Distributor classification

Octopart classifies distributors into three buckets: Authorized Distributors, Non-Authorized Stocking Distributors, and Non-Authorized Dealers. It is important that buyers understand the differences between them. As a general rule of thumb, if an authorized source is available, you should buy from them.

Authorized Distributors

Distributors marked with a green star () are members of the ECIA (Electronic Components Industry Association) or are authorized by the manufacturer to sell their products (or both).

Octopart recommends buying components from authorized sources whenever possible to ensure that warranties are honored, counterfeit risk is reduced, and that the components are properly stored/handled/shipped according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

The ECIA provides good guidelines here, but keep in mind that for a distributor to be a member of the ECIA, just greater than 50% of their revenues must come from the sale of components from their authorized lines.

This means that it’s possible for an ECIA member to sell non-authorized product, as long as it’s not from a manufacturer on their published linecard. Be sure to double check with manufacturers that the distributors you buy from are actually authorized by the manufacturer. In some cases, Octopart may incorrectly designate a distributor as authorized since they are an ECIA member, but they are not actually authorized by that particular manufacturer.

If you spot a distributor incorrectly listed as authorized please send us an email (contact@octopart.com).

Non-Authorized Stocking Distributors

Distributors with a yellow star () do not have a legal agreement with the manufacturer to sell their products. These distributors have acquired components from various channels, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), contract manufacturers (CMs), and other distributors. The stock is often unused excess inventory.

Non-authorized stocking distributors play an important role in the supply chain when components cannot be obtained from the authorized channel. This is often the case when a component becomes obsolete.

However, one important thing to note is that more caution is required when buying from the non-authorized channel to ensure that you are not buying faulty, mislabeled, or counterfeit components. Additional testing beyond visual inspection may be necessary. Be sure to ask for any certifications the distributor may hold.

The ERAI is a privately owned organization that monitors this channel and can help you in mitigating risk.

If you spot a distributor incorrectly listed as a non-authorized stocking distributor please send us an email (contact@octopart.com).

Non-Authorized Dealers

Non-authorized dealers with a grey star () do not have stock in the component, but are able to procure it from someplace else. Often called brokers, they specialize in locating hard-to-find parts. Non-authorized dealers will only show up in Octopart search when no authorized distributors or non-authorized stocking distributors have stock for immediate sale (no stock found).

Buying from non-authorized dealers comes with increased risk. Utmost care is required when buying from non-authorized dealers to ensure that you are not buying faulty, mislabeled, or counterfeit components. Additional testing beyond visual inspection may be necessary. Be sure to ask for any certifications they may hold.

The ERAI is a privately owned organization that monitors this channel and can help you in mitigating risk.

If you spot a distributor incorrectly listed as a non-authorized stocking distributor please send us an email (contact@octopart.com).