What is the primary objective of FSSC 22000?

FSSC 22000's primary objective is to provide independent third-party certification of Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) ensuring organizations consistently provide safe food across the food chain. It combines ISO 22000:2018, sector-specific PRPs (e.g., ISO/TS 22002-1 for manufacturing), and FSSC Additional Requirements like food defense and allergen management. This GFSI-benchmarked scheme (since 2010) supports 40,059 certified sites worldwide via 134 licensed Certification Bodies, enabling supply-chain trust through a public register.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with FSSC 22000?

No organization is legally required to comply with FSSC 22000, as it is a voluntary GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme. Professionally, it is required by retailers, manufacturers, and foodservice operators demanding certified suppliers in categories B–K (e.g., food manufacturing C, packaging I, transport G). Certification ensures market access, with scope aligned to ISO 22003-1:2022 categories determining applicable PRPs.

Does FSSC 22000 require an external audit or third-party certification?

Yes, FSSC 22000 mandates external audits and third-party certification by licensed Certification Bodies accredited per ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 and ISO 22003-1:2022. Initial certification includes Stage 1 (readiness) and Stage 2 (implementation), with at least 50% audit time on operational controls, PRPs, and traceability. Surveillance occurs annually; recertification every 3 years.

How often should an assessment for FSSC 22000 be performed?

FSSC 22000 requires annual surveillance audits and full recertification every 3 years by licensed Certification Bodies. Internal audits must cover the full FSMS at least annually, including ISO 22000 clauses 4–10, PRPs, and Additional Requirements like environmental monitoring. Management reviews occur at planned intervals, with PRP verifications (e.g., monthly site inspections) risk-based.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with FSSC 22000?

Non-compliance with FSSC 22000 results in nonconformities graded major or minor, requiring corrective actions with timelines per Scheme Part 3. Failure to close leads to certification suspension or withdrawal. Certified sites must notify Certification Bodies within 3 working days of serious events (e.g., recalls). Broader impacts include market exclusion by GFSI-demanding buyers and loss of public register listing.

Can FSSC 22000 be mapped to other international frameworks?

Yes, FSSC 22000 maps seamlessly to other ISO-based frameworks due to its ISO 22000:2018 harmonized structure. Shared elements include PDCA cycles, leadership (Clause 5), internal audits (Clause 9), and continual improvement (Clause 10), enabling integration with standards like those for quality or environment. PRPs and Additional Requirements remain FSSC-specific.

What is the first step to begin implementing FSSC 22000?

The first step to implement FSSC 22000 is to define the certification scope per ISO 22003-1:2022 categories (e.g., C for manufacturing) and conduct a gap analysis against ISO 22000:2018, applicable PRPs, and FSSC Additional Requirements. Download free Scheme documents (Parts 1–5, Annexes) from Foundation FSSC, assemble a cross-functional team, and hold a top management meeting to establish policy and project plan.

What is the primary objective of AS9110C?

AS9110C's primary objective is to define quality management system requirements for aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations to ensure consistent conformity and continuing airworthiness. It builds on ISO 9001:2015's high-level structure, embedding aerospace-specific controls for configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, traceability, and risk-based thinking across Clauses 4–10 to meet customer, statutory, and regulatory requirements.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with AS9110C?

AS9110C applies to MRO organizations performing maintenance on commercial, private, and military aircraft, including repair stations and OEM MRO divisions. It targets entities seeking IAQG OASIS listing or customer contracts; while voluntary, it is often mandated by aviation regulators (FAA/EASA Part-145), OEMs, airlines, and primes for supply-chain qualification and airworthiness assurance.

Does AS9110C require an external audit or third-party certification?

Yes, AS9110C requires third-party certification by an accredited registrar following a two-stage external audit process. Stage 1 reviews documentation and readiness; Stage 2 verifies implementation effectiveness. The QMS must be operational for at least three months, with internal audits and management review completed prior.

How often should an assessment for AS9110C be performed?

Internal audits for AS9110C must be conducted at planned intervals based on process risk, with critical maintenance processes audited more frequently. Annual surveillance audits follow initial certification, and full recertification occurs every three years; management reviews require at least three months of operational data.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with AS9110C?

Non-compliance with AS9110C risks regulatory sanctions, contract termination, loss of approvals, and safety incidents. It can lead to FAA/EASA certificate suspension, fines up to $100k/day, litigation from airworthiness failures, market exclusion from OEMs/airlines, and reputational damage from AOG events or rework costs.

Can AS9110C be mapped to other international frameworks?

Yes, AS9110C maps directly to other international frameworks because it is built on the ISO 9001:2015 High-Level Structure (Annex SL). This shared structure allows seamless integration with other management systems like ISO 14001 or ISO 45001.

What is the first step to begin implementing AS9110C?

The first step for AS9110C implementation is a formal gap analysis mapping existing processes to Clauses 4–10, including regulatory (EASA/FAA Part-145) alignment. Secure executive sponsorship, define QMS scope via a signed SOW, and produce a prioritized gap register using IAQG matrices to address high-risk areas like configuration and counterfeit controls.

Standards Comparison

FSSC 22000 vs AS9110C

FSSC 22000

Voluntary

2023

GFSI-benchmarked scheme for food safety management systems

AS9110C

Mandatory

2016

Aerospace QMS standard for aircraft MRO organizations.

