Standards Comparison

    AS9100

    Mandatory
    2016

    Aerospace QMS standard extending ISO 9001 requirements

    VS

    GDPR UK

    Mandatory
    2021

    UK regulation for personal data protection and privacy

    Quick Verdict

    AS9100 ensures aerospace quality and safety certification for ASD suppliers, while GDPR UK mandates personal data protection across all sectors. Companies adopt AS9100 for market access; GDPR UK avoids massive fines and builds trust.

    Quality Management

    AS9100

    AS9100D:2016 Quality Management Systems for Aerospace

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Comprehensive configuration management for product integrity
    • Explicit product safety processes across lifecycle
    • Counterfeit parts prevention and detection controls
    • Dual-layer operational and strategic risk management
    • Enhanced supplier selection and monitoring requirements
    Data Privacy

    GDPR UK

    UK General Data Protection Regulation

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Seven enforceable data processing principles
    • Comprehensive data subject rights framework
    • Accountability requiring demonstrable compliance
    • Mandatory DPIAs for high-risk processing
    • Fines up to 4% of global turnover

    Detailed Analysis

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

    AS9100 Details

    What It Is

    AS9100D (AS9100:2016) is the international certification standard for quality management systems (QMS) in aviation, space, and defense organizations. It extends ISO 9001:2015 with over 100 aerospace-specific requirements. Primary purpose: ensure product safety, configuration integrity, and supply chain reliability via risk-based thinking and process controls.

    Key Components

    • 10-clause Annex SL structure (Clauses 4–10)
    • Aerospace additions: configuration management (8.1.2), product safety (8.1.3), counterfeit prevention (8.1.4), operational risks (8.1.1)
    • Built on process-based QMS and PDCA cycle
    • Third-party certification through Stage 1/2 audits, annual surveillance

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Often contractually required by OEMs for market access
    • Reduces defects, rework, improves on-time delivery
    • Mitigates safety risks, counterfeit threats
    • Boosts supplier performance, builds stakeholder trust

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, internal audits (6–18 months)
    • Applies globally to ASD designers, manufacturers of all sizes
    • Requires leadership commitment, documented information, continual improvement

    GDPR UK Details

    What It Is

    UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) is the UK's post-Brexit data protection law, adapting EU GDPR with the Data Protection Act 2018. It is a binding regulation enforcing risk-based, accountability-focused governance for personal data processing by controllers and processors.

    Key Components

    • Seven core principles: lawfulness, purpose limitation, minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, security, accountability.
    • Individual rights (access, rectification, erasure, portability, objection).
    • Controller/processor obligations (RoPAs, contracts, DPIAs, breach notification).
    • Enforcement via ICO fines up to 4% global turnover; no formal certification but demonstrable compliance required.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Legal obligation for UK-established or targeting entities; manages breach risks, builds trust, enables cross-border operations. Enhances reputation, reduces fines, supports data-driven innovation.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, RoPA mapping, policies, training, DPIAs, audits. Applies to all sizes handling UK data; ICO audits focus on evidence, no certification.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    AS9100
    Aerospace QMS with safety, configuration, counterfeit controls
    GDPR UK
    Personal data protection principles, rights, security

    Industry

    AS9100
    Aviation, space, defense sectors globally
    GDPR UK
    All sectors handling UK personal data

    Nature

    AS9100
    Voluntary certification standard (IAQG)
    GDPR UK
    Mandatory legal regulation (ICO enforced)

    Testing

    AS9100
    Third-party Stage 1/2 audits, annual surveillance
    GDPR UK
    Internal audits, DPIAs, ICO investigations

    Penalties

    AS9100
    Certification loss, market access denial
    GDPR UK
    Fines up to £17.5M or 4% global turnover

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about AS9100 and GDPR UK

    AS9100 FAQ

    GDPR UK FAQ

    You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

    Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM

    Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform

    Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.

    100+ Standards & Regulations
    AI-Powered Insights
    Collaborative Assessments
    Actionable Recommendations

    Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages