Framework Quality & Manufacturing
AS9120
AS9120 is the aerospace quality management system standard for stockist distributors: companies that buy parts and materials, hold them, sometimes split lots, and resell them without changing the product.
It adds distributor-specific requirements to ISO 9001, with the emphasis on traceability from the original manufacturer to the customer, control of lot splitting and re-certification of documents, evidence of conformance, prevention of counterfeit and suspect unapproved parts, and record retention.
The current edition is AS9120B (2016); the IAQG plans to revise it alongside the 9100 series as IA9120 (verify timing).
In writing, a distributor must document its QMS scope and policy, procedures for purchasing and supplier approval, receiving inspection and verification of certificates, lot splitting and traceability, storage and handling including shelf-life control, counterfeit parts prevention, control of nonconforming product, and customer notification.
It is not intended for organizations that rework, repair, or add value to the product; those fall under AS9100 or AS9110.
Who has to comply
Voluntary in law but a common contractual requirement for distributors selling into aerospace and defense supply chains. Primes and tier suppliers typically require AS9120 certification and check status in OASIS before approving a distributor.
What the assessor asks to see
QMS scope and policy; supplier approval and monitoring records; purchase orders with flow-down requirements; receiving inspection records and manufacturer certificates of conformance; lot traceability records and lot-splitting procedures; storage, handling, and shelf-life control records; counterfeit and suspect unapproved parts prevention procedures and training; nonconforming product and customer notification records; calibration records for any measuring equipment used; customer complaint handling; internal audit and management review records; corrective actions; OASIS registration.
Where the requirement sits: AS9120 8.1.4 counterfeit parts; 8.5.2 traceability; ISO 9001 7.5 inherited
What AllyMatter does here
Documented-procedure and awareness layer.
AllyMatter publishes this site.
Assessors
Who assesses AS9120
Certification bodies accredited under the IAQG scheme (9104-1) by an IAQG-recognized accreditation body, using IAQG-authenticated aerospace auditors. Accredited by IAQG-recognized accreditation bodies (ANAB, UKAS, DAkkS, JAB, and others) under IAQG oversight.
Public register of assessors: https://www.iaqg.org/oasis/
No firm has claimed a AS9120 assessor listing yet. Claim yours →
Consultants
Who helps with AS9120
The same aerospace QMS consultant ecosystem that serves AS9100 covers AS9120. Implementers write the procedure set, design traceability and lot-splitting controls, set up counterfeit part prevention aligned to AS6174 or AS5553 where customers require it, and prepare for certification. Engagements are usually shorter than AS9100 projects, often three to six months.
Firms that name this framework in their own material. Listings we have not verified yet come from public filings and partner lists. Each firm can confirm its own.
No firm has claimed a AS9120 consultant listing yet. Claim yours →
Software
Tools for AS9120
Tools that name this framework in their own material.
Related reading
- 9120 - QMS requirements for aviation, space and defense distributorsSets out what the distributor standard adds over AS9100 on traceability, counterfeit parts, splitting and record retention.International Aerospace Quality Group
- ASA accreditation programme and FAA AC 00-56Explains ASA-100, the competing route to distributor accreditation, so you can see what AS9120 buys you that it does not.Aviation Suppliers Association
Independent third-party explainers, chosen by hand. Not affiliated with this site and not paid placements. All links are nofollow.
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From the publisher
Run the Policy Side of AS9120 in AllyMatter
Approve the policies AS9120 asks for, keep every version, and record a named acknowledgment from each person who has to read them.