Standards Comparison

    CE Marking

    Mandatory
    1985

    EU marking indicating product conformity to harmonised rules

    VS

    AS9110C

    Mandatory
    2016

    Aerospace standard for aircraft maintenance quality management systems

    Quick Verdict

    CE Marking mandates EU product conformity declaration for free market access, while AS9110C certifies aerospace MRO quality systems for safety and compliance. Manufacturers adopt CE for legal sales; MROs pursue AS9110C for contracts and credibility.

    Product Safety

    CE Marking

    CE Marking (Conformité Européenne)

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Manufacturer declares conformity to EU essential requirements
    • Enables free circulation across EEA single market
    • OJEU harmonised standards provide presumption of conformity
    • Risk-proportionate modules A-H for assessment
    • Requires 10-year technical file retention
    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 maintenance planning
    • Human factors and competence verification
    • Maintenance release and airworthiness assurance

    Detailed Analysis

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

    CE Marking Details

    What It Is

    CE Marking (Conformité Européenne) is the EU's primary product conformity framework under the New Legislative Framework (NLF). It serves as a manufacturer's declaration that products meet applicable harmonised legislation's essential requirements for health, safety, and environmental protection. Scope covers categories like electrical equipment, machinery, and medical devices via directives such as LVD 2014/35/EU. Key approach is risk-proportionate, using conformity assessment modules A-H and OJEU-published harmonised standards for presumption of conformity.

    Key Components

    • Legislation mapping and essential requirements identification.
    • Technical documentation, EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC), and CE affixation.
    • Notified body involvement for high-risk products.
    • Post-market surveillance per Regulation (EU) 2019/1020. Self-declaration model for low-risk; no central EU certification.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Mandated for EEA market access, enabling free movement. Mitigates legal risks, fines, recalls; builds stakeholder trust. Offers competitive edge via standards-driven efficiency and procurement preference.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: scope analysis, risk assessment, testing/documentation, DoC issuance, marking. Applies to manufacturers/importers across industries/geographies targeting EEA. Varies by risk; self-assessment 6-12 weeks, Notified Body months. Requires audit-ready files retained 10 years.

    AS9110C Details

    What It Is

    AS9110C (AS9110:2016 Rev C) is an international quality management system (QMS) standard for aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations. It extends ISO 9001:2015 with aerospace-specific requirements for continuing airworthiness, using a risk-based thinking (RBT) and PDCA approach across Clauses 4-10.

    Key Components

    • Core pillars: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
    • Aviation additions: configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, traceability, maintenance release controls.
    • Built on Annex SL HLS; requires documented information, not rigid procedures.
    • Certification model via accredited registrars, with internal audits and management reviews.

    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, supplier qualification (OASIS listing), operational efficiency.
    • Builds stakeholder trust in airworthiness and compliance.

    Implementation Overview

    • **Phased approachgap analysis, process design, pilot, audits, certification.
    • Key activities: risk registers, training, eQMS adoption, internal audits.
    • Applies to MROs globally; 6-12 months typical for mid-size firms.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    CE Marking
    Product conformity to EU essential requirements
    AS9110C
    QMS for aviation maintenance and overhaul

    Industry

    CE Marking
    Manufacturers of regulated EU products
    AS9110C
    Aerospace MRO organizations worldwide

    Nature

    CE Marking
    Mandatory self-declaration for EU market access
    AS9110C
    Voluntary QMS certification standard

    Testing

    CE Marking
    Self-assessment or notified body modules
    AS9110C
    Internal audits and third-party certification

    Penalties

    CE Marking
    Market withdrawal, fines, sales bans
    AS9110C
    Loss of certification, contract ineligibility

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about CE Marking and AS9110C

    CE Marking FAQ

    AS9110C FAQ

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