The Role of AS9120 in Supply Chain Traceability
Discover how the AS9120 standard ensures traceability and compliance in the aerospace supply chain, preventing counterfeit parts and enhancing safety.
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Smithers Summarizes: AS9120 Certification
Quick Answer: AS9120 is a Quality Management System (QMS) standard developed by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) for organizations that distribute aerospace parts and materials. Built on ISO 9001, AS9120 adds aerospace-specific requirements around traceability, counterfeit prevention, and documented process control. Certification signals to customers and regulators that your distribution operations meet globally recognized quality standards.
Distributors operating in the aerospace and defense supply chain face a level of scrutiny that few other industries can match. A single counterfeit component or a gap in documentation can have consequences that extend far beyond a failed audit. AS9120 certification exists precisely to address these risks—providing a structured, internationally recognized framework that helps distributors demonstrate their commitment to quality, safety, and supply chain integrity.
This post breaks down what AS9120 certification is, who needs it, what it requires, and how the certification process works from start to finish.
What Is AS9120 Certification?
AS9120 is a specialized Quality Management System standard developed and maintained by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG). The current version, AS9120B (also referred to as AS9120:2016), was released in 2016 and is the globally recognized benchmark for organizations that source, store, and distribute aerospace parts and materials.
The standard is built on the foundation of ISO 9001 but goes significantly further. Where ISO 9001 establishes general quality management principles, AS9120 adds requirements that are specific to the challenges of aerospace distribution—particularly around product traceability, counterfeit parts prevention, configuration management, and supplier oversight.
Achieving AS9120 certification means an independent, accredited certification body has verified that your organization's quality management system meets all of these requirements. For distributors seeking approval from aerospace OEMs, prime contractors, or government agencies, certification is often a prerequisite for doing business.
How Does AS9120 Differ from AS9100 and AS9110?
The IAQG maintains a suite of standards for different roles in the aerospace supply chain. Understanding the distinctions helps organizations identify which certification applies to their operations:
- AS9100 applies to organizations that design and manufacture aerospace components or assemblies. It covers the full production lifecycle, from initial design through final quality verification.
- AS9110 applies to maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations. It focuses on service quality requirements for aircraft maintenance and repair operations.
- AS9120 applies specifically to distributors—organizations that purchase, stock, and redistribute parts and materials without performing manufacturing or repair functions.
If your primary role in the aerospace supply chain is distribution, AS9120 is the correct standard.
What Are the Key Requirements of AS9120?
AS9120B introduces a comprehensive set of requirements organized across the organization's full operational scope. The most critical areas include:
Organizational context and leadership: Senior leadership must be actively committed to the Quality Management System. Management defines quality objectives, allocates resources, and ensures the system is aligned with business goals and regulatory obligations.
Product identification and traceability: Every part must be uniquely identified and traceable through every stage of the distribution process—from receipt through storage and delivery. This supports accountability, regulatory compliance, and the ability to act quickly in the event of a recall.
Counterfeit parts prevention: AS9120 places explicit requirements on organizations to establish controls that reduce the risk of counterfeit or unapproved parts entering the supply chain. This includes supplier evaluation, documented receipt procedures, and verification practices.
Documented information control: Accurate, controlled documentation is foundational to AS9120 compliance. Organizations must maintain clear records that support consistency, traceability, and audit readiness across all distribution activities.
Supplier and external provider management: AS9120-certified organizations must select, evaluate, and monitor their suppliers and external providers to ensure the quality and authenticity of the parts they procure and redistribute.
Risk management and continual improvement: The standard requires a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating operational risks, combined with an ongoing commitment to process improvement and performance evaluation.
What Are the Benefits of AS9120 Certification?
Certification carries concrete operational and commercial advantages for aerospace distributors:
- Increased customer confidence: AS9120 certification communicates to customers and partners that your organization operates to the highest standards of quality, traceability, and documentation. For many aerospace buyers, it removes a significant barrier to supplier approval.
- Reduced supply chain risk: Structured counterfeit prevention controls and rigorous traceability requirements directly reduce the operational risks that characterize aerospace distribution.
