French Aeronautical and Space Industry Group (GIFAS) and ICOP Scheme
The French Aeronautical and Space Industries Group (GIFAS), as the representative organization for France’s Aerospace, Space and Defense (ASD) sector, is responsible for the Industry Controlled Other Party (ICOP) scheme through its International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) members.
Under a mandate established by GIFAS, QUALIFAS integrates within its mutualization mission the activities related to the management and oversight of the 9100/9110/9120 certification scheme for companies supplying products or services to its members, who are ASD industry customers.
In this capacity, the President of QUALIFAS delegates authority to the Regional Management Structure (RMS), represented by its Chairperson, which leads the various activities ensuring control of the French ICOP scheme.
The French Aeronautical and Space Industries Group (GIFAS), as the representative organization for France’s Aerospace, Space and Defense (ASD) sector, is responsible for the Industry Controlled Other Party (ICOP) scheme through its International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) members.
Under a mandate established by GIFAS, QUALIFAS integrates within its mutualization mission the activities related to the management and oversight of the 9100/9110/9120 certification scheme for companies supplying products or services to its members, who are ASD industry customers.
In this capacity, the President of QUALIFAS delegates authority to the Regional Management Structure (RMS), represented by its Chairperson, which leads the various activities ensuring control of the French ICOP scheme.
ICOP Scheme
TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
REGIONAL MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE (RMS)
The RMS is the organization designated in France to implement and oversee the Other Party Certification Scheme (commonly referred to as the ICOP scheme), in accordance with the IAQG standards of the 9104 series.
The ICOP scheme is the third-party certification management system accredited by the ASD industry, covering three standards: 9100, 9110, and 9120. These standards are based on ISO 9001 Quality Management System requirements and include additional requirements specific to the Aerospace, Space and Defense sector.
9100 – Quality Management System – Requirements for ASD organizations
9110 – Quality Management System – Requirements for ASD maintenance organizations
9120 – Quality Management System – Requirements for ASD distributors
The RMS operates in alignment with the objectives and principles defined by IAQG-COT and EAQG-COT.
The RMS ensures that the system established for evaluating supplier quality management systems—enabling certification bodies to issue certificates—is deployed in accordance with defined rules and in a manner that is satisfactory for the ASD industry. Its objective is to improve supplier control and performance within the sector.
The RMS defines, deploys, and leads the strategy for ASD certification. It is responsible for establishing and maintaining the procedures required for the proper functioning of the ICOP scheme.
Responsibilities of the RMS Chairperson (according to applicable standards):
Organization of the RMS
Organization of the Auditor Authentication Committee (AAB)
Organization of the Training Provider Approval Committee (TPAB)
Management and oversight of the ICOP scheme
Representation of the ICOP scheme at European and international levels
Reporting to QUALIFAS, the GIFAS Quality Commission, and EAQG-COT / IAQG-COT
The RMS is composed of the following entities:
The RMS
The Oversight Group
The AAB / TPAB Committee
OVERSIGHT
The oversight mechanism ensures that the aerospace and defense certification system operates correctly and complies with EN 9104 requirements.
It is led by the RMS, which organizes and coordinates audits and assessments conducted across the various actors of the scheme (certification bodies, accreditation bodies, committees, and related organizations).
These evaluations are carried out by industrial experts acting as independent assessors. They observe the system’s operation without participating in or influencing audits.
The purpose of the oversight system is to ensure the reliability, harmonization, and international recognition of issued certifications.
Assessments include both document reviews and on-site observations in order to verify correct implementation of the rules and consistency of practices.
Beyond control activities, the RMS also plays a continuous improvement role. It analyses oversight results and may propose corrective actions or improvements to strengthen the robustness and overall performance of the system.
Thus, oversight contributes to maintaining a high level of confidence in the entire certification framework.
AUDITOR AUTHENTICATION COMMITTEE (AAB) – ASD QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
NEW SYSTEM FROM 2026
IAQG Authentication is a program managed by IAQG that ensures auditors performing certification audits in the aerospace, space, and defense industries meet globally consistent and harmonized standards.
By adopting a centralized approach, IAQG reduces variability between regional processes and promotes a more uniform interpretation of standards, strengthening confidence in the IAQG certification scheme worldwide.
IAQG Authentication will be launched at the end of Q3 2026, with a recognition process opening at the end of Q2 2026 for currently qualified auditors registered in OASIS.
During this “freeze period,” existing active authentications remain valid while eligible auditors complete the online recognition steps.
For updates and FAQs, refer to:
https://iaqg.org/certification/iaqg-authentication/
EVOLUTION OF THE AUDITOR AUTHENTICATION SYSTEM – TRANSITION TO IAQG AUTHENTICATION
Previous system
Until now, AQMS auditor authentication was managed at national level through AAB (Authentication Auditors Body) committees.
In France, this system was operated by QUALIFAS through the AAB France committee, under the responsibility of the French RMS and in coordination with IAQG.
