REACH
EU regulation for chemical registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction
AS9110C
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.
REACH
Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH)
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
AS9110C
AS9110C Quality Management Systems for Aviation Maintenance
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
| Aspect | REACH | AS9110C |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Chemicals registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction | Aerospace MRO quality management system |
| Industry | Chemicals, manufacturing, importers EU-wide | Aviation maintenance organisations worldwide |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation | Voluntary certification standard |
| Testing | Dossier submission, substance evaluation | Internal audits, certification audits |
| Penalties | Fines, market bans by Member States | Loss of certification, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about REACH and AS9110C
REACH FAQ
AS9110C FAQ
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