AS9100 vs EN 1090
AS9100
Aerospace quality management system standard extending ISO 9001
EN 1090
EU standard for steel/aluminium structures execution and CE marking
Quick Verdict
AS9100 delivers aerospace-specific QMS certification for aviation/space/defense suppliers worldwide, emphasizing risk, safety, and supply chain controls. EN 1090 mandates CE marking for EU structural steel/aluminium via FPC, ensuring execution quality. Organizations adopt AS9100 for OEM access; EN 1090 for legal market entry.
AS9100
AS9100:2026 Aerospace Quality Management Systems
Key Features
- Explicit product safety controls across lifecycle (8.1.3)
- Configuration management for design integrity (8.1.2)
- Counterfeit parts prevention in operations (8.1.4)
- Operational risk management processes (8.1.1)
- Enhanced supplier controls and traceability (8.4)
EN 1090
EN 1090: Execution of steel and aluminium structures
Key Features
- Risk-based Execution Classes (EXC1-EXC4)
- Factory Production Control (FPC) certification
- CE marking and Declaration of Performance
- Welding management per ISO 3834
- Material traceability and NDT inspections
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
AS9100 Details
What It Is
AS9100:2026 is the international certification standard for quality management systems (QMS) in aviation, space, and defense. It extends ISO 9001:2026 with over 100 aerospace-specific requirements, using a process-based, risk-oriented approach across 10 clauses.
Key Components
- Core pillars: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- Aerospace additions: configuration management (8.1.2), product safety (8.1.3), counterfeit prevention (8.1.4), operational risks (8.1.1), human factors.
- Built on Annex SL structure; certified via accredited third-party audits (Stage 1/2, surveillance).
Why Organizations Use It
- Enables market access as OEM prerequisite.
- Reduces defects, improves delivery, manages supply chain risks.
- Enhances safety, traceability, counterfeit avoidance.
- Builds stakeholder trust via OASIS visibility.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, internal audits, certification (6-18 months).
- Applies to designers, manufacturers, suppliers; global scope.
- Evidence-driven audits emphasize operational effectiveness.
EN 1090 Details
What It Is
EN 1090 is the European harmonized standard family (EN 1090-1, -2, -3) governing execution and conformity assessment of structural steel and aluminium components/kits for construction works. Under the CPR, it enables CE marking via a risk-based approach through Execution Classes (EXC1-4), scaling requirements for fabrication, welding, tolerances, and inspection.
Key Components
- EN 1090-1 FPC certification, AVCP, DoP issuance
- EN 1090-2/-3 Technical rules for steel/aluminium execution
- Core pillars Material traceability, welding (ISO 3834), NDT, tolerances
- Notified body certification with ongoing surveillance
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for EU market access and CE marking
- Mitigates liability, ensures safety via risk scaling
- Builds trust, reduces rework, enables high-risk projects
- Competitive edge in tenders, supply chains
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, FPC build, personnel quals, NB audit. Applies to fabricators globally targeting EU; 6-12 months typical, certified FPC essential. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | AS9100 | EN 1090 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Aerospace QMS with safety, configuration, counterfeit controls | Structural steel/aluminium execution and conformity assessment |
| Industry | Aviation, space, defense globally | Construction, steel/aluminium fabrication in EU/EEA |
| Nature | Voluntary certification standard (IAQG) | Mandatory harmonized standard for CE marking (CPR) |
| Testing | Third-party audits, surveillance every year | FPC certification, initial inspection, continuous surveillance |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, market exclusion | Market withdrawal, fines, legal liability |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about AS9100 and EN 1090
AS9100 FAQ
EN 1090 FAQ
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