ISO 37301
Certifiable international standard for compliance management systems
AS9110C
Aerospace QMS standard for aviation maintenance organizations.
Quick Verdict
ISO 37301 establishes certifiable compliance management systems for all organizations, embedding risk-based culture and whistleblowing. AS9110C delivers aerospace-specific QMS for MROs, focusing on configuration, traceability, and airworthiness. Companies adopt them for certification, risk reduction, and market access.
ISO 37301
ISO 37301:2021 Compliance management systems – Requirements with guidance
Key Features
- Certifiable CMS requirements replacing guidance-only ISO 19600
- High-Level Structure for integration with ISO 9001/14001/27001
- Risk-based approach to obligations, risks, and controls
- Leadership commitment fostering compliance culture and accountability
- Mandatory confidential whistleblowing with anti-retaliation protections
AS9110C
AS9110C: Quality Management Systems Requirements for Aviation Maintenance
Key Features
- Risk-based thinking in strategic and operational planning
- Configuration management and product traceability controls
- Counterfeit and suspect parts prevention program
- Human factors integration in root cause analysis
- Dedicated safety policy and maintenance release requirements
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 37301 Details
What It Is
ISO 37301:2021, titled "Compliance management systems – Requirements with guidance for use," is a certifiable international standard for Compliance Management Systems (CMS). It specifies auditable requirements to establish, implement, maintain, and improve CMS using a risk-based approach and Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle within the ISO High-Level Structure (HLS). Applicable to all organization sizes and sectors, it replaces guidance-only ISO 19600.
Key Components
- **LeadershipTop management commitment, policy, roles, culture.
- **PlanningObligations identification, risk assessment, objectives.
- **SupportResources, competence (per ISO 37303), awareness, whistleblowing communication.
- **OperationControls, third-party management, investigations.
- **Performance evaluationMonitoring, KPIs (per ISO 37302), audits, reviews.
- **ImprovementNonconformities, corrective actions, continual enhancement. Supports certification by accredited bodies like ANAB.
Why Organizations Use It
Reduces noncompliance risks, fines, reputational damage; enhances investor trust, ESG reporting. Meets regulatory/ESG demands, integrates with ISO 9001/27001, provides competitive certification edge.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, register building, training, audits, certification (3-year cycle). Scalable for SMEs/enterprises globally; requires resources, cultural change, tools like platforms.
AS9110C Details
What It Is
AS9110C (AS9110:2016 Rev C) is an international certification standard for quality management systems (QMS) in aviation maintenance organizations, such as repair stations and MRO providers. It builds on ISO 9001:2015 with aerospace-specific requirements for continuing airworthiness, using a risk-based thinking approach via Annex SL high-level structure and PDCA cycle.
Key Components
- Core clauses (4–10): context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- Aviation additions: configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, traceability, product safety.
- No fixed control count; emphasizes documented information and operational evidence.
- Certification via IAQG-accredited bodies with audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets customer/OEM contracts and regulatory alignment (FAA/EASA).
- Mitigates safety risks, ensures traceability for airworthiness.
- Boosts market access via OASIS listing, improves on-time delivery.
- Enhances stakeholder trust, reduces rework and liabilities.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6–12 months typical).
- Applies to MROs globally; requires internal audits, management review.
- Involves risk registers, competence matrices, supplier controls.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 37301 | AS9110C |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Compliance obligations, risks, culture, whistleblowing | Aerospace MRO quality, configuration, counterfeit prevention |
| Industry | All sectors, all sizes worldwide | Aerospace maintenance organizations globally |
| Nature | Certifiable management system standard | Certifiable QMS standard with aviation additions |
| Testing | Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits | Internal audits, operational checks, Stage 1/2 certification |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties | Loss of certification, regulatory sanctions possible |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 37301 and AS9110C
ISO 37301 FAQ
AS9110C FAQ
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