What is the primary objective of AS9120B?

AS9120B establishes a quality management system (QMS) for aerospace distributors that procure, store, split, and resell parts without altering characteristics. Built on ISO 9001:2015's 10-clause structure, it adds over 100 IAQG-specific requirements targeting distribution risks like traceability loss, counterfeit parts, documentation errors, and external provider weaknesses. Core focus: chain-of-custody integrity via operational controls in Clause 8 (traceability, preservation, configuration management, counterfeit prevention).

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with AS9120B?

AS9120B applies to stockist distributors, pass-through distributors, and those performing batch splitting in aviation, space, and defense supply chains. It targets organizations reselling aerospace parts without modification; excludes value-added activities altering conformity or MRO. Certification is not legally mandatory but commercially essential—OEMs/primes require it for supplier approval, with 2,442 global certifications (836 U.S.) as of March 2026 enabling OASIS visibility.

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

AS9120B requires third-party certification via accredited bodies using IAQG rules and AS9101 audit criteria. Process includes Stage 1 (documentation review) and Stage 2 (on-site effectiveness audit), followed by annual surveillance and triennial recertification. Internal audits (Clause 9.2) support readiness, but external certification provides OASIS listing and market qualification.

How often should an assessment for AS9120B be performed?

AS9120B mandates internal audits at planned intervals to cover the QMS annually (Clause 9.2). Management reviews occur at planned intervals (typically quarterly), analyzing performance data, risks, audits, and supplier trends (Clause 9.3). External surveillance audits occur yearly post-certification, with full recertification every 3 years.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with AS9120B?

Non-compliance with AS9120B risks contract disqualification, supply chain exclusion, and liability for safety incidents. No direct legal penalties, but OEMs/primes impose it contractually; audit failures yield major nonconformities in traceability/counterfeit controls, leading to certification denial, OASIS delisting, recalls, and reputational damage.

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. Clause-by-clause comparisons exist for integrated systems; aerospace additions (e.g., counterfeit prevention, traceability) augment baseline ISO requirements without conflict.

What is the first step to begin implementing AS9120B?

Conduct a formal gap analysis against AS9120B clauses using cross-functional teams to map current processes. Define QMS scope (Clause 4.3), justify "not applicable" determinations (e.g., 8.3 design), and prioritize distributor risks like supplier controls and traceability for a risk register.

What is the primary objective of AS9110C?

AS9110C's primary objective is to enable aviation maintenance organizations to consistently provide products and services meeting customer and statutory/regulatory requirements while enhancing customer satisfaction through effective QMS application and continual improvement. It incorporates ISO 9001:2015's Annex SL structure across Clauses 4–10, adding maintenance-specific controls like configuration management, product safety, counterfeit parts prevention, traceability, preservation, and human factors consideration to ensure continuing airworthiness.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with AS9110C?

AS9110C applies to aviation maintenance organizations, including repair stations and MRO providers, regardless of size or type, whose primary business involves maintenance or continuing airworthiness services. This includes independent repair stations, airline maintenance departments, OEM MRO operations, and component overhaul facilities performing work on civil or military aircraft; certification is often contractually required by OEMs and regulators for OASIS listing and supply chain access.

Does AS9110C require an external audit or third-party certification?

Yes, AS9110C requires third-party certification through accredited registrars, with initial Stage 1 (documentation review) and Stage 2 (on-site effectiveness audit) audits. The QMS must be fully operational for at least three months, including a full internal audit cycle and management review, prior to certification; ongoing surveillance audits occur annually, with recertification every three years.

How often should an assessment for AS9110C be performed?

Internal audits for AS9110C must be performed at planned intervals based on process risk, status, and importance, with full coverage at least annually. Management reviews occur at predetermined intervals aligned with business cycles, using performance data from monitoring, audits, and nonconformities; critical processes like configuration management and release require higher frequency.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with AS9110C?

Non-compliance with AS9110C risks loss of repair station approvals, contract ineligibility, regulatory sanctions, and safety incidents compromising airworthiness. Certification lapses prevent OASIS listing and OEM contracts; operational failures in traceability or counterfeit prevention can lead to rework, AOG events, fines, litigation, and reputational damage from maintenance errors.

Can AS9110C be mapped to other international frameworks?

Yes, AS9110C aligns directly with ISO 9001:2015 via its Annex SL high-level structure and shares terminology like "documented information" and "external providers." IAQG correlation matrices facilitate mapping to regulatory frameworks such as FAA/EASA Part 145, enabling integrated QMS without exclusions where requirements are applicable within scope.

What is the first step to begin implementing AS9110C?

The first step is to define QMS scope, determine internal/external issues, and conduct a gap analysis against Clauses 4–10 using IAQG checklists. Secure executive sponsorship, map regulatory approvals and customer requirements, and justify any non-applicable clauses to establish boundaries before process design and risk assessment.

Standards Comparison

AS9120B vs AS9110C

AS9120B

Mandatory

2016

Aerospace QMS standard for distributors ensuring traceability and authenticity

AS9110C

Mandatory

2016

Aerospace standard for aviation maintenance quality management.

