Key Updates and Impacts of the IATF Rules 6th Edition on IATF 16949 Compliance

INTRODUCTION

The IATF 16949 standard was first named ISO/TS 16949 (1st Edition) and created in 1999 by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) with the aim to harmonise system assessment and certification in the supply chain of the automotive industry sector. The latest update, IATF 16949:2016 (1st Edition) standard, was published to replace the old standard ISO/TS 16949:2009 (3rd Edition).

The IATF has published rules for achieving and maintaining IATF recognition (IATF Rules). These IATF rules are binding on the IATF-recognised certification bodies, but there are also specific requirements that should be understood by any organisation certified to IATF 16949.

IATF has published a new edition of IATF rules. The new 6th Edition IATF Rules will be fully implemented by 1st January 2025 to replace the old version of the 5th Edition. Some changes will affect the organisations certified to IATF 16949 in maintaining their certification.

WHAT IS IATF 16949, AND WHY HAVE THE RULES BEEN UPDATED?

Implementation of the IATF 16949 standard is crucial for the automotive industry sector. This standard uses concept risk-based thinking and continuous improvement (Plan Do Check Action) to reduce process/product variation and emphasise defect prevention. 

Implementing the IATF 16949 Quality management system enables organisations to demonstrate concept manufacturing efficiency and cost-effectiveness to deliver output products with high-quality performance.

To improve the certification structure and auditing procedures, IATF has changed the rules for achieving and maintaining IATF recognition (IATF Rules) 6th Edition.

KEY CHANGES IN THE IATF RULES 6TH EDITION

There are some important changes of IATF Rules 6th Edition such as:

• Audit cycle

• The number of surveillance audits per 3-year cycle is 2 audits. There is a yearly interval audit (12 months). Previously, interval audits were 12 months, 9 months, and 6 months.
• Surveillance audit shall not exceed the maximum allowable timing interval of -3 months/+3 months. The previously allowable timing interval surveillance audit is -3month/+1month.
• There are no changes regarding the allowable timing of the recertification audit; it is still -3months/+0days from the due date.

• Criteria of Extended Manufacturing Site (EMS)

• Business License for Main Site and EMS must be in one legal entity and centralised in one Quality Management System (QMS).
• Location of EMS must be within 10 miles (16 km) and 60 minutes driving distance from the main site.
• Activity at EMS must only be for production processes. There must be no other support function activity.

• Preparation of audit planning information

• The audit date must be confirmed by both the certification body and the organisation not less than 90 calendar days before an audit is conducted.
• The organisation must submit all documents and audit preplanning information at least 30 calendar days before the audit.

• Nonconformity management (NC management)

• The minimum additional audit time for reviewing the effectiveness of each Minor Nonconformity during the next regular audit is between 30 minutes and 1 hour.
• The minimum additional audit time for reviewing the effectiveness of each Major Nonconformity during the next regular audit is between 1 hour and 3 hours.

IMPACTS OF THE IATF RULES 6TH EDITION ON IATF 16949 COMPLIANCE

Organisations certified to IATF 16949 must review the Quality Management System and all procedures to identify gaps in compliance with IATF 16949 and IATF Rules 6th edition.

Mandatory activities, such as management reviews and internal audits, must be conducted according to the required intervals outlined in IATF 16949. Relevant documentation must be submitted to the certification body at least 30 calendar days prior to the scheduled audit date to ensure compliance and readiness.