EMAS
EU voluntary scheme for environmental management and audit
AS9120B
Aerospace QMS standard for parts distributors.
Quick Verdict
EMAS drives voluntary environmental performance and transparency via verified public statements for EU organizations, while AS9120B ensures aerospace distributor quality through traceability and counterfeit controls. Companies adopt EMAS for ESG credibility, AS9120B for supply chain access.
EMAS
Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009 Eco-Management and Audit Scheme
Key Features
- Mandatory validated public environmental statement
- Verified legal compliance with environmental laws
- Initial review of direct/indirect environmental aspects
- Core performance indicators for comparability
- Independent verification by accredited environmental verifiers
AS9120B
AS9120B Quality Management Systems - Requirements
Key Features
- Counterfeit and unapproved parts prevention
- Enhanced traceability and chain-of-custody controls
- Risk-based external provider management
- Configuration management for distribution
- Product safety and ethical awareness requirements
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
EMAS Details
What It Is
EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme), formally Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009, is a voluntary EU framework for environmental management systems. It promotes continuous improvement in environmental performance through structured evaluation, reporting, and verification, applicable to all sectors and organization sizes via a PDCA cycle enhanced with public transparency.
Key Components
- **PillarsInitial environmental review, EMS (ISO 14001-aligned), internal audits, management review, public environmental statement.
- Core elements include 6 performance indicators (energy, materials, water, waste, biodiversity, emissions).
- Built on verified legal compliance and independent verifier validation.
- Registration model via national Competent Bodies.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives resource efficiency and cost savings.
- Ensures verified legal compliance, reducing risks.
- Enhances procurement advantages and stakeholder trust.
- Supports ESG/CSRD reporting synergies.
- Builds reputational credibility through transparency.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: review, policy/programme, EMS rollout, audits, verification, registration.
- Suited for SMEs (derogations) to multinationals (corporate registration).
- Requires annual statement validation and 3-year renewals.
AS9120B Details
What It Is
AS9120B is the IAQG quality management system standard for aerospace distributors, based on ISO 9001:2015's high-level structure. It applies to organizations procuring, storing, splitting, and reselling parts without altering characteristics. Primary purpose: mitigate distribution risks like traceability loss and counterfeits via risk-based thinking and operational controls.
Key Components
- Over 100 aerospace additions to ISO 9001 across 10 clauses.
- Pillars: context/leadership, planning/support, operations (traceability, counterfeit prevention, supplier controls), evaluation, improvement.
- Built on PDCA; requires documented information, not full manual.
- Certification via accredited bodies, OASIS listing.
Why Organizations Use It
- Commercial necessity for OEM supply chains.
- Reduces risks of nonconformities, enhances chain-of-custody.
- Builds customer trust, market access (2,442 global certs).
- Improves efficiency, KPIs like OTIF.
Implementation Overview
- 6-12 months phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits.
- For mid-size distributors; cross-functional teams.
- Internal audits, management review; Stage 1/2 certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | EMAS | AS9120B |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Environmental performance management and public reporting | Aerospace parts distribution quality and traceability |
| Industry | All sectors, EU-focused voluntary | Aerospace distribution, global certification |
| Nature | Voluntary EU regulation with verification | Voluntary certification standard |
| Testing | Independent verifier validation, annual statements | Certification body audits, surveillance |
| Penalties | Registration suspension/deletion | Loss of certification |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about EMAS and AS9120B
EMAS FAQ
AS9120B FAQ
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