The minerals that pose the greatest threats
are tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold,
collectively known as ‘3TG’. counterfeit parts use and their inclusion in
product(s) delivered to the customer. Such
processes should consider –
For example, conflict minerals have for some
years been a particular problem in minerals
sourced from conflict-affected areas of the
eastern DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo).
The DRC’s mineral wealth is enormous.
It is estimated that this country contains
between 65-80% of the world’s columbite-
tantalite (coltan) reserves, 49% of its cobalt
reserves, and 3% of its copper reserves. • training of appropriate persons in
the awareness and prevention of
counterfeit parts;
• application of a parts obsolescence
monitoring program;
• controls for acquiring externally
provided product
• requirements for assuring traceability of
parts and components to their original
or authorized manufacturers;
Organizations can, knowingly or
unknowingly, be affected by the risk of
supply chain ‘contamination’ with conflict
minerals. This can occur at a number of
stages, whether mining or trading in the
eastern provinces of DRC, in an adjoining
country, or further along the chain.
Meeting customer and international
requirements
At this time the following three standards
contain requirements relating to counterfeit
parts –
• AS5553:2016 Rev B
• IEC TS 62668-1:2016
• AS9100:2016 Rev D
Organizations must plan, implement,
and control processes, appropriate to
their operations and the product, for
the prevention of counterfeit or suspect
• verification and test methodologies
• monitoring of counterfeit parts
reporting from external sources;
• quarantine and reporting of suspect or
detected counterfeit parts
To minimize the risk of counterfeit matériel
the golden rule is to only use authorized
suppliers! Preferably use stockists, which are
AS9120:2016 certified.
Recent guidance and regulatory initiatives
seeking to keep conflict minerals out of the
industry supply chain include –
• OECD Due Diligence Guidance
(available now!)
• European Union adopted Regulation
(EU) 2017/821 (in force 2021)
The term ‘due diligence’ means acting with
reasonable care and investigating an issue
before making a decision on procurement.
In other words, it is an on-going, proactive
(and reactive) process through which
organizations put in place actions to make
sure they are able to identify, manage and
report on ‘3TG’ risks in their supply chain.
Organizations are advised to formulate their
own supply chain policy to conform to the
OECD Due Diligence Guidance outlining the
‘3TG’ risks of significant adverse impacts of
conflict minerals.
Once the policy has been documented,
the organization must adopt, and clearly
communicate to suppliers and interested
parties, up-to-date information on the policy.
Next actions
Dr Scrimshire (MD of TEC) said: “Counterfeit
parts and Conflict minerals pose a clear
and present danger to organizations, their
customers and the end-user of products
– organizations need to be empowered to
meet the challenge”.
TEC Transnational
(www.tectransnational.com) provide a
comprehensive 2-day course focused on
Counterfeit parts and Conflict minerals.
They have also created a LinkedIn ‘Group’
specifically focused on Counterfeit parts &
Product safety – feel free to join.
www.insys-icom.com
Issue 40 PECM
127