Quick Verdict

AS9120B governs aerospace distributors procuring/storing/reselling parts without alteration, ensuring traceability and counterfeit prevention. AS9110C targets MRO organizations performing maintenance/repairs, emphasizing airworthiness, configuration control, and human factors. Both enable supply chain approval via IAQG certification.

Quality Management

AS9120B

AS9120B: Quality Management Systems - Requirements for Distributors

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Enhanced traceability and chain-of-custody controls for split lots
Counterfeit and suspected unapproved parts prevention processes
Risk-based external provider evaluation and flowdown requirements
Configuration management tailored to distribution operations
Product safety and ethical behavior awareness mandates

Quality Management

AS9110C

AS9110C: Quality Management Systems for Aviation Maintenance

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Configuration management and traceability controls
Counterfeit and suspect parts prevention
Risk-based thinking in operations
Human factors in root cause analysis
Continuing airworthiness management requirements

Detailed Analysis

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

AS9120B Details

What It Is

AS9120B, officially "Quality Management Systems - Requirements for Aviation, Space, and Defense Distributors," is an IAQG certification standard built on ISO 9001:2015's 10-clause structure. It targets organizations procuring, storing, splitting, and reselling aerospace parts without alteration, using a risk-based PDCA approach to mitigate distribution risks like traceability loss and counterfeits.

Key Components

Core pillars: context analysis, leadership, planning, support, operations, evaluation, improvement.
Over 100 aerospace additions beyond ISO 9001, focusing on traceability, counterfeit prevention, external providers, configuration management.
Built on high-level structure with documented information controls.
Certification via accredited bodies, OASIS listing, surveillance audits.

Why Organizations Use It

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

Implementation Overview

Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months).
Applies to distributors globally; multi-site scalable.
Requires internal audits, management reviews, certification Stages 1-2.

AS9110C Details

What It Is

AS9110C (AS9110:2016 Rev C) is an international quality management system (QMS) standard for aviation maintenance organizations, building on ISO 9001:2015 with aerospace-specific requirements. Its primary purpose is ensuring safe, compliant maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services through risk-based thinking, traceability, and continuing airworthiness controls.

Key Components

Core pillars: operational planning, configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, supplier controls.
Follows Annex SL structure (Clauses 4–10) with ~500 requirements tailored for MRO.
Emphasizes PDCA cycle, documented information, and leadership accountability.
Certification via IAQG-accredited bodies with audits.

Why Organizations Use It

Meets customer/OEM contracts and regulatory alignments (FAA/EASA Part 145).
Mitigates safety risks, reduces rework, improves on-time delivery.
Enhances market access via OASIS listing, builds stakeholder trust.

Implementation Overview

Phased approach: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months typical).
Applies to MROs of all sizes globally; requires internal audits and management reviews before certification.

Key Differences

Aspect	AS9120B	AS9110C
Scope	Procure, store, resell aerospace parts without alteration	Maintenance, repair, overhaul of aircraft/components
Industry	Aerospace distributors/stockists globally	Aviation MRO/repair stations globally
Nature	Voluntary QMS certification standard	Voluntary QMS certification standard
Testing	IAQG audits, OASIS registration, surveillance	IAQG audits, OASIS registration, surveillance
Penalties	Loss of certification/market access	Loss of certification/market access

Scope

AS9120B

Procure, store, resell aerospace parts without alteration

AS9110C

Maintenance, repair, overhaul of aircraft/components

Industry

AS9120B

Aerospace distributors/stockists globally

AS9110C

Aviation MRO/repair stations globally

Nature

AS9120B

Voluntary QMS certification standard

AS9110C

Voluntary QMS certification standard

Testing

AS9120B

IAQG audits, OASIS registration, surveillance

AS9110C

IAQG audits, OASIS registration, surveillance

Penalties

AS9120B

Loss of certification/market access

AS9110C

Loss of certification/market access

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about AS9120B and AS9110C

AS9120B FAQ

AS9110C FAQ

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Quick Verdict

What It Is

Key Components

Core pillars: context analysis, leadership, planning, support, operations, evaluation, improvement.

Over 100 aerospace additions beyond ISO 9001, focusing on traceability, counterfeit prevention, external providers, configuration management.

Built on high-level structure with documented information controls.

Certification via accredited bodies, OASIS listing, surveillance audits.

What It Is

Key Components

Core pillars: operational planning, configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, supplier controls.

Follows Annex SL structure (Clauses 4–10) with ~500 requirements tailored for MRO.

Emphasizes PDCA cycle, documented information, and leadership accountability.

Certification via IAQG-accredited bodies with audits.

Aspect

AS9120B

AS9110C

Scope

Procure, store, resell aerospace parts without alteration

Maintenance, repair, overhaul of aircraft/components

Industry

Aerospace distributors/stockists globally

Aviation MRO/repair stations globally

Nature

Voluntary QMS certification standard

Testing

IAQG audits, OASIS registration, surveillance

Penalties

Loss of certification/market access