Reinforcing assurance, repeatability and supply chain confidence

Princeps are proud to announce that our test laboratory has achieved ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation covering AS6171 counterfeit detection testing and Test Methods 2A, 3, 4 and 5. This milestone marks a major advance in our capabilities and reflects a sustained commitment to technical excellence, risk mitigation and independently verified processes for customers operating within a high reliability supply chain.

This accreditation is the culmination of an 18 month development cycle led by our Operations Director Ian Walker, focusing on strengthening our laboratory governance, validating test methodologies and embedding a culture of repeatability, traceability and continuous improvement.

What ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation Means

ISO/IEC 17025 is the internationally recognised benchmark for laboratory competence. It verifies that testing is performed using validated methods, impartiality, calibrated equipment, controlled environments and fully documented procedures supported by ongoing proficiency verification.

Achieving accreditation for AS6171 methods confirms that Princeps performs counterfeit detection testing within a rigorously controlled, auditable framework aligned with aerospace, defence and other safety-critical industry requirements.

You can find our confidentiality and impartiality policy here.

Scope of Accreditation

Princeps is accredited to perform counterfeit detection testing in accordance with AS6171, including:

  • AS6171/2A – External Visual Inspection
  • AS6171/3 – XRF Spectroscopy
  • AS6171/4 – Decapsulation and Internal Visual Inspection
  • AS6171/5 – X-Ray

These methods are essential for identifying remarking, resurfacing, material inconsistencies and other indicators associated with suspect or counterfeit electronic components.

Witnessed Competence & Test Repeatability

A key element of achieving accreditation is demonstrating technical competence and repeatability.

During the accreditation process, inspectors completed witnessed assessments, performing full inspection sequences under observation. Each stage of the test methodology was evaluated to confirm:

  • Procedural adherence
  • Consistency of execution
  • Accuracy of interpretation
  • Repeatability of results

Only inspectors who successfully completed this rigorous process are authorised to perform accredited methods. This ensures that results are not operator-dependent and that testing is repeatable, reliable and defensible.

Continuous Improvement & Technical Discipline

ISO 17025 is not a static achievement – it operates within a continuous improvement framework that requires:

  • Ongoing proficiency monitoring
  • Equipment calibration and verification
  • Method validation and review
  • Environmental control and monitoring
  • Documented corrective and preventive actions

This structure ensures our laboratory evolves alongside emerging counterfeit risks, industry guidance and customer requirements.

Highly Trained Inspectors, Engineered Assurance

Our laboratory capability is built on the expertise of highly trained inspectors operating within controlled procedures and validated methods. This combination of technical competence and process discipline ensures that verification activities deliver consistent, evidence-based results.

Benefits Across All Princeps Service Levels

While ISO 17025 strengthens laboratory testing, its value extends across the entire Princeps service framework.

Prime & Prime+

  • Enhanced inspection governance and traceability
  • Calibrated equipment and validated procedures
  • Increased confidence in authenticity verification

Assure & Assure+

  • AS6171 test planning delivered within an accredited framework
  • Repeatable and auditable counterfeit detection testing
  • Evidence-based reporting aligned with industry standards

Supply Chain Assurance

  • Technically valid and defensible test data
  • Improved audit readiness and compliance support
  • Strengthened counterfeit risk mitigation strategy

Why This Matters to Your Supply Chain

With Andrew Green overseeing Products & Capabilities, Princeps is uniquely positioned to translate laboratory assurance into practical supply chain value. Andrew was closely involved in various stages of the Princeps’ ISO 17025 accreditation project alongside Operations Director Ian Walker and Operations Manager, Inspection and Stores Jacob Dixon. This has helped shape how our laboratory capabilities align with real world customer supply chain issues.

This ensures customers understand not only what testing is performed, but why it matters in reducing programme risk.

ISO 17025 accreditation strengthens:

  • Confidence in component authenticity
  • Resilience against counterfeit infiltration
  • Compliance with regulatory and customer requirements
  • Assurance evidence for quality and audit frameworks
  • Long-term reliability in high-risk environments

To support our continuous improvement model, Princeps has also established a dedicated laboratory management team, providing a structured forum to review capabilities, discuss emerging risks and identify further opportunities to enhance testing and assurance services.

A Strategic Investment in Trust

This accreditation represents a significant investment in infrastructure, training, governance and quality systems. More importantly, it reflects our commitment to delivering engineered assurance, not simply inspection services.

By integrating ISO 17025 accredited AS6171 testing into our broader risk-based verification approach, Princeps continues to provide customers with demonstrable confidence, robust compliance support and strengthened supply chain resilience.

To learn more about how our accredited laboratory capabilities can support your programmes, speak with the Princeps team today.