Standards Comparison

    REACH

    Mandatory
    2007

    EU regulation for chemical registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction

    VS

    AS9110C

    Mandatory
    2016

    Aerospace QMS standard for aviation maintenance organizations.

    Quick Verdict

    REACH mandates chemical risk management for EU market access, while AS9110C certifies aerospace MRO quality systems for safety and compliance. Companies adopt REACH to avoid bans and fines; AS9110C for contracts and operational excellence.

    Chemical Safety

    REACH

    Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH)

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    18-24 months

    Key Features

    • Shifts burden to industry for chemical risk assessment
    • Requires registration for substances over 1 tonne/year
    • Authorises SVHC uses via substitution-driven applications
    • Imposes Annex XVII EU-wide substance restrictions
    • Mandates supply-chain SDS and SVHC communication
    Quality Management

    AS9110C

    AS9110C Quality Management Systems for Aviation Maintenance

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

    Key Features

    • Counterfeit parts prevention controls
    • Configuration management and traceability
    • Risk-based thinking in operations
    • Human factors and competence requirements
    • Alignment with FAA/EASA regulations

    Detailed Analysis

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

    REACH Details

    What It Is

    REACH (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006) is a directly applicable EU regulation governing chemicals throughout their lifecycle. Its primary purpose is protecting human health and the environment by requiring industry to identify, assess, and manage chemical risks. Scope covers substances, mixtures, and articles; key approach shifts responsibility to manufacturers/importers for data generation via tonnage-triggered registration.

    Key Components

    • Four pillars: Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, Restriction.
    • 17 technical Annexes (e.g., XIV for SVHC authorisation, XVII for restrictions).
    • Core elements: dossiers (IUCLID), Chemical Safety Reports (CSR), Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
    • No certification; continuous compliance enforced nationally with ECHA coordination.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Legal obligation for EU market access; avoids fines, seizures, market bans. Drives substitution, enhances supply-chain transparency, reduces risks, boosts ESG reputation and competitiveness via safer products.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, substance inventory, dossiers/CSRs, supply-chain communication, monitoring. Applies to manufacturers/importers/downstream users across industries; high complexity suits mid-to-large firms. Requires cross-functional teams, IT tools (REACH-IT); ongoing audits, no central certification.

    AS9110C Details

    What It Is

    AS9110C (AS9110:2016 Rev C) is an international certification standard for quality management systems (QMS) in aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations. It builds on ISO 9001:2015 with aerospace-specific requirements for safety-critical processes, using a risk-based thinking (RBT) and PDCA approach.

    Key Components

    • Core clauses 4-10 from ISO HLS, plus MRO additions like configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, and traceability.
    • Emphasizes operational controls, leadership commitment, and documented evidence.
    • Certification via accredited bodies like IAQG OASIS listing.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Meets airline/OEM contracts and regulatory alignments (FAA/EASA Part-145).
    • Mitigates safety risks, reduces rework, improves on-time delivery.
    • Enhances market access, supply-chain trust, and operational efficiency.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, internal audits, certification.
    • Applies to MROs of all sizes globally; requires 3+ months operational data pre-audit.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    REACH
    Chemicals registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction
    AS9110C
    Aerospace MRO quality management system

    Industry

    REACH
    Chemicals, manufacturing, importers EU-wide
    AS9110C
    Aviation maintenance organisations worldwide

    Nature

    REACH
    Mandatory EU regulation
    AS9110C
    Voluntary certification standard

    Testing

    REACH
    Dossier submission, substance evaluation
    AS9110C
    Internal audits, certification audits

    Penalties

    REACH
    Fines, market bans by Member States
    AS9110C
    Loss of certification, no legal penalties

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about REACH and AS9110C

    REACH FAQ

    AS9110C FAQ

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