Have you ever encountered electronic component’s boxes with blacked out labels? This phenomenon, often seen in the electronics industry, can raise questions and concerns about the origin and quality of the components.
In this blog post, we’ll explain the origins of this practice, the reasons why labels are sometimes obscured, and how we ensure the quality of the electronics components that we supply regardless.
Asia's Electronic Edge
Asian manufacturers have been leading the electronic component market for decades. Countries such as; China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, have firmly established the global epicentre for electronic component production. These manufacturers excel in producing a wide range of electronic components, including semiconductors, microchips, displays, and other crucial parts used in various electronic devices.
Factors contributing to their dominance include technological innovation, economies of scale, a highly skilled labour force, and significant investments in research and development. Their ability to produce high-quality components at competitive prices has made them valuable to the global electronics industry.
The supply chain of electronic components originating from Asia is intricate and dynamic. The path of electronic components from production to users through the open market is not always simple. Many players, like OEMs and independent distributors, contribute to the complexity of the supply chain.
Why do labels end up blacked out?
In this global network, electronic components travel from factories to users through a complex system. When receiving components from independent distributors, you might notice blacked-out labels on factory boxes. Notably, the majority of obscured factory labels visible on these boxes often trace back to the Asian market. The various factors that lead manufacturers or suppliers to black out labels are numerous;
Fraud Prevention
One significant reason for blacking out labels is to minimise the opportunity for counterfeiters to utilise ‘genuine’ data. In some cases, counterfeiters may use the visible label to falsely market unoriginal items, wrongfully offering their own product as genuine. By hiding specific information on the label, distributors aim to block or limit the amount of information counterfeiters can use or have access to.
Source Confidentiality
Another reason for the practice is to protect sources and suppliers, especially when selling rare or highly desired parts. In the electronics industry, distributors often find themselves in possession of valuable, hard-to-find components. By blacking-out specific label information, these distributors can guard the identities of their sources and suppliers. This measure protects the confidentiality of their supply chain relationships, allowing them to continue sourcing components.
Trade Agreement Limitations
Regional trading agreements set certain limitations that affect how distributors operate. These agreements limit trading beyond a specific area. However, they provide benefits and better conditions for those who stay within the designated region. In response to these limitations, some distributors choose to blackout labels on their products. By doing this, they can sell outside their region while keeping favourable terms.
Safeguarding Excellence: Cyclops Electronics' Expertise in Quality Assurance
While blacked-out labels may not necessarily indicate any issues for concern, at Cyclops Electronics we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and authenticity of every component.
Upon arrival at the Cyclops warehouse, all incoming goods undergo an in-depth inspection process. We examine each component based on its type, age, supply chain, and specific customer requirements. We conduct important checks, including extensive verification and RoHS compliance.
Our experienced quality control team perform high-resolution optical inspections and secondary checks, with testing continuing based on results. We work closely with third-party accredited test houses that are local to the supply chain. This allows us to offer our customers quick service and testing packages designed to fit their specific needs.
Get in touch for help sourcing hard-to-find electronic components, backed by Cyclops Electronics’ unwavering commitment to quality.
