How Do The Standards Work Together?
The two standards are designed to complement each other:
- AS6081 governs what a distributor needs to do to manage counterfeit risk – purchasing controls, vetting, inspection and traceability
- AS6171 governs how inspection must be performed by an accredited laboratory when parts need authentication
A distributor certified to AS6081 will send suspicious or high-risk parts to a lab that works to AS6171 inspection methods.
Which Standard Do You Require?
It depends on your role in the supply chain as to which standard fits your operations:
- Independent distributor sourcing from the open market — AS6081
- Run or commission a test laboratory authenticating EEE parts — AS6171
- OEM or prime contractor — AS6081 & AS6171 testing through the supply chain
For most buyers and procurement teams knowing that AS6081 covers distributor actions and AS6171 covers laboratory testing is enough to ask the right questions. Be sure to ask whether they are AS6081 certified and if the labs they use work to AS6171 standards.
Why These Standards Matter In Global Sourcing
The threat of counterfeit electronics is growing – a US Senate investigation found more than one million suspect parts in defence supply chains.
At Princeps we source genuine global electronic components with full traceability and perform inspections in our in-house accredited laboratory. We work only with suppliers that operate within the recognised standards.
Whether you need one hard-to-find component or supply chain support, we ensure the parts we supply are genuine. Get in touch today to find out more about our services.
