Who is it for?

The AQAP system (Allied Quality Assurance Publication) is primarily aimed at businesses that manufacture products or provide services to the armed forces, as well as those interested in entering this sector. The Ministry of National Defence increasingly expects suppliers to implement the AQAP standard, given that all products and services supplied to armed forces units must meet the highest quality standards.

Interest in implementing the AQAP standard is evident in sectors such as:

• defence,
• food,
• construction,
• clothing,
• medical,
• electrical and electronic,
• IT and telecommunications,
• transport and logistics.

The AQAP standard sets out specific requirements for suppliers who already have a documented ISO 9001 Quality Management System or plan to implement an Integrated Management System (ISO 9001 and AQAP 2120).

Information about the standard

The AQAP standard was developed in response to the high standards required of companies supplying NATO military units. The legal basis for these requirements is provided by NATO standardisation documents (STANAG 4107). These contain guidelines on the quality management system for the supply chain and the provision of services to the military and related sectors. The aim of implementing the AQAP system is to assure the contracting authority that a given product or service meets the requirements specified in the contract.

AQAP documents are consistent with the ISO 9000 family of standards. They supplement and extend the quality standards set out therein, including in the areas of:

• quality planning,
• communication with the contracting authority,
• management audits,
• subcontracting,
• supply chain monitoring.

Benefits of implementation

The implementation of the AQAP system within a company improves its operations in many areas. It enables:

• the definition of production processes and their focus on quality,
• an increase in the effectiveness and efficiency of production processes,
• an improvement in the quality of products/services,
• a reduction in the risks associated with projects,
• the minimisation of errors resulting from human factors.

Holding an AQAP certificate also brings enormous benefits to the company:

• it enables the company to supply the military (including NATO armed forces),
• it allows the company to gain additional points in tenders,
• it facilitates the acquisition of various types of grants,
• it enhances the company’s competitiveness.

AQAP certification helps to enhance the company’s credibility and build a strong brand that is recognisable within the market for suppliers of products and services to the military.