Digi-Key Counterfeit Policy

To preclude introduction of counterfeit product into our supply chain through strict avoidance, mitigation, and disposition processes.

Digi-Key Corporation designs its requirements, practices, and methods related to parts management, supplier management, procurement, and response strategies to adhere to the intent of counterfeit electronics parts standard SAE AS5553.

Counterfeit product has become a growing concern in customers' supply chains as customers or distributors secure low cost alternative sources. Digi-Key is committed to obtaining only the highest quality products for our customers. Digi-Key purchases product only through our Authorized Manufacturers and Suppliers, thereby ensuring that product is new, authentic, and fully warrantable under the direct supplier and that accurate up-to-date technical information is readily available. Digi-Key does not purchase product from sources other than authorized manufacturers and suppliers. Digi-Key does not purchase refurbished product for re-sale. Authorized manufacturers and suppliers are continually assessed via review of GIDEP product alerts and supplier quality data to determine past performance.

Digi-Key maintains traceability to the OEM for purchases from Authorized Suppliers, retaining the original purchase orders and other receiving documentation, including Manufacturers’ Certificate of Conformance, for the required document retention periods.

Digi-Key follows a strict returns policy that includes:

• Confirmation of the traceability of the product from Digi-Key to the customer including original purchase date, part number, and quantity.
• Incoming inspection to assure that all parts are undamaged and in original packaging.
• Testing for static and moisture levels where applicable and rebaking if necessary.
• Broken manufacturer's pack are reconfirmed as authentic by Digi-Key's Product Managers in conjunction with the original manufacturer using various authentication techniques.

Only parts that meet these rigorous standards are allowed to be returned to inventory.

Digi-Key reports all occurrences of counterfeit parts, as appropriate, to internal organizations, manufactures, customers, GIDEP, and criminal investigative authorities.