Protecting Product Integrity Through Rigorous Anti‑Counterfeit Processes

Counterfeit electronic components continue to present a serious risk across global supply chains. At Diamond Electronics Group, we take this challenge extremely seriously. Every component you trust us with must be authentic, traceable and safe to use – which is why our anti‑counterfeit procedures go far beyond standard industry checks.

Any component sourced from brokers or the grey market is immediately quarantined and subjected to a 100% authenticity inspection before it is released into our stores or production. Our multi‑stage process ensures that every part meets our strict quality and reliability requirements.

Documentation & Traceability Verification

We begin with a detailed paperwork review to ensure every shipment aligns with expected traceability standards. This includes:

·       Full customs declaration verification

·       Accuracy of all supporting documentation

·       Correct manufacturer and distributor information

·       Batch‑level traceability where available

This first step helps identify early red flags before physical inspection begins.

Packaging & Labelling Inspection

Packaging is often the first indicator of reworked or counterfeit goods. Our team checks:

·       Compliant ESD packaging

·       Factory‑sealed reels, trays and tape

·       Condition of moisture‑sensitive packaging and humidity indicator cards

·       Correct product orientation

·       Barcode scans that match all printed labels

·       Date/lot codes and country‑of‑origin accuracy

Visual consistency is key — subtle variations can indicate repackaging or tampering.

Authenticity Checks & Marking Verification

Our inspectors review each part for:

·       Authentic manufacturer logos

·       Correct font, alignment, print density and marking layout

·       Surface defects or evidence of resurfacing

·       Consistent product condition across the batch

If required we can subcontract local specialised laboratories to conduct marking permanence tests, using chemical swabs to identify whether part identifiers can be removed or altered – a common sign of counterfeit components.

Electrical Comparison Testing – IC Sentry

Where appropriate, components are tested against known, good originals using our IC Sentry system.
This allows us to compare behaviour and electrical signatures, offering another level of confidence that parts are genuine.

Reel Inspection

All reels undergo detailed validation, including:

·       Confirming manufacturer‑supplied vs third‑party reels

·       Checking carrier tape consistency and condition

·       Verifying leader and trailer tape

·       Ensuring cover tape is fully sealed

·       Inspecting for splicing, crushed pockets, damage or empty pockets

·       Verifying Pin 1 orientation

·       Checking tape pitch accuracy

·       Ensuring components are supplied in the correct orientation

·       Reviewing markings for consistent font, colour, density, date codes and lot codes

These checks ensure that reels have not been tampered with, re‑taped or re‑worked.

Microscopy Inspection

Using our Wi‑Fi digital telescopic microscope, we perform close‑up analysis of:

·       Bent, scratched, broken or missing pins

·       Corrosion, contamination or unwanted solder

·       Consistency of pin gloss, texture and colour

·       Oxidation, tinning or unusual discolouration

·       Dirt, fibres or foreign material

·       Correct lead finish relative to date code (not too shiny for older parts, not too dull for newer ones)

Comparing these details against known genuine references helps us identify resurfacing, re‑tinning or refurbished parts.

Protecting Your Products, Brand and End Users

Our anti‑counterfeit programme is designed around one goal: giving you complete confidence in every component used in your products.

From paperwork to microscopes to electrical testing, we combine multiple layers of inspection to ensure no suspicious or sub‑standard part makes it into your build.

If you’d like more detail about our processes, or want support strengthening your own supply chain controls we’re always here to help.