Why test electronic components in the UK rather than the US?
13 November 2026
The answer
Testing electronic components in the UK removes three risks that come with shipping parts to the US: parts getting lost in transit, long and unpredictable turnaround times, and changing tariffs that leave the final cost unknown until the invoice arrives. For aerospace, defence and other long-life sectors, testing in the UK gives more certainty over cost, timing and chain of custody.
Why are customers moving away from US testing?
Customers are moving away from US testing mainly because of cost uncertainty and the risk to their parts in transit. Force Technologies' European and UK customers have told us they no longer want to send product across the Atlantic. Couriers have lost parts, turnaround times have been long, and US tariff decisions have changed often enough that the true cost of a test has only become clear once the bill arrives.
What is the Sovereign Test Lab?
The Sovereign Test Lab is Force Technologies' component testing facility in the UK. It is UK based, UK owned and privately funded by Force Technologies, a family owned business. Because it doesn't depend on government or investor funding, Force can take on work flexibly, including small prototype testing for customers.
What testing does the Sovereign Test Lab carry out?
The Sovereign Test Lab carries out AS6171 counterfeit detection testing on electronic components. The process follows a lean flow from bench to bench:
- Goods in inspection
- External visual inspection under high-powered microscopes, checking for cracks, scratches and signs of tampering
- Decapsulation of a sample batch, in line with AS6171, to check the die markings
- X-ray inspection
- XRF analysis to confirm what the component is made of, including lead, gold and REACH-restricted substances
- DC electrical testing
Force plans to add AC characterisation and temperature testing in 2027.
Why does counterfeit testing matter more now?
Counterfeit testing matters more now because global demand for semiconductors is rising faster than the industry can supply. AI, drone and missile manufacturers are taking a large share of available parts. Sectors such as rail, metering and medical may then struggle to get the components they need through authorised channels. When buyers have to look further afield for parts, counterfeiters gain more chances to get fake components into the supply chain.
Is the Sovereign Test Lab only for UK and European customers?
No. The lab was set up because UK and European customers asked for it, but it is open to customers anywhere, and some US customers have also asked to use it.
Can I visit the Sovereign Test Lab?
Yes. Force Technologies welcomes visits from customers and partners. Get in touch to arrange a visit or to talk about your testing needs.
These quick answers are drawn from our Force Tech Talk podcasts. Have a specific obsolescence challenge?
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