SQF
GFSI-benchmarked HACCP-based food safety certification standard
AS9120B
Aerospace standard for distributors' quality management systems.
Quick Verdict
SQF ensures food safety via HACCP and GMPs for global food chains, while AS9120B mandates QMS with traceability and counterfeit controls for aerospace distributors. Companies adopt SQF for retailer access and recalls prevention; AS9120B for OEM approval and supply chain trust.
SQF
Safe Quality Food (SQF) Code Edition 9
Key Features
- Modular architecture pairs Module 2 with sector GMPs
- GFSI-benchmarked certification enables global market access
- HACCP-based food safety plan with validation/verification
- Mandates full-time onsite SQF Practitioner role
- Implements 'say what you do, do what you say, prove it'
AS9120B
AS9120B Quality Management Systems for Distributors
Key Features
- Counterfeit and suspected unapproved parts prevention
- Enhanced traceability and chain-of-custody controls
- Risk-based external provider evaluation and monitoring
- Configuration management for sales orders and splits
- Product safety and ethical behavior awareness
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
SQF Details
What It Is
Safe Quality Food (SQF) Code Edition 9 is a GFSI-benchmarked certification program administered by SQFI. It ensures food safety and quality across supply chains from farm to fork via HACCP-based risk management and modular structure.
Key Components
- **Module 2Universal system elements (management commitment, HACCP plan, verification, traceability).
- Sector modules (e.g., Module 11 GMPs for manufacturing).
- ~20 mandatory elements like SQF Practitioner, CAPA, food defense.
- Annual audits with scoring (E/G/C/F grades), unannounced checks.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets retailer mandates for market access.
- Reduces recalls, audit duplication via GFSI recognition.
- Builds food safety culture, supplier resilience.
- Enhances due diligence for FSMA/EU alignment.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification.
- Applies to manufacturing, storage, all sizes; 6-12 months typical.
- Requires licensed CB audits, continuous improvement.
AS9120B Details
What It Is
AS9120B is the IAQG quality management system standard for aerospace distributors, building on ISO 9001:2015's high-level structure. It applies to organizations procuring, storing, splitting, and reselling parts without alteration, using a risk-based approach to address distribution risks like traceability loss and counterfeits.
Key Components
- Over 100 aerospace-specific requirements beyond ISO 9001.
- Core areas: context analysis, leadership, planning, support, operations (traceability, counterfeit prevention), performance evaluation, improvement.
- Built on PDCA cycle; requires documented information, not a full manual.
- Certification via accredited bodies, leading to OASIS listing.
Why Organizations Use It
- Commercial necessity for OEM/Tier-1 supply chains.
- Mitigates risks of nonconformities, counterfeits, legal liabilities.
- Enhances market access, customer trust, operational efficiency.
- Builds stakeholder confidence in chain-of-custody.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months typical).
- Applies to aviation/space/defense distributors globally.
- Stage 1/2 certification audits required.
Key Differences
| Aspect | SQF | AS9120B |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food safety management, HACCP, GMPs, traceability | Aerospace distribution QMS, traceability, counterfeit prevention |
| Industry | Food manufacturing, storage, distribution globally | Aerospace parts distributors worldwide |
| Nature | GFSI-benchmarked voluntary certification | IAQG quality management certification standard |
| Testing | Annual third-party audits, unannounced audits | Stage 1/2 certification audits, surveillance audits |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, market access denial | Certification suspension, supply chain exclusion |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SQF and AS9120B
SQF FAQ
AS9120B FAQ
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