C-TPAT
U.S. CBP voluntary supply chain security partnership program
AS9120B
Aerospace QMS standard for distributors of parts.
Quick Verdict
C-TPAT secures global supply chains against terrorism via voluntary CBP partnership, granting trade benefits. AS9120B ensures aerospace distributor quality through certification, preventing counterfeits and maintaining traceability. Companies adopt C-TPAT for facilitation, AS9120B for market access.
C-TPAT
Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)
Key Features
- Voluntary CBP trusted trader partnership model
- Tailored Minimum Security Criteria by partner type
- Risk-based supply chain validations and revalidations
- Trade benefits like reduced exams and FAST lanes
- Mutual recognition with international AEO programs
AS9120B
AS9120B Quality Management Systems for Distributors
Key Features
- Traceability and chain-of-custody controls for split lots
- Counterfeit and suspected unapproved parts prevention
- Enhanced external provider evaluation and flowdown
- Configuration management for distribution processes
- Risk-based planning integrated with operations
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
C-TPAT Details
What It Is
C-TPAT (Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) is a voluntary public-private partnership led by U.S. CBP to secure international supply chains against terrorism and crime. Launched post-9/11, it uses a risk-based trusted trader model with tailored Minimum Security Criteria (MSC) for partners like importers, carriers, and manufacturers.
Key Components
- **12 MSC domainscorporate security, risk assessment, business partners, cybersecurity, physical access, personnel, procedural, agricultural, conveyance, seal, and training.
- Security Profile documenting controls and evidence.
- Validation/revalidation by CBP specialists; tiered status (Tier 1-3).
- Best Practices Framework for exceeding baselines.
Why Organizations Use It
- **Trade facilitationreduced exams, FAST lanes, priority processing.
- **Risk reductionlayered security across global chains.
- **Competitive edgetrusted status, MRAs with 19+ countries.
- Builds resilience, reputation, and partner requirements.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, profile development, internal validation, CBP verification.
- Applies to trade entities; 6-12 months typical.
- No certification fee; ongoing self-audits required.
AS9120B Details
What It Is
AS9120B is the IAQG quality management system standard for aerospace distributors, built on ISO 9001:2015's 10-clause structure. It establishes requirements for organizations procuring, storing, splitting, and reselling parts without alteration, emphasizing risk-based thinking to address supply chain risks like traceability loss and counterfeits.
Key Components
- Over 100 aerospace-specific requirements beyond ISO 9001.
- Core areas: context analysis, leadership, planning, support, operations (traceability, counterfeit prevention, provider controls), evaluation, improvement.
- Built on PDCA cycle; certification via accredited bodies and IAQG OASIS listing.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enables market access to OEMs/Tier 1 suppliers.
- Mitigates risks of nonconformities, counterfeits; builds stakeholder trust.
- Drives efficiency, reduces liabilities; ~2,442 global certifications.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months typical).
- Applies to aviation/space/defense distributors globally; voluntary but often contractually required.
Key Differences
| Aspect | C-TPAT | AS9120B |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Supply chain security from terrorism, cyber, agriculture | Quality management for aerospace parts distribution |
| Industry | International trade, importers, carriers, logistics | Aerospace aviation, space, defense distributors |
| Nature | Voluntary CBP partnership, trusted trader program | Certification standard based on ISO 9001:2015 |
| Testing | Risk-based CBP validations every 4 years | Third-party audits, surveillance, recertification |
| Penalties | Benefit suspension, no legal penalties | Loss of certification, market exclusion |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about C-TPAT and AS9120B
C-TPAT FAQ
AS9120B FAQ
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