TS EN 9104-1

TS EN 9104-1 defines the requirements for the ICOP scheme used to run quality management system certification in the aerospace, space and defense sectors. Its focus is the common certification framework that supports confidence in QMS certifications issued by accredited certification bodies and aligned with applicable AQMS standard requirements.

How the ICOP scheme fits the certification chain

ICOP is a sector certification approach for assessing organizations’ quality management systems against aerospace, space and defense expectations. The central relationship is between the certification body, accreditation, and customer expectations. This standard sets requirements for all participants in that structure and provides a common basis for conformity assessment. In general technical terms, such frameworks address not only whether a management system exists, but also whether certification is applied consistently and comparably.

Requirements given priority in use

• The document’s requirements apply to all participants in the ICOP scheme.
• It addresses QMS certifications issued by accredited certification bodies.
• Its purpose is to give ASD customers confidence that those certifications meet applicable AQMS standard requirements.
• Where there is a conflict, customer requirements or applicable statutory and regulatory requirements take precedence.

From a general technical perspective, this makes the standard a key reference for trust, traceability and consistent certification practice across the aerospace supply chain. Its value lies in aligning quality management system certification with the expectations of a highly regulated technical sector, so certification outcomes can be interpreted more consistently across organizations.

This document is relevant to certification bodies, auditors and conformity assessment professionals involved in QMS certification within aerospace, space and defense. TS EN 9104-1 is positioned as a framework standard for the certification infrastructure of the sector, with emphasis on certification integrity rather than on product design.