EN 9100 is the quality management system standard for the aerospace, space and defence sectors. It is the European equivalent of the American AS9100, whose content is developed by the IAQG (International Aerospace Quality Group). It takes all the requirements of ISO 9001 and adds requirements specific to these sectors, where the failure of a part can have very serious consequences.
These additional requirements include configuration management, operational risk management, product safety, prevention of non-conforming or counterfeit parts, monitoring of delivery performance and stronger control of special processes and the supply chain. A certified supplier must also flow down some of its customer’s requirements to its own subcontractors. The standard relies on associated documents, such as EN 9102 for the first article, and is often accompanied by traceability and material certificate requirements. The family also includes EN 9110 (maintenance) and EN 9120 (distribution).
Certificates are issued by accredited certification bodies and recorded in an IAQG database, OASIS, where the validity and scope of a certificate can be checked. EN 9100 is not the only route: some buyers qualify their suppliers themselves, or require approvals for special processes. It is only relevant for parts intended for aerospace, space or defence; demanding it for any ordinary industrial prototype would rule out workshops with no benefit.
In a quote request
Say clearly whether EN 9100 certification is required for this order or merely desirable, and ask for the certificate with its scope and expiry date. List the requirements to be passed on (first article under EN 9102, traceability, approved special processes, documents) and specify the sector of use. See the guide on industrial certifications, as well as the page on aerospace and space.