What is the primary objective of **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)**?

**The primary objective of MLPS 2.0 is to establish a graded cybersecurity protection system ensuring security controls match the potential harm from system compromise to national security, social order, and public interests.** It classifies information systems into five levels (1-5) based on impact severity, mandating commensurate technical, management, physical, and personnel controls via standards like GB/T 22239-2019, GB/T 25070-2019, and GB/T 28448-2019.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)**?

**All network operators in mainland China must comply with MLPS 2.0 under Article 21 of the 2017 Cybersecurity Law.** This includes domestic enterprises, foreign-invested entities, cloud providers, and operators of IT, OT, IoT, big data, and industrial systems; critical sectors like finance, energy, and telecom often classify at Level 3+.

Oes **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**Yes, MLPS 2.0 requires external security reviews by licensed Chinese firms for Level 2+ systems, with PSB approval.** Reviews score controls (minimum 75/100) across technical, management, and physical domains; Level 3+ mandates annual evaluations per GB/T 28448-2019.

How often should an assessment for **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)** be performed?

**Assessments under MLPS 2.0 must occur periodically: biennially for Level 2, annually for Level 3, semi-annually for Level 4, and as mandated for Level 5.** Re-evaluations are also required after major changes; self-inspections apply to all levels.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)**?

**Non-compliance with MLPS 2.0 risks fines up to 100,000 yuan, operational suspensions, system shutdowns, and intensified PSB inspections.** Enforcement ties to license renewals; severe cases involve blacklisting or criminal liability.

An **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, MLPS 2.0 control domains align with frameworks like ISO 27001 (Annex A) and NIST CSF.** Organizational, physical, and technical controls map directly, enabling gap analyses via Statements of Applicability, though MLPS adds prescriptive grading and PSB oversight.

What is the primary objective of **AS9110C**?

**AS9110C's primary objective is to define quality management system requirements for aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations to ensure consistent conformity to customer and regulatory requirements while enhancing safety and continual improvement.** It builds on ISO 9001:2015 using the High Level Structure (HLS), embedding aerospace-specific controls for maintenance processes, configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, and risk-based thinking (RBT) per Clauses 6.1 and 8.1.1. Certification signals supply-chain readiness via IAQG OASIS listing.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **AS9110C**?

**AS9110C applies to MRO organizations providing maintenance, repair, overhaul, or continuing airworthiness services for commercial, private, and military aircraft.** Target entities include independent repair stations, airline maintenance departments, component overhaul facilities, and OEMs with autonomous MRO operations. Compliance is often contractually mandated by OEMs, airlines, and regulators (e.g., FAA/EASA Part-145 alignment); it is not legally mandatory but essential for market access and OASIS eligibility.

Does **AS9110C** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**Yes, AS9110C requires third-party certification through accredited registrars following a two-stage external audit process.** Stage 1 reviews documented information and readiness; Stage 2 verifies effective QMS implementation via on-site evidence of operational controls like internal audits and management reviews. The QMS must be operational for at least three months with full internal audit cycles prior to certification.

How often should an assessment for **AS9110C** be performed?

**Internal audits for AS9110C must be performed at planned intervals based on process risk, with higher frequency for critical maintenance processes like configuration control and release-to-service.** Annual surveillance audits follow initial certification, with full recertification every three years. Management reviews occur regularly, using at least three months of operational data.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **AS9110C**?

**Non-compliance with AS9110C risks regulatory sanctions, contract loss, and operational shutdowns.** It can lead to FAA/EASA Part-145 certificate suspension, OEM delisting from OASIS, fines up to $100k per day, litigation from airworthiness failures, and revenue losses from AOG events or terminated contracts.

An **AS9110C** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**No, AS9110C FAQs must stand alone without mapping references to other frameworks.**

What is the first step to begin implementing **AS9110C**?

**The first step for AS9110C implementation is a disciplined gap analysis mapping existing processes to all clauses, including regulatory alignments like EASA/FAA Part-145.** Produce a prioritized gap register, secure executive sponsorship via a signed Statement of Work (SOW), and assign a Management Representative for Clause 5 leadership accountability.

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) vs AS9110C

Q: What is the first step to begin implementing **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)**?

**The first step is conducting a provisional self-assessment to classify systems into Levels 1-5 based on impact to national security, social order, and public interests.** Inventory assets, document rationale per GB/T 22239-2019, then file with local PSB within 30 days for Level 2+.

Standards Comparison

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)

Mandatory

2019

China's mandatory graded network protection regulation

AS9110C

Mandatory

2016

Aerospace QMS standard for aircraft maintenance organizations

Quick Verdict

MLPS 2.0 mandates graded cybersecurity for China networks via PSB enforcement, while AS9110C certifies voluntary QMS for global aviation MRO. Chinese firms adopt MLPS for legal compliance; aerospace providers seek AS9110C for contracts and safety.

Cybersecurity

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)

Multi-Level Protection Scheme 2.0 (MLPS 2.0)

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

Medium

Implementation Time

18-24 months

Key Features

Five impact-based protection levels (1-5)
Mandatory PSB registration and approval Level 2+
Third-party audits requiring 75/100 score minimum
Extended controls for cloud IoT ICS big data
Law enforcement oversight with on-site inspections

Quality Management

AS9110C

AS9110C Quality Management System Requirements for Aircraft Maintenance Organizations

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Risk-based thinking in planning and operations
Configuration management and part traceability
Counterfeit parts prevention controls
Human factors and competence verification
Maintenance release and airworthiness assurance

Detailed Analysis

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

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) Details

What It Is

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme 2.0) is China's mandatory cybersecurity regulation under the 2017 Cybersecurity Law (Article 21). It classifies information systems into five protection levels based on potential harm to national security, social order, and public interests, using an impact-based risk methodology.

Key Components

Core domains: physical security, network protection, data security, access control, monitoring, governance.
Standards: GB/T 22239-2019 (baseline), GB/T 25070-2019 (technical), GB/T 28448-2019 (evaluation).
Common controls plus level-specific and technology extensions (cloud, IoT, ICS).
Compliance via self-classification, third-party audits (75/100 score), PSB approval.

Why Organizations Use It

Legal mandate for all China network operators to avoid fines, suspensions.
Enhances resilience, supports market access, license renewals.
Builds regulator trust, integrates with data laws (DSL, PIPL).

Implementation Overview

Phased: classify, gap analysis, remediate, audit, ongoing re-evaluations.
Applies to all sizes in China; Level 3+ needs annual audits.
High costs, multi-year commitment for foreign/domestic firms.

AS9110C Details

What It Is

AS9110C (AS9110:2016 Rev C) is the international certification standard for quality management systems (QMS) in aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations. It extends ISO 9001:2015 with aerospace-specific controls using a risk-based, process-oriented approach via High Level Structure (HLS) and PDCA cycle.

Key Components

Clauses 4-10 covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
Core areas: configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, traceability, maintenance release.
Built on risk-based thinking (RBT), organizational knowledge.
Third-party certification model with internal audits and management reviews.

Why Organizations Use It

Contractual mandates from OEMs/airlines; regulatory alignment (FAA/EASA Part-145).
Mitigates safety risks, ensures airworthiness.
Drives efficiency, on-time delivery, customer satisfaction.
Enables market access, supply-chain integration, competitive edge.

Implementation Overview

Phased: gap analysis, process mapping, training, pilots, audits.
Targets global MROs; 6-12 months typical.
Requires operational evidence pre-certification.