Customer approval
Recognised by OEMs, primes and MROs buying through distribution.
Certification support
AS9120 Aerospace Distributors
Current edition: AS9120B · next: IA9120
The quality management standard for distributors and stockists of aviation, space and defence parts. It builds on ISO 9001 with requirements for traceability, document control and counterfeit prevention across the supply chain.
IA9120Revision coming
AS9120B is being revised as IA9120
The International Aerospace Quality Group is revising the 9100 series, renaming AS9100 as IA9100 and its companion standards accordingly, aligned with ISO 9001:2026. Publication is expected from late 2026, followed by a transition period. Systems we build to AS9120B now are designed to move to IA9120 with a focused gap review.
What the standard covers
What AS9120 adds for distributors
AS9120 focuses on keeping parts and their documentation intact as they pass through distribution.
Traceability
Traceability to the manufacturer maintained for every part.
Counterfeit prevention
Detection and prevention of counterfeit and suspect parts.
Split lots
Control of documentation when lots are divided.
Certificates of conformity
Manufacturer documentation preserved and passed on.
Supplier approval
Approved sources and supplier monitoring.
Storage and handling
Preservation, shelf life and handling controls.
Product safety
Product safety awareness throughout distribution.
Delivery performance
On-time delivery and conformity measured.
Why organisations implement it
What AS9120 delivers
Protected traceability
Documentation that survives every split and shipment.
Lower counterfeit risk
Controls that keep suspect parts out of the supply chain.
Visible in OASIS
Certified status buyers can verify.
Fewer returns
Correct parts and paperwork shipped first time.
Built on ISO 9001
Your existing quality system is the base.
How we work
Path to certification
One AEC methodology from first assessment to certificate, delivered by registered lead auditors.
- AssessGap assessment against AS9120B, scope and roadmap
- DesignProcesses, risk register, policy and documented information
- ImplementProcesses embedded with coaching for process owners
- TrainAwareness for all staff and internal auditor development
- VerifyInternal audit, management review and mock certification audit
- Certify & sustainStage 1 and Stage 2 support, then surveillance readiness
Full implementation
No existing system. We design and implement from the ground up.
Typically 5 to 7 monthsGap remediation
Some documentation in place. We close the gaps and prove effectiveness.
Typically 4 to 6 monthsUpgrade & integration
We add distribution requirements to your ISO 9001 system.
Typically 3 to 4 months
Who certifies
Certification under the IAQG scheme
AS9120 certificates are issued by certification bodies accredited under the IAQG Industry Controlled Other Party (ICOP) scheme, and recorded in the IAQG OASIS database. AEC prepares you for that audit; the certification decision is theirs.
CB-neutral
We help you select an ICOP-accredited body that suits your customers.
Audit-ready
Mock audit and closed corrective actions before Stage 1 and Stage 2.
No guarantees
We prepare you thoroughly and never promise an outcome only an independent auditor can decide.
Where it applies
AS9120 by industry
Transport & logistics · aerospace parts distribution
Manufacturing · materials and fasteners stockists
Government · defence supply
Related standards
Questions
AS9120 FAQ
Does AEC issue the AS9120 certificate?
No. AS9120 certificates are issued by ICOP-accredited certification bodies. AEC prepares your organisation for that audit.
AS9120 or AS9100?
AS9120 is for organisations that procure, store and distribute parts without altering them. If you manufacture or modify parts, AS9100 is the standard.
We already hold ISO 9001. How much more work is AS9120?
Your ISO 9001 system is the base. The work is in traceability, split-lot control, counterfeit prevention and supplier controls, typically 3 to 4 months.
Should we wait for IA9120?
No. AS9120B certification remains valid through the transition after the new edition is published.
Start your AS9120 programme
Tell us your product lines, suppliers and customers. We reply with a proposal covering gap assessment, implementation and certification support.
Certification decisions are made by independent, accredited certification bodies. AEC prepares organisations for certification and does not guarantee certification outcomes.