SANTA CLARA, CA – A new email list provides a forum for discussions on counterfeit components.
 
Combat Counterfeit is an industry service similar to lists on lead-free assembly and tin whiskers. John Burke of RoHSUSA set up the list to facilitate communication on the widespread problem.
 
To subscribe to the list, email combatcounterfeit-request@freelists.org. Type “subscribe” in the subject field. Subsequently, posts can be sent via combatcounterfeit@freelists.org.
 
Burke is also setting up a database of components obtained in good faith that turned out to be counterfeit. This list will not be available online, but will be compiled and held on a secure server. Potential buyers will be able to call for information about whether a certain component has a history of counterfeiting, and whether a company has any strikes in this regard.
 
For more information, email john@rohsusa.com.