DoD Announces Groundbreaking Policy to Stop Counterfeits

by Semiconductor Industry Association

The Department of Defense (DoD) yesterday issued a new regulation that will greatly reduce the risks of counterfeit microelectronics entering the military supply chain. SIA has long-sought changes to DoD procurement practices that lead to counterfeits and non-trustworthy microelectronics ending up in critical military systems. The new DoD rule marks a landmark victory in the effort to ensure the safety of semiconductor products in the military supply chain.

The new rule requires military contractors and subcontractors to use electronic parts from original manufacturers or authorized distributors before turning to other, risky sources of parts. Previously, small contractors to DoD had been exempt from using authorized sources for electronic parts, but DoD determined that the dangers posed by counterfeit microelectronics were too great to continue existing practices. All DoD contractors are now required to obtain electronic parts from authorized sources when parts are in production or currently available in stock.

SIA has been asking for this policy change in meetings with DoD, military forums, and in the rule-making process for several years. The SIA Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force has actively advanced the issue and submitted lengthy comments on the DoD proposal last December. The new policy took effect immediately on Aug. 2, 2016.

SIA applauds the action taken yesterday by DoD and will continue to work to promote the safety and security of technologies that are vital to America’s economic and national security.