This committee was responsible for:
Reviewing applications
Assessing candidate competence against EN 9104-3 requirements
Making authentication and re-authentication decisions for AQMS auditors
Decisions were recorded in the OASIS database, with validity periods defined by applicable standards (9100, 9110, and 9120).
The AAB France committee consisted of industrial experts from the ASD sector, recognized for their experience in the ICOP scheme, EN 9104 series standards, quality management, and supply chain activities.
New system
Under the IAQG Authentication framework:
The national AAB model, including AAB France, is discontinued
RMS and QUALIFAS are no longer responsible for auditor authentication
The process is fully centralized and directly managed at international level by IAQG
Auditor authentication is performed through a single platform: IAQG Authentication
Data is managed and synchronized with OASIS within this framework
Objectives of the transition
This transformation aims to strengthen:
International harmonization of practices
Consistency of authentication decisions
Global standardization of the system
Digitalization and traceability of the process
Competence requirements, industrial experience, and mastery of the ICOP scheme remain central, in accordance with EN 9104 series standards and IAQG requirements.
Becoming an AQMS Auditor
Candidates may apply for AQMS auditor authentication at two levels:
ASD Auditor (AA)
Experienced ASD Auditor (AEA)
Applications may cover one or more of the AQMS standards:
9100 – Quality Management System – Requirements for ASD organizations
9110 – Quality Management System – Requirements for ASD maintenance organizations
9120 – Quality Management System – Requirements for ASD distributors
Auditor levels
ASD Auditor (AA):
Recognizes competence to participate in ASD audits as part of an audit team under the supervision of an AEA.
Experienced ASD Auditor (AEA):
Recognizes competence to lead ASD audits independently.
Benefits of the authentication system
Competence and training validation by active ASD industrial experts
Registration in the IAQG OASIS database
International recognition as an ASD auditor
Eligibility to work for accredited certification bodies
TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
REGIONAL MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE (RMS)
The RMS is the organization designated in France to implement and oversee the Other Party Certification Scheme (commonly referred to as the ICOP scheme), in accordance with the IAQG standards of the 9104 series.
The ICOP scheme is the third-party certification management system accredited by the ASD industry, covering three standards: 9100, 9110, and 9120. These standards are based on ISO 9001 Quality Management System requirements and include additional requirements specific to the Aerospace, Space and Defense sector.
9100 – Quality Management System – Requirements for ASD organizations
9110 – Quality Management System – Requirements for ASD maintenance organizations
9120 – Quality Management System – Requirements for ASD distributors
The RMS operates in alignment with the objectives and principles defined by IAQG-COT and EAQG-COT.
The RMS ensures that the system established for evaluating supplier quality management systems—enabling certification bodies to issue certificates—is deployed in accordance with defined rules and in a manner that is satisfactory for the ASD industry. Its objective is to improve supplier control and performance within the sector.
The RMS defines, deploys, and leads the strategy for ASD certification. It is responsible for establishing and maintaining the procedures required for the proper functioning of the ICOP scheme.
Responsibilities of the RMS Chairperson (according to applicable standards):
Organization of the RMS
Organization of the Auditor Authentication Committee (AAB)
Organization of the Training Provider Approval Committee (TPAB)
Management and oversight of the ICOP scheme
Representation of the ICOP scheme at European and international levels
Reporting to QUALIFAS, the GIFAS Quality Commission, and EAQG-COT / IAQG-COT
The RMS is composed of the following entities:
The RMS
The Oversight Group
The AAB / TPAB Committee
OVERSIGHT
The oversight mechanism ensures that the aerospace and defense certification system operates correctly and complies with EN 9104 requirements.
It is led by the RMS, which organizes and coordinates audits and assessments conducted across the various actors of the scheme (certification bodies, accreditation bodies, committees, and related organizations).
These evaluations are carried out by industrial experts acting as independent assessors. They observe the system’s operation without participating in or influencing audits.
The purpose of the oversight system is to ensure the reliability, harmonization, and international recognition of issued certifications.
Assessments include both document reviews and on-site observations in order to verify correct implementation of the rules and consistency of practices.
Beyond control activities, the RMS also plays a continuous improvement role. It analyses oversight results and may propose corrective actions or improvements to strengthen the robustness and overall performance of the system.
Thus, oversight contributes to maintaining a high level of confidence in the entire certification framework.
AUDITOR AUTHENTICATION COMMITTEE (AAB) – ASD QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
NEW SYSTEM FROM 2026
IAQG Authentication is a program managed by IAQG that ensures auditors performing certification audits in the aerospace, space, and defense industries meet globally consistent and harmonized standards.
By adopting a centralized approach, IAQG reduces variability between regional processes and promotes a more uniform interpretation of standards, strengthening confidence in the IAQG certification scheme worldwide.
IAQG Authentication will be launched at the end of Q3 2026, with a recognition process opening at the end of Q2 2026 for currently qualified auditors registered in OASIS.
During this “freeze period,” existing active authentications remain valid while eligible auditors complete the online recognition steps.
