Aerospace Distribution Quality Management (AS9120) Certification

AS9120 is the quality management system standard for stockists and distributors in the aerospace sector. A distributor does not manufacture the product; the standard's weight is therefore on traceability, record integrity, prevention of counterfeit parts, storage conditions, and passing the product on unchanged.

• Aerospace parts stockists and distributors
• Suppliers of standard parts such as fasteners, seals and bearings
• Raw-material (alloy, composite) distributors
• Intermediary suppliers carrying out limited operations such as cutting and packaging

Not legally mandatory; a contractual expectation. Aerospace manufacturers and MROs prefer an AS9120-certified distributor so that a part's history can be reliably traced.

• All ISO 9001 requirements form the basis
• Prevention of counterfeit parts and quarantine of suspect parts
• Traceability: part history, manufacturer documents and the chain of certificates
• Issuing and verifying a certificate of conformity (CoC)
• Storage, handling, shelf life and ESD protection
• Control of limited operations such as cutting and packaging
• Supplier approval and verification of the source
• Product safety and customer-notification obligations
• Record retention and traceability back through the chain

1. 1ApplicationThe organisation's field of activity, headcount, number of sites and scope boundaries are determined. The number of audit days is calculated from this information.
2. 2Document Review (Stage 1)The management system documentation, scope definition, risk assessment and internal-audit/management-review records are examined; readiness for the on-site audit is assessed.
3. 3Certification Audit (Stage 2)It is verified on site that the system is implemented and effective. Findings are classified as major/minor nonconformity or observation.
4. 4Closing NonconformitiesThe organisation submits a root-cause analysis and corrective action plan. The certificate is not issued until major nonconformities are closed.
5. 5Issuing the CertificateThe certificate is issued after review by an independent decision-maker. The audit team cannot make the certification decision.
6. 6Surveillance AuditsA surveillance audit is carried out at least once a year during the certificate's validity. The first surveillance cannot exceed 12 months from the last day of Stage 2.
7. 7RecertificationAt the end of three years, the entire system is re-audited; it must be completed before the certificate expires.

Management system certificates are valid for three years. At least one surveillance audit is carried out per year during this period; the certificate is suspended if surveillance is not carried out. A recertification audit is completed at the end of the third year.

• Trade registry record and operating licence
• The organisation's organisation chart and headcount
• The list of sites/branches within scope
• The management system manual or process documentation
• Internal audit and management review records
• Legal permits, licences and operating documents, if any

There is no fixed list price; the cost is calculated based on the following variables and provided in writing in the quote.

• The headcount within scope (directly determines the number of audit days)
• The number of sites and branches; whether multi-site sampling applies
• The activity's risk level and process complexity
• The number of standards to be certified — an integrated audit reduces the number of days
• The three-year cycle: certification + two surveillance audits

Management system certification is carried out within the scope of ISO/IEC 17021-1. The certification body is accredited by an accreditation body party to the IAF multilateral recognition agreement (IAF MLA); This agreement establishes a chain of international recognition that ensures that a document issued in one country is accepted in other countries. EUROLAB has internationally recognized accreditation from IAF member accreditation bodies within the scope of ISO/IEC 17021-1.

The scope under which this scheme can be offered varies according to your product and activity; it is confirmed in writing at the quote stage.

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