We have been members of ERAI since 1998 because we want to protect our customers, and the wider market, from counterfeit electronic components. Their report for 2024 gives an accurate summary of the current situation regarding counterfeits.

The 2024 ERAI Annual Report indicates a continuation of recent trends, with a notable 25% increase in reported suspect counterfeit and nonconforming electronic components, totalling 1,055 cases—the highest since 2015.

Key Findings:

  • Targeted Components: Counterfeiters continue to focus on parts readily available through authorised distribution channels, expanding their reach to a broader range of manufacturers’ brands.
  • Component Types: Analog Integrated Circuits (ICs) remain the most reported counterfeit component type. Other frequently targeted categories include Microprocessor ICs, Memory ICs, and Programmable Logic ICs. Notably, there has been a decline in counterfeit capacitor reports, with only six cases in 2024 compared to 165 during the 2019 capacitor shortage.
  • Manufacturer Brands: A new brand, 3ON Systems, emerged as the most counterfeited in 2024, primarily due to a significant batch of counterfeit fan assemblies reported by the U.S. Government. Excluding this anomaly, the brands most frequently targeted by counterfeiters remain consistent with previous years.
  • Availability Status: While obsolete parts continue to be the most counterfeited (42.75%), active components, including those readily available through authorised sources, accounted for 27.2% of reported cases. This suggests that availability does not significantly deter counterfeiters.
  • Reporting Entities: Third-party test laboratories (37.35%) and independent distributors (31.85%) were the primary reporters of counterfeit parts in 2024. Reports from manufacturers, including Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Original Component Manufacturers (OCMs), and Contract Manufacturers (CMs), remained low, comprising just under 6% of all reports.

These findings underscore the persistent risks associated with counterfeit electronic components, even those available through authorised channels. Buying the obsolete components you need through us gives a high level of protection from counterfeits.  You can see current stock holdings for the parts you need here.