IA9120 Transition Brief for Aerospace Distributors

AS9120 is the aerospace quality management standard for stockist distributors — organizations that buy, store, split and resell parts and materials without changing their product characteristics. It is expected to become IA9120 as part of the IAQG's move to the "IA" family, alongside IA9100.

This page is Paradygm Consulting's commentary; the published IA9120 and IAQG guidance will define the actual requirements.

Expected timeline (estimate)

Based on information available to us as of May 2026, the family timeline is expected to be:

• Late 2026 — expected publication.
• Around 1 January 2027 — audits expected to begin.
• Roughly through 2029 — transition window.

Confirm IA9120-specific dates with your CB and the IAQG.

Focus areas for distributors

• Traceability — maintaining an unbroken chain of documentation back to the original manufacturer, including when lots are split or repackaged.
• Counterfeit and suspect parts prevention — source approval, verification at receipt, quarantine and reporting. See counterfeit parts prevention.
• Supplier approval and monitoring — especially for brokers and non-authorized sources.
• Storage and preservation — shelf-life control, handling of sensitive items, packaging and identification.
• Customer requirements and flow-down — reviewing purchase orders and passing requirements on correctly.
• Information security — protecting certificates, records and customer data. See operational planning themes.
• ISO 9001:2026 alignment — base changes apply. See ISO 9001 alignment.

Preparation checklist

1. Obtain IA9120 and transition guidance when published.
2. Brief leadership and purchasing, receiving and warehouse leads.
3. Run a gap assessment, including a traceability sample.
4. Update procedures, supplier requirements and training.
5. Run an internal audit and management review.
6. Agree transition audit timing with your CB.

How we can help

Paradygm Consulting supports distributors with gap assessments, team training and internal audit support. We do not issue certificates.

Call 1-855-702-9001, email info@paradygm.co, or use the contact section (privacy notice). Deep dive: paradygm.co/ia9100.

Dates are provisional estimates; the IAQG is the authority. Confirm with your CB.