Standards Comparison

    ISO 37301

    Voluntary
    2021

    Certifiable international standard for compliance management systems

    VS

    AS9100

    Mandatory
    2016

    International standard for aerospace quality management systems

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 37301 establishes certifiable compliance management systems for all industries, emphasizing risk, culture and whistleblowing. AS9100 extends ISO 9001 with aerospace-specific QMS for safety-critical products. Organizations adopt them for governance assurance and market access.

    Compliance Management

    ISO 37301

    ISO 37301:2021 Compliance management systems – Requirements

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Certifiable requirements replacing guidance-only ISO 19600
    • High-Level Structure enables IMS integration
    • Risk-based compliance obligations assessment and planning
    • Leadership commitment fosters compliance culture
    • Mandatory whistleblowing channels with protections
    Quality Management

    AS9100

    AS9100D: Quality Management Systems for Aviation, Space, Defense

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Configuration management for product integrity
    • Product safety processes across lifecycle
    • Counterfeit parts prevention controls
    • Operational risk management in Clause 8
    • Enhanced supplier and sub-tier controls

    Detailed Analysis

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

    ISO 37301 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 37301:2021 is a certifiable international standard specifying requirements with guidance for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving Compliance Management Systems (CMS). It applies universally across organizations, using a risk-based, PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach aligned with ISO High-Level Structure (HLS) for integration.

    Key Components

    • Core pillars: context analysis, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
    • Emphasizes compliance obligations, risk assessment, whistleblowing, competence, and continual improvement.
    • Built on HLS; supports companion standards like ISO 37302 (effectiveness) and ISO 37303 (competence).
    • Enables third-party certification via accredited bodies.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Drives regulatory compliance, reduces risks/fines, builds integrity culture.
    • Meets investor/ESG demands, enhances reputation.
    • Provides certification for stakeholder trust, market differentiation.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, register building, training, audits.
    • Scalable for SMEs to enterprises; 3-year certification cycles.
    • Global applicability; 2024 amendment adds climate action.

    AS9100 Details

    What It Is

    AS9100D (AS9100:2016) is the international quality management system (QMS) standard for aviation, space, and defense organizations. It builds on ISO 9001:2015 with over 100 aerospace-specific requirements, using a process-based, risk-focused approach to ensure product safety and supply chain integrity.

    Key Components

    • 10-clause Annex SL structure covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, and improvement.
    • Aerospace additions: configuration management (8.1.2), product safety (8.1.3), counterfeit prevention (8.1.4), operational risk (8.1.1).
    • Built on risk-based thinking; requires certification via accredited third-party audits (Stage 1/2, surveillance).

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandated by OEMs for market access and supplier qualification.
    • Reduces defects, improves delivery, mitigates safety risks.
    • Enhances competitiveness via OASIS visibility and stakeholder trust.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, internal audits, certification (6-18 months).
    • Applies to manufacturers, designers, MROs globally; cross-functional effort with digital tools.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 37301
    Compliance obligations, risks, culture, whistleblowing
    AS9100
    Aerospace QMS, product safety, configuration, counterfeit

    Industry

    ISO 37301
    All sectors, all sizes, global
    AS9100
    Aviation, space, defense supply chains

    Nature

    ISO 37301
    Certifiable CMS requirements standard
    AS9100
    Certifiable QMS standard extending ISO 9001

    Testing

    ISO 37301
    Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits
    AS9100
    Stage 1/2 audits, surveillance, recertification every 3 years

    Penalties

    ISO 37301
    Loss of certification, no legal penalties
    AS9100
    Certification suspension, customer contract loss

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 37301 and AS9100

    ISO 37301 FAQ

    AS9100 FAQ

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