What is the primary objective of **AS9100**?

**AS9100's primary objective is to establish a quality management system (QMS) for aviation, space, and defense organizations that ensures product safety, configuration integrity, and supply chain reliability.** Developed by the IAQG, AS9100D (2016) builds on ISO 9001:2015's 10-clause structure, adding over 100 aerospace-specific requirements in Clause 8, including operational risk management (8.1.1), configuration management (8.1.2), product safety (8.1.3), and counterfeit parts prevention (8.1.4). It mandates process-based controls, risk-based thinking across enterprise (Clause 6.1) and operational levels, and lifecycle assurance to prevent catastrophic failures.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **AS9100**?

**AS9100 applies to organizations that design, develop, manufacture, or service aviation, space, and defense products and services.** It targets manufacturers of parts, materials suppliers, design centers, and quality support organizations in ASD supply chains. Major OEMs and primes require certification as a business condition, with visibility via IAQG's OASIS database. AS9100 covers general ASD (not MRO via AS9110 or distributors via AS9120), emphasizing flow-down to suppliers for traceability and counterfeit prevention, regardless of organization size—96% of certified firms have under 500 employees.

Does **AS9100** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**Yes, AS9100 requires third-party certification through accredited bodies via a two-stage audit process.** Stage 1 assesses documentation and readiness; Stage 2 verifies implementation and effectiveness using AS9101 guidance. Certification is maintained with annual surveillance audits and recertification every three years. Nonconformities demand corrective actions within 60–90 days, with evidence of process effectiveness via interviews, observations, and records, especially for Clause 8 aerospace controls.

How often should an assessment for **AS9100** be performed?

**AS9100 requires internal audits at planned intervals, annual surveillance audits post-certification, and full recertification every three years.** Internal audits (Clause 9.2) follow a risk-based schedule, focusing on high-risk processes like configuration and supplier controls. Management reviews (Clause 9.3) occur periodically, typically quarterly, evaluating KPIs, audits, and improvements. This sustains QMS effectiveness across the PDCA cycle.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **AS9100**?

**Non-compliance with AS9100 risks certification suspension, loss of OEM approval, and supply chain exclusion via OASIS.** Audits identify major nonconformities in Clause 8 controls, requiring root-cause analysis (including human factors) and verified corrections. Operationally, it leads to quality escapes, product safety events, rework, and contractual penalties; strategically, it blocks market access as primes mandate certification.

Can **AS9100** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, AS9100D aligns with ISO 9001:2015's Annex SL structure, enabling seamless mapping and integrated management systems.** Its 10-clause PDCA framework (Clauses 4–10) supports compatibility, with shared elements like risk-based thinking (Clause 6), leadership (Clause 5), and performance evaluation (Clause 9). Aerospace additions like product safety enhance, but do not conflict with, mappings.

What is the first step to begin implementing **AS9100**?

**The first step to implement AS9100 is conducting a comprehensive gap analysis against AS9100D clauses.** Map current processes to requirements, prioritizing aerospace additions (Clause 8), using cross-functional teams to identify gaps in scope (Clause 4.3), risks (6.1/8.1.1), and controls like configuration and counterfeit prevention. This produces a prioritized roadmap, typically taking 6–18 months to certification.

What is the primary objective of **AS9120B**?

**AS9120B's primary objective is to establish a quality management system (QMS) for organizations that procure, store, split, and resell aerospace parts without altering product characteristics.** Built on ISO 9001:2015's 10-clause structure, it adds over 100 aerospace-specific requirements addressing distribution risks like traceability loss, counterfeit parts, documentation errors, and external provider controls. Key focuses include chain-of-custody integrity via identification/traceability (Clause 8.5.2), counterfeit prevention (Clause 8.1.4), and configuration management.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **AS9120B**?

**AS9120B applies to stockist distributors, pass-through distributors, and organizations performing batch splitting in aviation, space, and defense supply chains.** It targets entities purchasing, storing, and reselling parts without value-added changes like machining. Certification is not legally mandatory but is a commercial requirement from OEMs and primes for supply chain approval, with ~2,442 global certifications (836 in U.S.) as of 2023 enabling OASIS listing.

Does **AS9120B** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**Yes, AS9120B requires third-party certification through a two-stage external audit process by an accredited certification body.** Stage 1 reviews documentation and scope; Stage 2 verifies implementation and effectiveness per AS9101F. Ongoing surveillance audits occur annually, with recertification every three years, ensuring IAQG oversight and OASIS registration.

How often should an assessment for **AS9120B** be performed?

**AS9120B requires internal audits at planned intervals to cover all QMS processes and requirements annually.** Management reviews occur at defined intervals, typically quarterly or semi-annually, evaluating performance data, risks, audits, and supplier metrics (Clause 9.3). Effectiveness of risk actions and corrective actions must be verified ongoing.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **AS9120B**?

**Non-compliance with AS9120B risks exclusion from OEM supply chains, contract disqualification, and loss of OASIS visibility.** It can lead to major audit nonconformities, certification suspension, operational disruptions from recalls, reputational damage, and potential legal liabilities for safety incidents involving counterfeit parts or traceability failures.

Can **AS9120B** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**AS9120B aligns directly with ISO 9001:2015's high-level structure, enabling seamless mapping of its 10 clauses.** Aerospace additions like counterfeit prevention and traceability integrate with ISO requirements, but it excludes manufacturing elements, requiring justification for "not applicable" clauses (e.g., 8.3 Design) in scope documentation.

What is the first step to begin implementing **AS9120B**?

**The first step is conducting a formal gap analysis against AS9120B clauses using a certified checklist to identify deficiencies.** Form a cross-functional team, document context (Clause 4), justify scope/applicability, and prioritize high-risk areas like supplier controls and traceability for a risk-based implementation plan.

