COUNTERFEIT MATTERS - AS 9100 & ISO 9001

Hello my name is David Burns of The Assessment Register and welcome to our "podcast".

As the "podcast" name implies, this podcast is all about considering  and controlling potential "counterfeit" within your supply chain. The AS 9100, IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 requires a level of control to mitigate "potential" counterfeit .

Whether alloys and electronic or software and certificates, counterfeit can creep into the supply chain. However, be very aware. Counterfeit is only counterfeit if proven to be counterfeit. Many AS 9100  and ISO 9001 auditors forget that a counterfeit part may not be a counterfeit, but a mistake without malicious intent.

Within “quality management system” circles, we are all aware that the law will take precedence over a voluntary Standard. In addition, a legally binding contract will also take precedence over a voluntary Standard. UK law around “forgery and counterfeiting” talks about “intending to deceive” through knowingly “imitating a product” and claiming it is the genuine thing.

This can be achieved by incorrectly-labelling the item, false or misleading certification, creating a similar brand, etc. things that will cause confused product messaging.

The AS 9100, IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 present the case for “product identification and traceability” and now “prevention of counterfeit” parts. So, nothing new, but an important consideration for the quality management system. We recommend that prevention should be an integral part of the following:

·         Supplier selection – known and quality assured suppliers

·         Purchasing – terms and conditions that reminds about counterfeit matters

·         Training – internal awareness training for those involved with the above and inspection

·         Non-conformance – reporting and containing potential counterfeit items

·         Reporting – to customer and the authorities 

…well that’s the summary… have a great listen and then visit: www.assessment-register.co.uk