For updates and FAQs, refer to:
https://iaqg.org/certification/iaqg-authentication/
EVOLUTION OF THE AUDITOR AUTHENTICATION SYSTEM – TRANSITION TO IAQG AUTHENTICATION
Previous system
Until now, AQMS auditor authentication was managed at national level through AAB (Authentication Auditors Body) committees.
In France, this system was operated by QUALIFAS through the AAB France committee, under the responsibility of the French RMS and in coordination with IAQG.
This committee was responsible for:
Reviewing applications
Assessing candidate competence against EN 9104-3 requirements
Making authentication and re-authentication decisions for AQMS auditors
Decisions were recorded in the OASIS database, with validity periods defined by applicable standards (9100, 9110, and 9120).
The AAB France committee consisted of industrial experts from the ASD sector, recognized for their experience in the ICOP scheme, EN 9104 series standards, quality management, and supply chain activities.
New system
Under the IAQG Authentication framework:
The national AAB model, including AAB France, is discontinued
RMS and QUALIFAS are no longer responsible for auditor authentication
The process is fully centralized and directly managed at international level by IAQG
Auditor authentication is performed through a single platform: IAQG Authentication
Data is managed and synchronized with OASIS within this framework
Objectives of the transition
This transformation aims to strengthen:
International harmonization of practices
Consistency of authentication decisions
Global standardization of the system
Digitalization and traceability of the process
Competence requirements, industrial experience, and mastery of the ICOP scheme remain central, in accordance with EN 9104 series standards and IAQG requirements.
Becoming an AQMS Auditor
Candidates may apply for AQMS auditor authentication at two levels:
ASD Auditor (AA)
Experienced ASD Auditor (AEA)
Applications may cover one or more of the AQMS standards:
9100 – Quality Management System – Requirements for ASD organizations
9110 – Quality Management System – Requirements for ASD maintenance organizations
9120 – Quality Management System – Requirements for ASD distributors
Auditor levels
ASD Auditor (AA):
Recognizes competence to participate in ASD audits as part of an audit team under the supervision of an AEA.
Experienced ASD Auditor (AEA):
Recognizes competence to lead ASD audits independently.
Benefits of the authentication system
Competence and training validation by active ASD industrial experts
Registration in the IAQG OASIS database
International recognition as an ASD auditor
Eligibility to work for accredited certification bodies
Authentication/re-authentication of an AA/AEA auditor
Any person who would like to apply for a position as an AA or AEA, or who would like to renew his/her authentication, shall propose his/her file in accordance with form F 107-1 within a target date of 15 days before the AAB committee date (communicated by CBMC)
Any person who would like to renew his/her authentication, shall propose his/her authentication on qualifas website https://qualifas.com/page/formulaire_renouvellement
APPLICATION
Applicants must select the application file corresponding to their status, and return the completed file
The application will be analyzed by the AAB Committee members, and in accordance with EN9104-001, a decision will be made within 60 days. The candidate will be informed by Qualifas
All applicants and Organization body can appeal the AAB decisions. They must inform AAB of their request in writing and attach any item which can justify this appeal. Upon receipt, AAB analyses the appeal.
If this appeal is rejected, and if the applicant does not agree, the applicant can then escalate his/her request to EAQG-OPMT
Any claim from a person or external organization must be made in writing, and with justification, to the AAB Chair. An independent investigation must be conducted under the responsibility of AAB. Appropriate actions must be taken, reported and formally recorded in 60 days.
If the claimer is not satisfied with the response, the claim can be escalated to CBMC with justification. If case of disagreement; the claim can be escalated to EAQG-OPMT
INFORMATION IAQG/EAQG
Any person who would like to apply for a position as an AA or AEA, or who would like to renew his/her authentication, shall propose his/her file in accordance with form F 107-1 within a target date of 15 days before the AAB committee date (communicated by CBMC)
- via a Certification Body
- directly as an independent applicant
Any person who would like to renew his/her authentication, shall propose his/her authentication on qualifas website https://qualifas.com/page/formulaire_renouvellement
APPLICATION
Applicants must select the application file corresponding to their status, and return the completed file
- At least 15 days before the desired AAB committee date
The application will be analyzed by the AAB Committee members, and in accordance with EN9104-001, a decision will be made within 60 days. The candidate will be informed by Qualifas
All applicants and Organization body can appeal the AAB decisions. They must inform AAB of their request in writing and attach any item which can justify this appeal. Upon receipt, AAB analyses the appeal.
If this appeal is rejected, and if the applicant does not agree, the applicant can then escalate his/her request to EAQG-OPMT
Any claim from a person or external organization must be made in writing, and with justification, to the AAB Chair. An independent investigation must be conducted under the responsibility of AAB. Appropriate actions must be taken, reported and formally recorded in 60 days.
If the claimer is not satisfied with the response, the claim can be escalated to CBMC with justification. If case of disagreement; the claim can be escalated to EAQG-OPMT
INFORMATION IAQG/EAQG
https://www.qualifas.com/page/formulaire_renouvellement
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