AQAP
NATO adopts standards for member states’ supply systems by developing and publishing them in accordance with standardization agreement STANAG 4107. “Mutual recognition of government quality assurance processes and the use of publications related to AQAP quality assurance.”
AQAP (Allied Quality Assurance Publication) is a standardized series of quality publications for military suppliers. They were published as a standard STANAG 4107 agreement by NATO countries and related to the quality of the final product. AQAP certification confirms that the supplier provides objective control and that the product meets the requirements of the contract.
Core AQAP Standards
AQAP 2131 |
NATO Quality Assurance Requirements for Final Inspection » |
Does not include the requirements of ISO 9001 and relates to final product quality control |
AQAP 2130 |
“NATO quality assurance requirements for validation and testing” |
Includes the requirements of ISO 9001 regarding the control of the final product, quality control during the production process and the quality of delivery of the product (or part thereof) |
AQAP 2120 |
“NATO Quality Assurance Requirements” |
Includes the requirements of ISO 9001, an extension of the requirements of AQAP 2130 on build quality, service and commissioning of the product |
AQAP 2110 |
NATO requirements for design, development and production |
Includes ISO 9001, Advanced AQAP 2120 requirements with product design supervision |
AQAP 2105 |
“NATO requirements for quality plans for the product being ordered” |
Does not include the requirements of ISO 9001, regarding quality plans for the final product |
Who is AQAP made for?
There are no legal / legislative requirements that clearly state that the supplier of the army or defense departments must have an AQAP certificate (regardless of whether it works in construction, food, weapons, or services). However, specifications for military tenders usually require an AQAP certificate.
AQAP Implementation Steps
Step 1: Conducting a diagnostic audit and assessing the cost of implementing the AQAP system
Step 2: Development of AQAP Management System documentation
Step 3: Training on risk management, NATO policy requirements, quality requirements
Step 4: Implementing AQAP System Documentation
Step 5: Internal audit of the management system
Step 6: Corrective Actions
Step 7: support during certification
Benefits of having an AQAP Certificate
- International certificate gives recognition of the company and brand
- Improving work efficiency through clarity of responsibility and competencies
- Increasing customer confidence
- Rationalization of costs due to the fact that more emphasis is placed on the supervision of inappropriate product
- Reduced adaptation time for new employees and suppliers
- Compliance with the requirements of global enterprises and concerns in terms of quality and safety
- Minimizing the risk of poor service and not achieving strategic goals
- Constant level of quality and repeatability of products and services
- Improving the product and / or service, their life cycle