ISO 37301 vs AS9120B
ISO 37301
International certifiable standard for compliance management systems
AS9120B
Aerospace QMS standard for distributors of parts.
Quick Verdict
ISO 37301 establishes certifiable compliance management systems for all organizations, emphasizing risk-based compliance culture. AS9120B delivers quality management for aerospace distributors, focusing on traceability and counterfeit prevention. Companies adopt them for certification, risk reduction, and supply chain credibility.
ISO 37301
ISO 37301:2021 Compliance management systems requirements
Key Features
- Certifiable CMS requirements replacing guidance-only ISO 19600
- High-Level Structure for IMS integration with ISO 9001/27001
- Risk-based compliance obligations assessment and controls
- Leadership commitment and organizational culture emphasis
- Confidential whistleblowing with anti-retaliation protections
AS9120B
AS9120B Quality Management Systems - Requirements
Key Features
- Prevents counterfeit and suspected unapproved parts
- Ensures traceability from receipt to split delivery
- Risk-based external provider evaluation and controls
- Configuration management via sales order records
- Preservation controls for storage and handling
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 Compliance Management Systems (CMS). It provides a systematic, risk-based approach to identify obligations, manage risks, and foster integrity across organizations of all sizes and sectors, using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle and High-Level Structure (HLS).
Key Components
- Core clauses: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
- Emphasizes leadership commitment, risk assessment, whistleblowing, competence, monitoring, audits, and continual improvement.
- Built on HLS for integration with ISO 9001/14001/27001; supports companion standards like ISO 37302/37303.
- Certifiable via accredited bodies like ANAB.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives regulatory compliance, reduces fines/reputational risks, enhances stakeholder trust, supports ESG/SDGs. Provides certification for competitive edge, investor confidence, and integrated risk management.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: gap analysis, obligation register, controls/training, audits/certification. Applicable universally; scalable for SMEs/enterprises. Typical 12-18 months; involves resources, cultural change, third-party audits.
AS9120B Details
What It Is
AS9120B is the IAQG quality management system standard for aviation, space, and defense distributors. It augments ISO 9001:2015's high-level structure with distributor-specific requirements. Primary purpose: ensure traceability, prevent counterfeits, and maintain product conformity without altering characteristics. Adopts risk-based thinking and PDCA approach.
Key Components
- Over 100 aerospace additions to ISO 9001 clauses 4-10.
- Pillars: context/leadership, planning/support, operations (traceability, counterfeit prevention, external providers), evaluation, improvement.
- Built on 10-clause HLS; certification via accredited bodies, OASIS listing.
Why Organizations Use It
- Commercial necessity for OEM/Tier-1 supply chains.
- Mitigates risks like traceability loss, counterfeits.
- Builds customer trust, enables market access (2,442 global certifications).
- Drives efficiency, reduces nonconformities.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months).
- Applies to stockists/distributors globally; multi-site scalable.
- Stage 1/2 certification audits required.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 37301 | AS9120B |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Compliance management systems (CMS) requirements | Aerospace distributor quality management systems |
| Industry | All sectors and organization sizes globally | Aerospace distribution supply chain specifically |
| Nature | Voluntary certifiable international standard | Voluntary certifiable quality standard |
| Testing | Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits | Internal audits, process audits, surveillance audits |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties | Loss of certification, market exclusion |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 37301 and AS9120B
ISO 37301 FAQ
AS9120B FAQ
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