“The AS9120 Certification places a strong emphasis on the control of externally provided processes, products and services. Thus, also the prevention of counterfeit, suspected unapproved parts in the supply chain, or unapproved changes of manufacturer. A chronic threat, the industry must proactively address and mitigate”, says COO Raymond Goh at Confidee. 

The AS9120 certification is a quality management standard specifically designed for distributors in aviation, space and defence. It helps recognize the regulatory requirements on QMS processes, for the prevention of counterfeit and suspected unapproved parts, both in the production and aftermarket environments. 

“One might wonder what constitutes counterfeit or unapproved parts. It could be as subtle as unauthorized modifications to your product, or unapproved changes of manufacturing sites. In these cases, which many are not aware of, you’re effectively dealing with counterfeit or unapproved goods without the necessary traceability. The potential consequences for everyone involved can be significant”, says Goh. 

Door opener for international business
The certification not only provides market acceptance, it’s also a door opener of international business opportunities, as it’s endorsed by all major aviation, space and defence bodies and regulators including Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. Department of Defence (DoD) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). 

“For us, the achievement of the AS9120 certification was a given, as it reflects a strong commitment to fulfil customer expectations and places a strong emphasis on the control of externally provided processes, products, services, thus also the prevention of counterfeit, suspected unapproved parts in the supply chain, says Goh. 

 The certification underscores adherence to stringent aviation, space and defence industry standards, enhancing trust and confidence among customers and stakeholders alike.  

 “AS9120 plays a critical role in addressing risks and opportunities. Soon the industry will have to address new governmental regulations, such as CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification). How will this flow down through the supply chain? With AS9120 the organization will have to systematically address risks and opportunities of such new regulations. Transparency towards processes, regulations and export control, is essential to provide a compliant defense supply chain”, says Goh. 

 In the aviation, space and defence industry, precision and trust are non-negotiable. For Confidee, our platform that seamlessly integrates compliance, access control, and advanced cyber security measures, forms the foundation of our ability to deliver compliant printed circuits and secure data solutions for our trusted partners. 

 “While many claim to adhere to regulations and controls, failing to demonstrate compliance often means they aren’t truly aware of whether they offer secure solutions or know which regulations that apply. AS9120 certification encourages a culture of continuous improvement. For us it’s a given to continuously drive the company to constantly evaluate and enhance our processes and operational performance. Compliance is not a quick fix, nor a one-time task, it’s a continuously ongoing process and development”, Goh says. 

Extracted from EN 9120:2018 

Definitions:  

Counterfeit parts: an unauthorized copy, imitation, substitute or modified part (e.g. material, part, component), which is knowingly misrepresented as a specified genuine part of an original or authorized manufacturer. 

Note 1 to entry: Examples of a counterfeit part can include, but are not limited to, the false identification of marking or labelling, grade, serial number, date code, documentation or performance characteristics. 

Suspected Unapproved parts: a part for which there is objective and credible evidence indicating that the part is likely an unapproved or counterfeit part. 

Note 1 to entry: This includes: articles shipped to an end user by a supplier who does not have direct delivery authorization from the approved production organization; new articles that do not conform to the approved design/data; articles that have not been manufactured or maintained by an approved source; articles that have been intentionally misrepresented, including counterfeit parts and articles with incomplete or inappropriate documentation. 

Other article about the AS9120 Certification.

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