AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 0056B Accredited
Posted on March 19, 2026 Eric Mitchell Aircrafts
For organizations and industry professionals who are looking to work with a reliable aircraft hardware supplier or distributor for fulfillment, procurement strategies must account for the grand importance of regulatory responsibility. Whether one is concerned with bolts, nuts, washers, or other certified aviation fasteners, any purchased item is expected to meet applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards before it is fit for installation on an aircraft. Failure to verify compliance can lead to rejected inspections, financial penalties, and other undesirable setbacks, making it necessary for professionals to understand what is generally expected for hardware audits.
In this helpful guide, we will provide readers with a structured compliance checklist that can be used to strategically carry out procurement for FAA-approved aircraft parts, EASA-compliant hardware, and other forms of certified aviation fasteners. Equipped with this knowledge, you can better address audit concerns while bolstering confidence in investment decisions.
Regulatory compliance always begins with a focus on documentation. Proper records are necessary to establish everything from aircraft hardware traceability to airworthiness status, with any reputable aircraft hardware supplier offering such information upon request. While exact documents of need can vary, buyers should regularly look out for records like:
Authorized Release Certificates: This document typically comes as an FAA Form 8130-3 or EASA Form 1, confirming that the item in question has been inspected and released by an authorized entity in accordance with applicable aviation regulations.
Dual Release Authorization: A dual release ensures that hardware is approved by FAA and EASA jurisdictions, which is essential for operators maintaining aircraft across multiple regulatory environments.
Certificate of Conformance (CoC): A CoC verifies that a product conforms to manufacturer specifications and applicable standards.
Batch & Lot Traceability: Batch and lot numbers provide clear aircraft hardware traceability that allows buyers to track production origin, manufacturing dates, associated quality records, and other notable information.
Shelf-Life and Cure Date Confirmation: For seals, treated components, and other time-sensitive items, documented shelf-life is important to verify so that hardware is guaranteed to be airworthy at the time of installation.
Beyond verifying the reliability of any part itself, the credibility of the aircraft hardware supplier one plans to work with must also be evaluated carefully. Supplier qualification reduces procurement risk and strengthens long-term regulatory alignment, especially when the desire is for a long-term relationship that facilitates ease of repeat purchases. With this in mind, professionals should seek to confirm:
Approved Supplier List Inclusion: If available, verifying if a particular supplier is already present on your organization’s Approved Supplier List can save time when internal quality vetting has already been performed.
Industry Accreditations: AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B accreditation serves to demonstrate that a distributor operates under a structured quality management system that is aligned with strict industry standards. As such, looking out for this standing and similar certifications is useful.
Distributor Versus Manufacturer Role Clarity: Understanding whether you plan to purchase from a distributor or directly from a manufacturer is important, as it can affect everything from available supply to concerns for documentation and traceability.
Even when documentation appears complete, physical verification may still be necessary for certain parts or contract stipulations. There can be various benefits to inspections and further verification practices, such as protecting against labeling errors and improper handling. Generally speaking, common measures to uphold include:
Part Number Verification: Any part numbers marked on hardware, supplied on packaging, or conveyed in purchase orders must all match without any discrepancies. This will ensure that there is no issue with receiving the incorrect item or documentation.
Condition Assessment: Hardware should be inspected as necessary for signs of corrosion, deformation, contamination, or damage that could affect performance and installation integrity.
Regulatory approval pathways differ depending on the part types one intends to purchase and their intended uses. Thus, buyers should confirm that any hardware of choice aligns with the applicable approval framework for their operations or contract. For this, professionals should familiarize themselves with:
FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA): PMA status indicates that a part has received FAA authorization as a replacement component and alternative for OEM items, proven to have met defined airworthiness standards.
EASA European Parts Approval (EPA): EPA certification demonstrates compliance with European regulatory requirements for approved replacement parts, often making it necessary for those operating in such jurisdictions.
Used Serviceable Material (USM) Verification: When sourcing used parts, documentation must clearly establish removal history, inspection status, and continued airworthiness eligibility.
As we have shown in this blog, a disciplined compliance review process protects aviation organizations from regulatory setbacks and safety risks. However, when it comes to dependable fulfillment solutions for routine purchases and emergency needs alike, having a purchasing platform and partner you can trust is a must. This is where Prime Aircraft Hardware Supplies comes in, our website being replete with a range of traceable aviation hardware and fastener options that align with the rigorous specifications upheld by the FAA and EASA.
Take the time to explore our curated catalogs today, where you can find over 6 billion items ready for purchase from leading manufacturers across the globe. With online Request for Quote (RFQ) forms available across the platform, we also make it simple for customers to secure tailored pricing and procurement options from our staff. With all that we aim to offer, get in touch with our experts today and see why so many steadily turn to Prime Aircraft Hardware Supplies for reliable fulfillment.
We hope that you will visit us again the next time you need hardware and fasteners parts and make us your strategic purchasing partner.
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