IATF 16949 Certification & Auditing

Manufacturing sites where production, service parts, or accessory parts are mechanically attached or electrically connected to the vehicle, prior to being supplied to their automotive customer, are the only organizations eligible for certification. This includes passenger vehicles, light commercial, heavy trucks, buses, motorcycles, and other user vehicles. 

However, it does not include industrial, agricultural, or off-highway vehicles, or aftermarket parts manufacturers. Automotive design and service providers also do not qualify. 

With the rise in autonomous and electric vehicles entering the market in recent years, there has been some confusion around whether or not these manufacturers are also eligible for the standard.

In many cases, the software and hardware that is being outfitted on the vehicle in order to make it autonomous will be added after market, so those non-OEM approved manufacturers in these scenarios would not be eligible. 

But in cases where light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology is added to the vehicle, depending on the OEM specifications, these production sites with design function will be eligible for IATF 16949. Electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturers will also be eligible.

It’s likely that as more OEMs commit to moving the industry towards becoming fuel-free, this standard’s eligibility requirements may shift to include additional manufacturing entities.

It can be quite confusing to understand when the auditing process must be completed by, as many assume it must be done by the expiration date noted on the certificate. However, the audit due dates are directly linked to previous certification dates. 

For example, if an organization’s previous certification or recertification occurred before the certificate’s expiration date, the company must complete its audit for recertification by its previous certification date — not the expiration date. Missing this date will result in a potential to enter the suspension process.

Primarily, TÜV SÜD has seen the above question regarding proper due dates to confuse organizations the most. This is especially scary as missing these dates can be detrimental to the entire auditing and certification process.

Another area of confusion is around the 100% Resolved Rule. If there is a major finding during the auditing process and the Certified Body requires the manufacturer to resolve this issue completely, the transfer cannot be completed until there is an on-site activity performed to close that finding.

Since a significant part of the transfer process is to request permission form the oversight office, the oversight office will be able to identify when the due date is and whether or not the organization is set to completely resolve the issue. There’s true no way to hide from this rule so the organization needs to allow enough time to address and fix this finding well ahead of the certification due date. 

While there are some new rules from IATF COVID-19 Strategy Revision 5 and 6 such as remote auditing methodology due to restriction of the onsite accessibility, etc., there has not been an announced delay in the auditing process or extended due dates from January 1st, 2021.

First, it’s important to define each situation. A single site is defined as a standalone production site. A single site plus site extension has one main location for production but extended workshop occurs from a separate site. A corporate scheme is a group of several production sites that are centrally managed by one quality management system (QMS). 

The primary benefits associated with using a corporate scheme standard as opposed to the other two options is that there are some allowances for a reduced auditing time and harmonized auditing process. The organization can run all of its production sites according to a multi-site certification plans as opposed to every production site having its own set of policies and procedures. This is reflected in the auditing process — the organization is reviewed centrally to maintain harmonization. 

Partnering with a dedicated third-party testing and certification solutions provider can help your organization to seamlessly integrate your existing processes and adhere to the due dates and specific requirements laid out by IATF 16949, 5th Edition Rules. Don’t wait until it’s too late: it’s important to get ahead of due dates to ensure the auditing process is completed without delay.

Since there are a limited number of Certified Bodies who are IATF accredited, it’s crucial to partner with one who is knowledgeable about every facet of the standard. TÜV SÜD possesses IATF 16949 accreditation, as well as a variety of other essential testing, auditing, and certification solutions for manufacturers located across the globe.