AS9100
Aerospace QMS standard extending ISO 9001 requirements
GDPR UK
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.
AS9100
AS9100D:2016 Quality Management Systems for Aerospace
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
GDPR UK
UK General Data Protection Regulation
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
| Aspect | AS9100 | GDPR UK |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Aerospace QMS with safety, configuration, counterfeit controls | Personal data protection principles, rights, security |
| Industry | Aviation, space, defense sectors globally | All sectors handling UK personal data |
| Nature | Voluntary certification standard (IAQG) | Mandatory legal regulation (ICO enforced) |
| Testing | Third-party Stage 1/2 audits, annual surveillance | Internal audits, DPIAs, ICO investigations |
| Penalties | Certification loss, market access denial | Fines up to £17.5M or 4% global turnover |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about AS9100 and GDPR UK
AS9100 FAQ
GDPR UK FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

From Reactive Gatekeeper to Proactive Strategist: How Compliance Software Reshapes the Compliance Professional's Day
Discover how compliance software automates monitoring, delivers real-time insights, and transforms compliance pros from reactive gatekeepers to proactive strate

Top 5 Audit Survival Secrets for Your First SOC 2 Type 2: What Auditors Really Check (and How to Pass)
Master your first SOC 2 Type 2 audit with proven strategies: 40-sample testing, vendor gaps, CPA walkthroughs. Get checklists, scripts & tips from SignWell to s

The Panoramic View: How Integrated Compliance Monitoring Creates Unprecedented Organizational Visibility and Adaptability
Gain unprecedented organizational visibility with integrated compliance monitoring. Automate real-time alerts, ensure GDPR & SOC 2 adherence, reduce risks, and
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.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
ISO 14001 vs EMAS
ISO 14001 vs EMAS: Compare global EMS standard with EU's premium scheme for verified compliance, public reporting & performance gains. Choose the best for your sustainability goals.
PDPA vs IFS Food
Discover PDPA vs IFS Food: Compare Singapore/Thailand/Taiwan privacy laws with global food safety standards for compliance mastery. Unlock strategies now!
CMMC vs GRI
Compare CMMC cybersecurity for DoD vs GRI sustainability standards. Explore key differences in levels, scoping, audits & impacts to align compliance, cut risks & gain strategic edge now.