ISO 26000
International guidance standard for social responsibility
AS9110C
Aerospace QMS standard for aircraft MRO organizations.
Quick Verdict
ISO 26000 offers voluntary social responsibility guidance for all organizations, emphasizing principles and stakeholder engagement without certification. AS9110C mandates certifiable QMS for aviation MROs, focusing on safety, traceability, and compliance. Companies adopt ISO 26000 for ethical leadership; AS9110C for market access and regulatory alignment.
ISO 26000
ISO 26000:2010 Guidance on social responsibility
Key Features
- Non-certifiable guidance avoiding certification burdens
- Seven principles underpinning all SR decisions
- Seven core subjects for holistic impact assessment
- Multi-stakeholder consensus from 500+ global experts
- Applicable to all organization types universally
AS9110C
AS9110C Quality Management Systems for Aviation Maintenance
Key Features
- Configuration management and traceability controls
- Counterfeit parts prevention and detection
- Risk-based thinking in maintenance planning
- Human factors and competence requirements
- Maintenance release and airworthiness assurance
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 26000 Details
What It Is
ISO 26000:2010 is a non-certifiable international guidance standard providing a framework for social responsibility (SR). It applies to all organizations regardless of size, type, or location, focusing on impacts on society and environment through transparent, ethical behavior. Its principles-based approach emphasizes stakeholder engagement and contextual prioritization over rigid requirements.
Key Components
- **Seven principlesaccountability, transparency, ethical behavior, respect for stakeholder interests, rule of law, international norms, human rights.
- **Seven core subjectsorganizational governance, human rights, labor practices, environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, community involvement.
- Built on multi-stakeholder consensus; no certifiable requirements, promotes self-assessment and reporting.
Why Organizations Use It
Enhances sustainability commitment, risk management, ESG alignment, and stakeholder trust. Drives operational resilience, competitive differentiation, and credibility without certification costs. Supports compliance with norms like OECD, UNGPs, SDGs.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: materiality assessment, stakeholder engagement, integration into governance/management systems (e.g., ISO 14001), policy development, training, reporting. Applicable universally; uses PDCA for continuous improvement, no audits required.
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 requirements focused on safety-critical processes like configuration management and airworthiness. It employs risk-based thinking (RBT), PDCA cycles, and the High Level Structure (HLS).
Key Components
- Core clauses (4-10) covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- Aviation additions: counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, traceability, release controls.
- Built on ISO 9001; voluntary certification via accredited registrars with internal audits and management reviews.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets customer/OEM contracts and regulatory alignment (FAA/EASA Part-145).
- Mitigates safety risks, reduces rework, ensures traceability.
- Gains market access, competitive edge, supply-chain trust.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, pilots, audits.
- Applies to MROs of all sizes globally; requires 3+ months operational data pre-certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 26000 | AS9110C |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Social responsibility guidance across 7 core subjects | Aerospace MRO quality management system |
| Industry | All organizations, all sectors worldwide | Aviation maintenance organizations globally |
| Nature | Non-certifiable voluntary guidance | Certifiable management system standard |
| Testing | Self-assessment, stakeholder engagement, reporting | Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits |
| Penalties | No formal penalties, reputational risks | Loss of certification, market exclusion |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 26000 and AS9110C
ISO 26000 FAQ
AS9110C FAQ
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