VDA QMS Compliance for the Automotive Industry

Demonstrate your commitment to reliability and quality

Automobiles are immensely complex machines comprising many complicated components. Ensuring and maintaining consistent quality throughout the entire manufacturing and servicing process is essential. Given this, automotive parts manufacturers must be certified according to the standards of IATF 16949 and/or VDA 6.1, while automotive service providers should fulfil a higher standard VDA 6.2, and tool/machine manufacturers should obtain VDA 6.4 certification.

What is VDA 6.X?

The VDA 6.X Quality Management System or VDA QMS certification is an extension of ISO 9001 for the automotive industry as required by automotive manufacturers in Germany. VDA compliance is required by all major German automotive manufacturers and their suppliers. Both the IATF 16949 and the VDA 6 certifications share their roots in the ISO 9001 Quality Management System. The VDA 6 is classified into two areas: management and products & processes.

WHY IS VDA COMPLIANCE IMPORTANT?

While IATF 16949 and VDA 6.1 are only mandatory for automotive manufacturers, VDA 6.2 is required for automotive service providers and VDA 6.4 is required for automotive tool and machine manufacturers. By implementing the VDA 6.X programme, your company can commit to a long-term goal in consistently meeting and exceeding your customers’ expectations. Beyond increasing organisational efficiency and product quality, adhering to the VDA compliance certification requirements could minimise waste and errors, which thereby could improve overall productivity.

WHY CHOOSE TÜV SÜD

TÜV SÜD is a registered certification body with VDA-QMC. Along with our team of international experts, we are well-equipped to guide you as you seek to be certified according to the relevant VDA 6.X standards. Our experienced team of global experts will guide you in all the steps, from the initial assessment to on-site audits until certification. With our extensive expertise in the automotive industry, we help you identify opportunities and minimise potential risks. By partnering with us, your company will gain global recognition for its commitment to the highest standards. Beyond the certification, we also provide you with periodic feedback on ways to improve your existing processes to bring your company’s overall performance and productivity levels to greater heights.

Our services at a glance

In-depth assessment - TÜV SÜD tailors a unique programme to suit your organisation’s needs. We help you get started by conducting a pre-audit check to identify areas for improvement. Once the necessary changes are adopted and effected, our experts conduct an onsite audit. We then proceed with the application for the certification upon a successful audit and provide periodic audits, which could help to improve your company’s performance levels.
Relevant certifications - Besides helping you achieve the required VDA certifications, TÜV SÜD can act as a one-stop provider for your other certification needs and services including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS and other automotive standards.

VDA Overview
Since 1998, the German automotive industry has required suppliers (contractors and sub-contractors) to implement the requirements of the VDA volumes:

VDA 6.1

The VDA 6.1 certification ensures that the integrity of your products and processes are up to German manufacturing standards. The VDA 6.1 certification can be issued together or on its own with ITAF 16949 for manufacturers of automobile parts. In addition to the basic premise shared with the ISO 9001 standards, VDA 6.1 covers the following areas:
- Recognition of product risk
- Employee satisfaction
- Quotation structure
- Quality history
VDA 6.2

The VDA 6.2 is a Quality Management System certification meant for service providers in the automotive industry such as car dealerships or logistics providers. The certification is an assurance to your customers that they can expect a consistent, high quality service in all their transactions with your business. This gives your company competitive edge in the industry.

VDA 6.4

The VDA 6.4 certification specifically applies to manufacturers of tools and machines of the automotive industry. The reliability and safety of equipment is of utmost importance, especially for providers of such tools. This certification will assure your customers that your products are of the highest manufacturing and safety standards.

VDA 6.1

VDA 6.1 establishes requirements for direct suppliers and sub-contractors of the automotive industry. The standard addressed specific technical requirements but also requirements related to the companies' business and customer focus.

Overview VDA 6.1
Target Group	Manufacturers of vehicle parts Suppliers of raw materials, packaging etc. Suppliers of the parts and accessories industries Aftermarket
Audit	Element/process-oriented, based on a checklist according to VDA 6.1
Assessment	Standardised evaluation according to VDA 6, similar to VDA 6.2 and VDA 6.4 including additional requirements of VDA 6.1 (e.g. VDA 6.1 checklist, levels of compliance, etc.) Document review Effectiveness in practice Risk assessment
Benefits	Targets suppliers in the German automotive industry. Currently the only possible qualification standard of the automotive industry for manufacturing companies, including companies that cannot be certified according to IATF 16949.
Certificate	VDA 6.1 certificate
Revision Update	The 6th revised edition of VDA 6.1 was published in November 2016, aligning former requirements with the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Standard. Updates include: Process-focused and strategic approach Knowledge and risk management New terms and definitions (e. g. risks and opportunities, interested parties, documented Information)

VDA 6.2

The VDA 6.2 is a Quality Management System certification addressing service providers in the automotive industry.