AS9100 vs AS9120B

Standards Comparison

AS9100

Mandatory

2016

Aerospace quality management system extending ISO 9001

AS9120B

Mandatory

2016

Aerospace QMS standard for distributors ensuring traceability and counterfeit prevention.

Quick Verdict

AS9100 provides comprehensive QMS for ASD manufacturers with design and production controls, while AS9120B targets distributors focusing on traceability, counterfeit prevention, and supply chain integrity. Organizations adopt them for OEM approval, market access, and safety assurance in high-stakes aerospace sectors.

Quality Management

AS9100

AS9100D Quality Management Systems for Aerospace

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

12-18 months

Key Features

Mandates product safety processes across lifecycle
Requires configuration management for integrity
Demands counterfeit parts prevention program
Implements operational risk management controls
Enhances supplier evaluation and traceability

Quality Management

AS9120B

AS9120B: Quality Management Systems for Distributors

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Counterfeit and suspected unapproved parts prevention
Traceability and chain-of-custody controls for split lots
Risk-based external provider evaluation and monitoring
Configuration management for distribution processes
Enhanced product preservation and storage requirements

Detailed Analysis

A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

AS9100 Details

What It Is

AS9100D:2016 is the certification standard for quality management systems (QMS) in aviation, space, and defense. It extends ISO 9001:2015 with over 100 aerospace-specific requirements, using a process-based, risk-focused approach across 10 clauses.

Key Components

**Clause 8 additionsoperational risk (8.1.1), configuration management (8.1.2), product safety (8.1.3), counterfeit prevention (8.1.4).
Enhanced supplier controls (8.4), human factors, and dual risk tiers.
Built on Annex SL PDCA cycle; certification via accredited third-party audits (Stage 1/2, surveillance).

Why Organizations Use It

Provides market access to OEMs, reduces quality escapes, ensures supply chain integrity. Mitigates catastrophic risks, improves delivery/cost; builds stakeholder trust via OASIS visibility.

Implementation Overview

Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, internal audits, certification (6-18 months). Applies to all sizes in ASD; requires leadership commitment, documented processes, continual improvement.

AS9120B Details

What It Is

AS9120B is the IAQG quality management system standard for aerospace distributors, built on ISO 9001:2015's 10-clause structure. It applies to organizations procuring, storing, splitting, and reselling parts without alteration, using a risk-based approach to address distribution risks like traceability loss and counterfeits.

Key Components

Over 100 aerospace-specific requirements beyond ISO 9001.
Pillars: context analysis, leadership, planning, support, operations (traceability, preservation, counterfeit prevention), performance evaluation, improvement.
Built on PDCA cycle; certification via accredited bodies with OASIS listing.

Why Organizations Use It

Commercial necessity for OEM/Tier 1 supply chains.
Mitigates risks of nonconformities, enhances chain-of-custody.
Builds customer trust, market access (2,442 global certifications).
Drives efficiency, reduces liabilities.

Implementation Overview

Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months).
For distributors globally; requires internal audits, management reviews.

Key Differences

Aspect	AS9100	AS9120B
Scope	Design, development, manufacturing, services for ASD	Procurement, storage, splitting, resale without alteration
Industry	Aviation, space, defense manufacturers globally	Aerospace stockist distributors worldwide
Nature	Voluntary QMS certification standard	Voluntary distributor-specific QMS certification
Testing	Stage 1/2 audits, annual surveillance, recert every 3 years	Stage 1/2 audits, annual surveillance, recert every 3 years
Penalties	Loss of certification, market exclusion	Loss of certification, market exclusion

Scope

AS9100

Design, development, manufacturing, services for ASD

AS9120B

Procurement, storage, splitting, resale without alteration

Industry

AS9100

Aviation, space, defense manufacturers globally

AS9120B

Aerospace stockist distributors worldwide

Nature

AS9100

Voluntary QMS certification standard

AS9120B

Voluntary distributor-specific QMS certification

Testing

AS9100

Stage 1/2 audits, annual surveillance, recert every 3 years

AS9120B

Stage 1/2 audits, annual surveillance, recert every 3 years

Penalties

AS9100

Loss of certification, market exclusion

AS9120B

Loss of certification, market exclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about AS9100 and AS9120B

AS9100 FAQ

AS9120B FAQ

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AS9100

AS9120B

Quick Verdict

AS9100

Key Features

AS9120B

Key Features

Detailed Analysis

AS9100 Details

What It Is

Key Components

Why Organizations Use It

Implementation Overview

AS9120B Details

What It Is

Key Components

Why Organizations Use It

Implementation Overview

Key Differences

Scope

Industry

Nature

Testing

Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

AS9100 FAQ

What is the primary objective of AS9100?

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with AS9100?

Does AS9100 require an external audit or third-party certification?

How often should an assessment for AS9100 be performed?

What are the consequences of non-compliance with AS9100?

Can AS9100 be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing AS9100?

AS9120B FAQ

What is the primary objective of AS9120B?

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with AS9120B?

Does AS9120B require an external audit or third-party certification?

How often should an assessment for AS9120B be performed?

What are the consequences of non-compliance with AS9120B?

Can AS9120B be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing AS9120B?

You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

Your Compliance Command Center: How Modern Tools Orchestrate Cross-Departmental Adherence

CMMC Level 3 Implementation Guide: Integrating NIST SP 800-172 Enhanced Controls for APT Defense

The Panoramic View: How Integrated Compliance Monitoring Creates Unprecedented Organizational Visibility and Adaptability

Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM

Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages

ISA 95 vs ISO 22301

IEC 62443 vs BRC

WEEE vs ISO 28000