CE Marking
EU marking indicating product conformity to harmonised rules
AS9110C
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.
CE Marking
CE Marking (Conformité Européenne)
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
AS9110C
AS9110C Quality Management Systems for Aviation Maintenance
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
| Aspect | CE Marking | AS9110C |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Product conformity to EU essential requirements | QMS for aviation maintenance and overhaul |
| Industry | Manufacturers of regulated EU products | Aerospace MRO organizations worldwide |
| Nature | Mandatory self-declaration for EU market access | Voluntary QMS certification standard |
| Testing | Self-assessment or notified body modules | Internal audits and third-party certification |
| Penalties | Market withdrawal, fines, sales bans | Loss of certification, contract ineligibility |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CE Marking and AS9110C
CE Marking FAQ
AS9110C FAQ
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