Department of Defense Issues Proposed Rule For The Detection And Avoidance Of Counterfeit Parts

The Department of Defense has just issued a proposed rule to address contractor responsibilities to detect and avoid counterfeit or suspect counterfeit electronic parts in the defense supply chain. 78 Fed. Reg. 28780 (May 16, 2013). The proposed rule imposes new obligations on the private sector, onto which it shifts most of the responsibility to detect counterfeit parts. Contractors should be aware of these obligations and focus on preparing for the new anti-counterfeit rules. Public comments are due within 60 days.