Standards Comparison

    ISO 26000

    Voluntary
    2010

    International guidance standard for social responsibility

    VS

    AS9120B

    Mandatory
    2016

    Aerospace QMS standard for parts distributors.

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 26000 offers voluntary guidance on social responsibility for all organizations, emphasizing principles and stakeholder engagement. AS9120B mandates certifiable QMS for aerospace distributors, focusing on traceability and counterfeit prevention. Companies adopt ISO 26000 for ethical credibility; AS9120B for market access.

    Social Responsibility

    ISO 26000

    ISO 26000:2010 Guidance on social responsibility

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

    Key Features

    • Explicitly non-certifiable guidance standard
    • Seven core principles underpin all actions
    • Seven interconnected core subjects holistically
    • Stakeholder engagement drives prioritization
    • Universal applicability to all organizations
    Quality Management

    AS9120B

    AS9120B Quality Management Systems - Requirements

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

    Key Features

    • Counterfeit and suspected unapproved parts prevention
    • Enhanced traceability and chain-of-custody controls
    • Risk-based external provider evaluation and monitoring
    • Configuration management for split lots
    • Product preservation and shelf-life controls

    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 voluntary international guidance standard on social responsibility. It provides a conceptual framework and practical advice for organizations to operate responsibly, addressing impacts on society and environment through transparent, ethical behavior. Its holistic, principles-based approach emphasizes context-specific application via stakeholder engagement.

    Key Components

    • **Seven principlesaccountability, transparency, ethical behavior, stakeholder respect, 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; non-certifiable model promotes self-assessment and transparent reporting.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Enhances sustainable development, risk management, and stakeholder trust. Aligns with SDGs, OECD, GRI; reduces reputational/legal risks; boosts resilience, talent attraction, market access without certification burdens.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased approach: materiality assessment, stakeholder engagement, policy integration into existing systems (ISO 14001/45001), training, supplier due diligence, reporting. Applies to all organizations globally; no audits required, focuses on continuous improvement.

    AS9120B Details

    What It Is

    AS9120B is the IAQG quality management system standard for aerospace distributors, built on ISO 9001:2015's 10-clause structure. It targets organizations procuring, storing, splitting, and reselling parts without alteration, emphasizing risk-based thinking to mitigate traceability loss, counterfeits, and documentation errors.

    Key Components

    • Over 100 aerospace additions to ISO 9001, focusing on traceability, counterfeit prevention, supplier controls, configuration management.
    • Core clauses: context/leadership (4-5), planning/support (6-7), operations (8), evaluation/improvement (9-10).
    • Certification via accredited bodies, OASIS listing.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Commercial necessity for OEM/Tier-1 supply chains.
    • Reduces risks like suspect parts, enhances chain-of-custody trust.
    • Boosts market access (2,442 global certifications), efficiency, customer confidence.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months).
    • For distributors globally; multi-site scalable.
    • Internal audits, management review, Stage 1/2 certification.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 26000
    Social responsibility core subjects, principles, integration
    AS9120B
    Aerospace distribution QMS, traceability, counterfeit prevention

    Industry

    ISO 26000
    All organizations, all sectors globally
    AS9120B
    Aerospace distributors worldwide

    Nature

    ISO 26000
    Voluntary non-certifiable guidance
    AS9120B
    Certifiable quality management standard

    Testing

    ISO 26000
    Self-assessment, stakeholder engagement, reporting
    AS9120B
    Third-party audits, internal audits, certification

    Penalties

    ISO 26000
    No legal penalties, reputational risks
    AS9120B
    Loss of certification, market exclusion

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 26000 and AS9120B

    ISO 26000 FAQ

    AS9120B FAQ

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