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    Blog/Compare/AS9120B vs MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
    Standards Comparison

    AS9120B vs MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)

    AS9120B

    Mandatory
    2016

    Aerospace QMS standard for distributors ensuring traceability and safety

    VS

    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

    AspectAS9120BMLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
    ScopeAerospace parts distribution QMSGraded cybersecurity for all networks
    IndustryAerospace distributors globallyAll sectors in mainland China
    NatureVoluntary IAQG certification standardMandatory Chinese regulatory regime
    TestingThird-party certification auditsPSB-approved level-based evaluations
    PenaltiesLoss of certification/market accessFines, 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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