What is the primary objective of AS9120B?

AS9120B establishes quality management system requirements 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 controls targeting distribution risks like loss of traceability, counterfeit parts infiltration, documentation errors, and weak external provider oversight. The standard ensures chain-of-custody integrity through operational controls in Clause 8, including identification/traceability (8.5.2), counterfeit prevention (8.1.4), configuration management (8.1.2), and preservation (8.5.4).

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 that purchase, store, and resell parts without modifying conformity, excluding value-added activities like machining or MRO. Certification is not legally mandatory but is a commercial requirement from OEMs and primes for supply chain approval, with thousands of global certifications as of 2026 enabling OASIS listing and market access.

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

AS9120B requires third-party certification through accredited bodies for formal recognition in aerospace supply chains. Organizations undergo Stage 1 (documentation review) and Stage 2 (on-site effectiveness audit) per IAQG rules, followed by annual surveillance and triennial recertification. Internal audits (Clause 9.2) provide ongoing evidence, but external certification demonstrates compliance to customers via OASIS.

How often should an assessment for AS9120B be performed?

AS9120B requires internal audits at planned intervals to cover the entire QMS annually, with management reviews at least annually. Clause 9.2 mandates an audit program ensuring objectivity, while Clause 9.3 requires management review inputs like performance trends, risks, and nonconformities. Frequency escalates for high-risk processes like traceability and supplier controls.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with AS9120B?

Non-compliance with AS9120B risks exclusion from OEM supply chains, contract penalties, and supply chain safety liabilities. Without certification, distributors face commercial disqualification, loss of OASIS visibility, and exposure to recalls from traceability failures or counterfeit parts. Audit findings trigger corrective actions; persistent issues lead to certification suspension.

An AS9120B be mapped to other international frameworks?

AS9120B aligns directly with ISO 9001:2015 via its 10-clause high-level structure, enabling seamless integration. It augments ISO requirements with aerospace additions, allowing organizations to map Clause 4-10 elements while justifying "not applicable" determinations (e.g., Clause 8.3 design) in the QMS scope without compromising conformity.

What is the first step to begin implementing AS9120B?

The first step is conducting a gap analysis against AS9120B clauses using a cross-functional team to identify deficiencies. Document internal/external context (Clause 4), justify scope/applicability (4.3), and prioritize risks like supplier controls and traceability, producing a risk register and implementation backlog.

What is the primary objective of MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)?

The primary objective of MLPS 2.0 is to establish a graded cybersecurity protection system ensuring security controls match the potential harm from system compromise to national security, social order, and public interests. It classifies information systems into five levels based on impact severity, mandating commensurate technical, management, physical, and personnel controls per GB/T 22239-2019 and related standards.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)?

All network operators in mainland China must comply with MLPS 2.0 under Article 21 of the 2017 Cybersecurity Law. This includes domestic enterprises, foreign-invested entities, cloud providers, and operators of IT, IoT, big data, or industrial control systems, regardless of size or sector.

Does MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) require an external audit or third-party certification?

Yes, MLPS 2.0 requires external security reviews by licensed Chinese firms for Level 2 and above systems, with PSB approval. Reviews score compliance at least 75/100 across technical and management domains; Level 3+ demands annual evaluations.

How often should an assessment for MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) be performed?

Assessments under MLPS 2.0 must occur biennially for Level 2, annually for Level 3, semi-annually for Level 4, and as mandated for Level 5. Re-evaluations are also required after major system changes.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)?

Non-compliance with MLPS 2.0 results in fines up to 100,000 yuan, operational suspensions, system shutdowns, and intensified PSB inspections. Severe cases link to business license denials or criminal liability.

An MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) be mapped to other international frameworks?

Yes, MLPS 2.0 control domains align with frameworks like ISO 27001 and NIST CSF. Organizational, physical, and technical controls map directly, enabling gap analysis via Statements of Applicability.

What is the first step to begin implementing MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)?

The first step is conducting a provisional self-assessment to classify systems into one of five protection levels based on impact to national security and public interests. Inventory assets and document rationale per GB/T 22240-2020 before PSB filing.

Standards Comparison

AS9120B vs MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)

AS9120B

Mandatory

2016

Aerospace QMS standard for distributors ensuring traceability and safety

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)

Mandatory

N/A

China's mandatory graded cybersecurity protection scheme

Quick Verdict

AS9120B ensures aerospace distributor quality for global supply chains, while MLPS 2.0 mandates graded cybersecurity for China networks. Distributors adopt AS9120B for OEM approval; China operators comply with MLPS to avoid fines and inspections.