Overview VDA 6.2
Target Group	Car dealerships Service points Engineering organisations Prototype manufacturers Logistics providers etc.
Audit	Process-oriented
Assessment	Standardised evaluation according to VDA 6, in line with VDA 6.1 and VDA 6.4 Document Review Effectiveness in practice Risk assessment
Benefits	Includes specific requirements for service companies in the automotive industry Applies process analyses to specific service processes during the audit
Certificate	VDA 6.2 certificate
Revision Update	The 3rd revised edition of VDA 6.2, aligning the existing requirements with the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management standard, is scheduled for release in 2017.

VDA 6.4

The VDA 6.4 certification applies to manufacturers of tools and machines of the automotive industry. The target group includes manufacturers of single units and large-volume parts, e.g. manufacturers of machinery, facilities, tools, monitoring and measuring equipment.

Highlights VDA 6.4
Target Group	Suppliers of machinery and tools for single-unit and large-scale production
Auditing	Process-oriented
Assessment	Standardised evaluation according to VDA 6, similar to VDA 6.1 and VDA 6.2 Document review Effectiveness in practice Risk assessment
Benefits	Includes specific requirements for manufacturers of production Equipment for the automotive industry. Applies process analyses to processes of a production equipment manufacturer during the audit (Turtle model). Emphasis on the evaluation of process Efficiency
Certificate	VDA 6.4 certificate
Revision Update	The 3rd revised edition of VDA 6.4, aligning the existing requirements with the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management standard, is scheduled for release in 2017.

Complete VDA series
The VDA series of volumes includes:
- Volume 1: Documentation and Archiving
- Volume 2: Quality Assurance for Supplies
- Volume 3: Ensuring Reliability of Car Manufacturers and Suppliers
- Volume 4.1: Quality Assurance Prior to Serial Application
- Volume 4.2: Quality Assurance Prior to Serial Application (FMEA)
- Volume 4.3: Project Planning
- Volume 6: Fundamentals for Quality Audits – Certification Requirements
- Volume 6.1: QM System Audit
- Volume 6.2: System Audit – Services
- Volume 6.3: Process Audit
- Volume 6.4: System Audit – Production Equipment
- Volume 6.5: Product Audit
- Volume 7: Basics for exchanging Quality Data
- Volume 8: Guideline for Quality Assurance by Trailer, Body and Container Manufacturers
- Volume 9: Emissions and Fuel Consumptions
All volumes can be ordered from VDA-QMC, Behrenstrasse 35, 10117 Berlin, email here.

The requirements are also applicable to and recommended for other sectors of industry, including electrical engineering/electronics and mechanical engineering.

Learn more about VDA-QMC here.

Your benefits at a glance

Improve marketability - by showing that your company is VDA-certified, you demonstrate your commitment to excellence, reliability and high quality and service levels. This results in increased confidence and brings attention to your company’s products and services.
Boost productivity - through the identification of problem areas during the audits, which could help to reduce or eliminate downtime and minimise wastage during the manufacturing process.
Gain a competitive edge - by partnering with TÜV SÜD to provide reliable documentation of your company’s high quality and performance. Publicising this material helps you stand out from your competitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between IATF and VDA 6.3 process audit?

IATF 16949:2016 is a Quality Management System compliance standard and concentrates on its implementation within an organisation. While, VDA 6.3 process audit concentrates on the processes with regards to industrial performance, quality of the products and overall organisational efficiency.
What are the advantages of implementing the VDA 6.X programme?

By implementing the VDA 6.X programme, a company is able to commit to a long-term goal in consistently meeting and exceeding your customers’ expectations. Beyond increasing organisational efficiency and product quality, adhering to the certification requirements could minimise waste and errors, which thereby could improve overall productivity.
What are the various aspects covered under VDA 6.1, VDA 6.2 and VDA 6.4 certifications?

VDA 6.1 certification ensures that the integrity of your products and processes are up to German manufacturing standards. VDA 6.2 certification provides an assurance to your customers that they can expect a consistent, high quality service in all their transactions with your business while VDA 6.4 certification specifically applies to manufacturers of tools and machines and assures your customers that your products are of the highest manufacturing and safety standards.