Per EIA-649-C, changes are classified based on their impact to form, fit, function, or interface. Different classification systems are used depending on program type:

Defense Programs: Class I / Class II (EIA-649-1)

Class I Changes

Definition: Changes that affect the form, fit, function, or interface of a Configuration Item (CI) and require Government approval.

Examples:

Changes affecting interchangeability
Performance specification changes
Interface modifications
Safety-critical changes
Government-furnished equipment impacts
Changes affecting logistics support

Approval Authority:

Government CCB (Program Manager, Contracting Officer, or designated representative)

Class II Changes

Definition: Changes that do not affect form, fit, function, or interface and do not require Government approval. Contractor has approval authority.

Examples:

Internal design improvements
Manufacturing process changes
Cost reduction initiatives
Specification clarifications
Drawing corrections
Non-functional updates

Approval Authority:

Contractor CCB (notification to Government may be required per contract)

Reference: EIA-649-1 Section 4.3.2 - Change Classification for Defense Programs

Commercial Programs: Major / Minor (EIA-649-C)

Major Changes

Definition: Changes with significant impact to product performance, cost, schedule, or customer requirements.

Examples:

Performance requirement changes
Interface modifications
Significant cost impacts
Schedule-impacting changes
Safety or reliability changes
Customer approval required

Approval Authority:

Senior CCB (Program Manager, Chief Engineer, Customer Representative)

Minor Changes

Definition: Changes with minimal or no impact to product performance, cost, schedule, or customer requirements.

Examples:

Documentation corrections
Non-functional improvements
Manufacturing optimizations
Tool/equipment changes
Process improvements
Internal efficiencies

Approval Authority:

Working-level CCB (Engineering Lead, Quality, Manufacturing)

Reference: EIA-649-C Section 4.3.1 - Change Classification Framework

Change Classification Decision Matrix

Impact Area	Class I / Major	Class II / Minor
Form, Fit, Function	Yes - Changed	No - Unchanged
Interface	Affected	Not Affected
Interchangeability	Impacted	Maintained
Performance	Changed	Same
Cost Impact	> Threshold	< Threshold
Schedule Impact	Significant	Negligible
Government/Customer	Approval Required	Notification Only