Few topics in aerospace quality produce more speculation than IA9100. So let us separate what the IAQG has published from what the market expects.
Confirmed by the IAQG
The IAQG’s IA9100 Key Change Summary (clause view, November 2023) lists the changes the revision team is working with. The ones with the biggest impact on suppliers:
- Clause 0 and 5: organisational culture and ethical behaviour as part of an effective QMS; leadership promotes an ethical work environment.
- 7.1.7 Information security: a new requirement to safeguard the QMS.
- 8.1: APQP named as one method for operational planning and control.
- 8.1.3 Product safety: the former notes become requirements, including identification of hazards and safety risks and the safety impact of changes.
- 8.1.4 Counterfeit parts: notes become requirements, including training, an obsolescence monitoring program and traceability.
- 8.4 External providers: clause restructured, adding direct and sub-tier control.
The single global designation „IA“ will replace the regional AS, EN and JISQ designations.
Expected, not yet confirmed
The IAQG decided to sequence IA9100 after ISO 9001:2026, which was published on 16 September 2026. Industry commentary (Apex Quality Assurance, July 2026) expects publication in Q4 2026 and a transition period of about three years. Until the IAQG publishes the standard and its transition rules, treat any exact deadline you read as an estimate.
What to prepare now
From my own audit experience, three of the confirmed changes are where most suppliers have real gaps today: information security, sub-tier control and counterfeit prevention. None of them can be fixed in the four weeks before a transition audit.
1. Information security: document who can change QMS data, drawings and inspection records, and how access is reviewed.
2. Sub-tier control: list which processes your sub-tier suppliers perform for you and which requirements you flow down.
3. Counterfeit prevention: show training records and an obsolescence watch for at least your critical parts.
4. Product safety: identify safety-relevant characteristics and how changes to them are assessed.
5. Planning: if you already use APQP elements, map them to 8.1 now.
Sources
- IAQG — IA9100 Key Change Summary, clause view (November 2023), iaqg.org
- ISO/TC 176 — ISO 9001:2026 has been released! (September 2026), committee.iso.org
- Apex Quality Assurance — IA9100 in June 2026: What Aerospace Organizations Should Know Right Now (2 July 2026), apexqualityassurance.com