AS5553E: Counterfeit Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical (EEE) Parts; Avoidance, Detection, Mitigation, and Disposition

SAE AS5553 standardizes the requirements, practices, and methods to reduce counterfeit parts entering the supply chain. It provides Requirements and Guidance by outlining actions an organization can take to address the growing problem of counterfeit parts across the entire electronics industry. The current version is AS5553E.

 

Buy a Copy of the AS5553 Standard 

 

History of AS55553

AS5553 was first published in 2009 by SAE international, with revisions made in 2013, 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2025. The first standard was developed as a response to the heightened risk of counterfeit electrical, electronic, and electromechanical (EEE) parts entering the global aerospace supply chain, along with other high-reliability and critical sectors, which pose significant performance, reliability, and safety risks. The revisions of AS5553 are in response to continually evolving risks related to EEE parts. 

The newest revision, SAE AS5553E, was updated in November 2025. The current version includes such areas as enhanced definitions and terms, along with expanded guidance for supplier management and risk assessment. Part traceability and record retention include additional requirements. Inspection and testing procedures have been updated. Flow-down requirements have been extended to all tiers of the supply chain. There are additional changes from AS5553D to AS5553E as well. SAE AS5553E not only retains the original risk-based counterfeit mitigation principles but it heightens clarity, traceability, inspection, supplier management, and integration with other aerospace quality standards. For all updates, purchase the AS5553E here. To remain current with the industry expectations and compliance requirements, organizations using AS5553D need to implement AS5553E.

After the publication of AS5553 in 2009, NASA and the DOD adopted the standard. 

Incorporates recognized best practices in:

• Component Management
• Supplier Management
• Procurement
• Inspection
• Test/Evaluation Methods
• Response strategies when counterfeit components are suspected or detected

Who should implement AS5553?

All electronic industries should implement AS5553: Defense, Aerospace, Civil & Commercial. The need often starts with an end customer, the government or private entity, placing requirements on their subcontractor to have a counterfeit mitigation plan in place

• Industry Associations
• Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)
• Best Manufacturing Practices Center of Excellence (BMPCOE)
• ERAI, Inc.
• Independent Distributors of Electronics Association (IDEA)

How bad is the problem?

The problem is an industry-wide global problem, particularly in AS&D industries. ERAI, Inc. receives ~200 suspect counterfeit part complaints/month and confirmed more than 2800 brokers selling counterfeit components.

What are the Benefits of AS5553?

The biggest benefit of AS5553 is reduction in counterfeit parts throughout the industry, thus limiting supply-chain risk. 

AS6081 and AS5553

If you are an independent distributor and are interested in being compliant with AS5553, you need to also implement the sister standard AS6081. AS6081 is similar to AS5553, but it contains prescriptive counterfeit parts avoidance requirements intended for distributors that purchase from the open market.