Quick Verdict

FSSC 22000 ensures food safety certification for global supply chains via ISO 22000, PRPs, and additional requirements. AS9110C delivers aerospace QMS for MRO via ISO 9001 plus maintenance controls. Food firms gain buyer trust; aviation providers secure airworthiness compliance.

Food Safety

FSSC 22000

Food Safety System Certification 22000 (FSSC 22000)

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme integrating ISO 22000
Sector-specific PRPs from ISO/TS 22002 series
Additional requirements for food defense and fraud
Covers food chain categories from farm to packaging
Mandates food safety culture objectives and verification

Quality Management

AS9110C

AS9110C Quality Management Systems for Aircraft Maintenance

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Configuration management and traceability controls
Counterfeit parts prevention protocols
Risk-based thinking in operations
Human factors and product safety focus
Regulatory alignment with FAA/EASA Part-145

Detailed Analysis

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

FSSC 22000 Details

What It Is

FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification 22000) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS). It applies across food chain categories like manufacturing, packaging, and logistics. Primary purpose: ensure safe food via integrated risk-based controls using ISO 22000:2018 PDCA methodology.

Key Components

**Three pillarsISO 22000 clauses 4-10, sector PRPs (ISO/TS 22002 series), FSSC Additional Requirements (e.g., food defense, fraud, allergens).
Over 100 requirements across governance, operations, verification.
Built on HACCP principles with OPRPs/CCPs.
Third-party certification by licensed bodies per ISO 22003-1.

Why Organizations Use It

Meets retailer mandates, enables global trade.
Reduces recalls, enhances supply chain trust.
Manages risks like adulteration, supports SDGs.
Builds reputation via public certificate register.

Implementation Overview

Phased: gap analysis, FSMS design, training, audits.
6-12 months typical; suits all sizes/industries.
Requires internal audits, management reviews, CB certification.

AS9110C Details

What It Is

AS9110C is the international quality management system (QMS) standard for aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations. It extends ISO 9001:2015 with aerospace-specific controls for safety-critical processes. Primary purpose: ensure compliant, traceable maintenance meeting regulatory and customer needs. Key approach: risk-based thinking (RBT), PDCA cycles, and high-level structure (HLS).

Key Components

Clauses 4–10 covering context, leadership, planning, support, operations, evaluation, improvement.
Core areas: configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, traceability, supplier controls.
Built on ISO 9001 with MRO additions like maintenance release and product safety.
Voluntary certification model via IAQG-accredited registrars.

Why Organizations Use It

Enables OEM/airline contracts and OASIS listing.
Aligns with FAA/EASA Part-145 regulations.
Mitigates safety risks, reduces rework/downtime.
Boosts efficiency, customer trust, market competitiveness.

Implementation Overview

Phased: gap analysis, process mapping, training, internal audits, management review.
Key activities: RBT registers, eQMS setup, auditor training.
Suited for global MROs of all sizes.
Requires operational QMS exercise before certification audit. (178 words)

Key Differences

Aspect	FSSC 22000	AS9110C
Scope	Food safety management across food chain	Aerospace maintenance, repair, overhaul
Industry	Food manufacturing, packaging, logistics globally	Aviation MRO organizations worldwide
Nature	GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme	IAQG quality management certification
Testing	CB audits, PRP verification, surveillance cycles	Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits
Penalties	Loss of certification, market exclusion	Certification suspension, regulatory risks

Scope

FSSC 22000

Food safety management across food chain

AS9110C

Aerospace maintenance, repair, overhaul

Industry

FSSC 22000

Food manufacturing, packaging, logistics globally

AS9110C

Aviation MRO organizations worldwide

Nature

FSSC 22000

GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme

AS9110C

IAQG quality management certification

Testing

FSSC 22000

CB audits, PRP verification, surveillance cycles

AS9110C

Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits

Penalties

FSSC 22000

Loss of certification, market exclusion

AS9110C

Certification suspension, regulatory risks

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about FSSC 22000 and AS9110C

FSSC 22000 FAQ

AS9110C FAQ

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What It Is

Key Components

**Three pillarsISO 22000 clauses 4-10, sector PRPs (ISO/TS 22002 series), FSSC Additional Requirements (e.g., food defense, fraud, allergens).

Over 100 requirements across governance, operations, verification.

Built on HACCP principles with OPRPs/CCPs.

Third-party certification by licensed bodies per ISO 22003-1.

What It Is

Key Components

Clauses 4–10 covering context, leadership, planning, support, operations, evaluation, improvement.

Core areas: configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, traceability, supplier controls.

Built on ISO 9001 with MRO additions like maintenance release and product safety.

Voluntary certification model via IAQG-accredited registrars.

Aspect

FSSC 22000

AS9110C

Scope

Food safety management across food chain

Aerospace maintenance, repair, overhaul

Industry

Food manufacturing, packaging, logistics globally

Aviation MRO organizations worldwide

Nature

GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme

IAQG quality management certification

Testing

CB audits, PRP verification, surveillance cycles

Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits

Penalties

Loss of certification, market exclusion

Certification suspension, regulatory risks