- Streamlined operations: The standard encourages clear, consistent procedures that reduce errors, improve inventory management, and increase overall operational efficiency.
- Access to new markets: Many aerospace manufacturers, OEMs, and government agencies require AS9120 certification as a prerequisite for supplier qualification. Certification expands the pool of contracts your organization is eligible to pursue.
- Global recognition: AS9120 is recognized internationally, providing credibility across borders and alignment with worldwide regulatory expectations.
How Does the AS9120 Certification Process Work?
The path to AS9120 certification follows a defined sequence of steps. Organizations that approach this process systematically—and with the right certification partner—are better positioned for a smooth audit experience.
1. Gap analysis: Conduct a thorough review of your existing Quality Management System against AS9120 requirements. This identifies where gaps exist before the formal audit process begins.
2. Documentation and process updates: Address the gaps identified. Update or develop procedures, records, and controls to align with AS9120 requirements—particularly in areas like traceability, counterfeit prevention, and supplier oversight.
3. Staff training: Employees must understand the updated processes and their responsibilities within the Quality Management System. Effective training reduces the likelihood of nonconformities during the audit.
4. Stage 1 Audit: An accredited auditor conducts an initial review of your documented quality management system. This readiness assessment identifies any areas of concern that must be resolved before proceeding to the full certification audit.
5. Stage 2 Audit: The certification audit. Auditors conduct a comprehensive, on-site evaluation of your Quality Management System's implementation and effectiveness against all AS9120 requirements. Any nonconformities identified must be addressed with corrective actions before certification can be granted.
6. Certification issued: Once all requirements are satisfied and corrective actions are accepted, your AS9120 certificate is issued. Ongoing surveillance audits (conducted at least annually) and a recertification audit every three years ensure continued compliance.
How Smithers Supports Your AS9120 Certification Journey
Smithers Quality Assessments delivers AS9120 audit and certification services tailored to the specific demands of aerospace distribution. Our auditors bring deep experience in AS9120 standards and aerospace distribution quality management systems—equipping them to identify compliance gaps and opportunities for improvement with precision.
Our audit process covers all critical requirements: product traceability, counterfeit parts controls, risk management, supplier oversight, and documented process control. Audit reports go beyond listing findings—they provide practical recommendations that support both certification and long-term operational performance.
Clients benefit from a 24/7 secure portal for complete visibility of scheduling, reports, nonconformity trend data, and certification documents. Our team acknowledges requests in hours, not days—ensuring that your certification timeline stays on track.
Contact us directly to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AS9120 certification a legal requirement?
AS9120 certification is not a legal requirement, but it is widely required by aerospace OEMs, prime contractors, and government agencies as a condition of supplier approval. Without it, distributors may be ineligible for significant portions of the aerospace supply chain.
Who should pursue AS9120 certification?
AS9120 is designed for organizations that purchase, stock, and distribute aerospace parts and materials without performing manufacturing or repair operations. This includes aerospace parts distributors, raw material suppliers, aviation spare parts providers, logistics providers operating as aerospace stockers, and warehouse or distribution center operators serving the aerospace sector.
How long does AS9120 certification take?
The timeline varies based on the size and complexity of the organization and the maturity of its existing quality management system. Most organizations complete the implementation, gap closure, and two-stage audit process within several months to a year.
What happens after AS9120 certification is issued?
Certified organizations are subject to surveillance audits at least once per year to verify ongoing compliance. A full recertification audit is required every three years. Maintaining certification also requires continual improvement, staff training, and staying current with any updates to the AS9120 standard.
How does AS9120 address counterfeit parts?
AS9120 requires organizations to implement documented controls across the full distribution workflow—including supplier evaluation, receipt inspection procedures, and product identification practices—to minimize the risk of counterfeit or unapproved parts entering the supply chain.
Take the Next Step Toward AS9120 Certification
AS9120 certification gives aerospace distributors the framework to manage risk, satisfy regulatory expectations, and build the kind of supply chain credibility that opens doors to new business. For organizations ready to pursue certification—or looking to understand the path ahead—Smithers Quality Assessments provides the expertise and structured support to move the process forward with confidence.
Request a quote for AS9120 certification services to get started.
