WEEE
EU directive for waste electrical equipment management
AS9110C
Aerospace standard for MRO quality management systems
Quick Verdict
WEEE mandates EU e-waste management via EPR and collection targets for electronics firms, while AS9110C is a voluntary QMS certification ensuring safe aviation maintenance. Producers adopt WEEE for legal compliance; MROs pursue AS9110C for contracts and quality.
WEEE
EU Directive 2012/19/EU on WEEE
Key Features
- Extended Producer Responsibility for end-of-life EEE management
- Open scope covering all electrical equipment since 2018
- 65% collection targets based on EEE placed on market
- Mandatory national registration and harmonized reporting
- Selective depollution and recycling treatment standards
AS9110C
AS9110C Quality Management Systems for Aircraft Maintenance
Key Features
- Configuration management and traceability controls
- Counterfeit and suspect parts prevention
- Risk-based thinking in maintenance planning
- Human factors and competence requirements
- Operational release and airworthiness controls
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
WEEE Details
What It Is
Directive 2012/19/EU (WEEE Directive) is a binding EU regulation establishing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). It covers prevention, collection, treatment, and recovery of waste EEE across open-scope categories since 2018, prioritizing waste hierarchy: prevention, reuse, recycling, recovery.
Key Components
- Six open-scope categories in Annex III for all EEE.
- **Collection targets65% of average EEE placed on market (POM) or 85% of generated WEEE.
- **Treatment standardsselective depollution (Annex II), recovery/recycling thresholds.
- National registers, harmonized reporting (e.g., Regulations 2017/699, 2019/290), crossed-out bin labeling.
- Compliance via collective PROs or individual schemes, enforced nationally.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for EU market access; reduces environmental risks, recovers critical materials, supports Green Deal. Mitigates fines, bans; enables circular economy, supply security, reputation.
Implementation Overview
Multi-country registration, POM reporting, PRO joining, reverse logistics design. Applies to producers/importers EU-wide; phased rollout (gap analysis, systems integration, audits); no central certification, national enforcement.
AS9110C Details
What It Is
AS9110C, or 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, using a risk-based thinking (RBT) and PDCA approach to ensure airworthiness and compliance.
Key Components
- Core clauses (4-10) covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- Aviation additions: configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, traceability, release controls.
- Built on Annex SL HLS; requires documented information, competence, and operational evidence.
- Certification via accredited registrars with Stage 1/2 audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets customer/OEM contracts and regulatory alignments (FAA/EASA Part-145).
- Mitigates safety risks, reduces rework, improves on-time delivery.
- Enhances market access, supplier qualification (OASIS listing), operational efficiency.
- Builds stakeholder trust in airworthiness and reliability.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, process design, pilot, audits, certification.
- Applies to MROs of all sizes globally; 6-12 months typical.
- Involves training, eQMS, internal audits, management reviews.
Key Differences
| Aspect | WEEE | AS9110C |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | EEE end-of-life management, collection, recycling, EPR | Aerospace MRO QMS, maintenance, airworthiness controls |
| Industry | Electronics producers EU-wide, all sizes | Aviation maintenance organizations globally |
| Nature | Binding EU directive, national transposition, mandatory | Voluntary certification standard, ISO 9001 based |
| Testing | National reporting, collection rate verification | Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits |
| Penalties | National fines, enforcement, market restrictions | Loss of certification, no direct legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about WEEE and AS9110C
WEEE FAQ
AS9110C FAQ
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