Quality Management

AS9120B

AS9120B:2016 Quality Management Systems for Distributors

Cost

€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Rigorous traceability for split lots and chain-of-custody
Counterfeit and suspected unapproved parts prevention
Risk-based external provider evaluation and flowdown
Configuration management via sales order controls
Product safety and ethical behavior awareness requirements

Standard

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)

Multi-Level Protection Scheme 2.0

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

Medium

Implementation Time

12-18 months

Key Features

Five-level impact-based system classification
Mandatory PSB registration for Level 2+ systems
Extended controls for cloud, IoT, ICS
Governance, personnel, third-party management requirements
Periodic third-party audits and re-evaluations

Detailed Analysis

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

AS9120B Details

What It Is

AS9120B (AS9120 Rev B, 2016) is the IAQG certification standard for aerospace distributors, built on ISO 9001:2015's high-level structure. It targets organizations procuring, storing, splitting, and reselling parts without alteration, emphasizing risk-based thinking to mitigate distribution risks like traceability loss and counterfeits.

Key Components

10 clauses covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement
Over 100 aerospace additions: traceability, counterfeit prevention, configuration management, external provider controls
Built on PDCA cycle with documented information requirements
Certification model via accredited bodies, OASIS listing

Why Organizations Use It

Commercial gatekeeper for OEM/Tier-1 supply chains
Reduces counterfeit infiltration and documentation errors
Builds stakeholder trust, enhances market access (thousands of global certifications)
Drives efficiency, risk reduction, competitive differentiation

Implementation Overview

Phased 6-12 months: gap analysis, process design, training, internal audits
Suited for global distributors any size
Requires management reviews, certification audits (Stage 1/2)

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) Details

What It Is

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme 2.0) is China's mandatory regulatory framework under the 2017 Cybersecurity Law (Article 21). It requires network operators to classify systems into five protection levels based on potential harm to national security, social order, and public interests. Employs an impact-based, graded approach with technical, governance, and physical controls.

Key Components

Core domains: physical security, network protection, data security, operations monitoring, governance.
Common baseline controls plus level-specific extensions for cloud, IoT, big data, ICS.
Standards like GB/T 22239-2019, GB/T 25070-2019 detail requirements.
Compliance via self-classification, third-party audits (Level 2+), PSB approval.

Why Organizations Use It

Legal obligation for China operations to avoid fines, suspensions.
Enhances risk management, resilience; enables market access, procurement.
Builds regulator trust, aligns with data laws; competitive edge in China.

Implementation Overview

Phased: inventory/classify, gap analysis, remediate, external audit, PSB filing.
Applies to all China network operators; intensive for Level 3+.
Ongoing re-evaluations, inspections required. (178 words)

Key Differences

Aspect	AS9120B	MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
Scope	Aerospace parts distribution QMS	Graded cybersecurity for all networks
Industry	Aerospace distributors globally	All sectors in mainland China
Nature	Voluntary IAQG certification standard	Mandatory Chinese regulatory regime
Testing	Third-party certification audits	PSB-approved level-based evaluations
Penalties	Loss of certification/market access	Fines, inspections, operational suspension

Scope

AS9120B

Aerospace parts distribution QMS

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)

Graded cybersecurity for all networks

Industry

AS9120B

Aerospace distributors globally

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)

All sectors in mainland China

Nature

AS9120B

Voluntary IAQG certification standard

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)

Mandatory Chinese regulatory regime

Testing

AS9120B

Third-party certification audits

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)

PSB-approved level-based evaluations

Penalties

AS9120B

Loss of certification/market access

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)

Fines, inspections, operational suspension

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about AS9120B and MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)

AS9120B FAQ

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) FAQ

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What It Is

Key Components

10 clauses covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement

Over 100 aerospace additions: traceability, counterfeit prevention, configuration management, external provider controls

Built on PDCA cycle with documented information requirements

Certification model via accredited bodies, OASIS listing

What It Is

Key Components

Core domains: physical security, network protection, data security, operations monitoring, governance.

Common baseline controls plus level-specific extensions for cloud, IoT, big data, ICS.

Standards like GB/T 22239-2019, GB/T 25070-2019 detail requirements.

Compliance via self-classification, third-party audits (Level 2+), PSB approval.

Aspect

AS9120B

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)

Scope

Aerospace parts distribution QMS

Graded cybersecurity for all networks

Industry

Aerospace distributors globally

All sectors in mainland China

Nature

Voluntary IAQG certification standard

Mandatory Chinese regulatory regime

Testing

Third-party certification audits

PSB-approved level-based evaluations

Penalties

Loss of certification/market access

Fines, inspections, operational suspension