What type of organizations are eligible for IATF 16949 certification?

IATF 16949 eligibility includes manufacturing organizations where production parts are mechanically attached or electrically connected to the vehicle during the manufacturing process. It also applies after the manufacturing process if parts are procured or released by the OEM to be integrated into the automotive vehicle before or after delivery to the final customer. This includes passenger vehicles, light commercial, heavy trucks, buses, motorcycles, and other user vehicles. IATF Rules 6 begins on January 1, 2025 and has increased eligibility to include replacement / aftermarket parts and materials for automotive vehicles including remanufactured parts. However, it still does not include industrial, agricultural, or off-highway vehicles. Automotive organizations that only design or provide service also do not qualify.

What’s the difference between a due date and the certificate expiration date? Why are they different?

It can be quite confusing to understand when the auditing process must be completed by, many people 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 may result in the potential to enter the suspension process.

What’s the most difficult challenge that organizations face when looking to transfer their IATF 16949 certification?

A significant part of the transfer process is to request permission from 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 any issues. This rule is imperative, so the organization needs to allow enough time to address and fix any findings well ahead of the certification due date. The above question regarding proper due dates is often confusing to organizations. 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.

What are the benefits of utilizing a corporate scheme standard vs. a single site plus site extension standard vs. a single site standard?

First, it’s important to define each: A single site is defined as a standalone production site. A single site plus site extension has one main location for production with another manufacturing location nearby and operating under the same QMS. This manufacturing location must be located within a maximum of ten (10) miles and 60 minutes of driving distance from the main manufacturing site. It also only provides support for one manufacturing 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 centralized management system 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.

How does working with a Certified Body help achieve IATF 16949 compliance?

Partnering with a dedicated third-party testing and certification solutions provider can help your organization to seamlessly integrate your existing processes, adhere to the due dates and specific requirements laid out by IATF 16949, 6th Edition Rules. Do not 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. We are a third-party service organization where our customers come first. If you are looking for a trusted globally recognized provider that is responsive to your company’s certification needs, TÜV SÜD is your partner! Contact Us to learn more.

IATF 16949 Certification

WHAT IS IATF 16949?

IATF 16949 is a globally recognized quality management system (QMS) standard specifically designed for the automotive industry. Developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF), it is based on the ISO 9001 standard and covers various aspects of quality management, including product development, manufacturing, and customer satisfaction. The standard aims to establish a common quality framework and ensure consistency and continual improvement in the automotive supply chain. Automotive manufacturers often require compliance with this standard as a condition of doing business. At TÜV SÜD, we provide expert IATF 16949 certification services to help automotive suppliers meet the rigorous quality requirements of the industry and gain a competitive advantage.

IATF 16949 requirements include the following key aspects:

Product safety
Risk management and contingency planning
Requirements for embedded software
Change and warranty management
Management of sub-tier suppliers

The IATF 16949 standard comprises 10 clauses:

Clauses 1 to 3 address the scope, normative references and terms and definitions.
Clauses 4 to 10 form the P-D-C-A cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act)

Principles in the Standard

IATF 16949 breaks up the principles governing the standard into 9 categories:

Continuous Improvement
Defect Prevention
Reducing Waste
Product Safety
Risk Management
Contingency Planning
Requirements for Embedded Software
Change and Warranty Management
Management of Sub-Tier Suppliers

Why IATF 16949 Certification is Important

Achieving IATF 16949 certification is crucial for companies that want to succeed in the highly competitive automotive industry. The certification demonstrates that your company has implemented a quality management system that meets the rigorous requirements of the IATF 16949 standard, which was developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) in collaboration with leading automotive manufacturers.

Benefits of IATF 16949 certification:

Increased customer confidence: IATF 16949 certification demonstrates your company's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, which can help to attract and retain customers.
Improved product quality: The standard emphasizes continuous improvement and defect prevention, which can help to improve product quality and reduce waste.
Enhanced efficiency and productivity: Implementing the IATF 16949 standard can help to streamline processes, reduce errors, and improve productivity, leading to increased efficiency and profitability.
Global recognition: IATF 16949 is recognized worldwide as the leading quality management system standard for the automotive industry, providing a competitive advantage for certified organizations.

Certification is also recognized by leading automotive manufacturers and OEMs, who often require their suppliers to be IATF 16949 certified. By achieving certification, your company can expand its customer base and increase opportunities for business growth.

PREPARE FOR A SMOOTH CERTIFICATION PROCESS

Before a certification audit can take place, your organization will need to implement a quality management system, as well as document its effectiveness and compliance to the standard requirements through the following steps:

Upskilling - Become familiar with IATF 16949 objectives and requirements including laws and regulations relevant to your business.
Gap Analysis - Identify gaps against IATF 16949 requirements.
Implementation - Outline and implement measure so comply with IATF 16949 requirements.
Documentation - Record measures and key performance indicators (KPIs) to document effectiveness and compliance.

OBTAIN CERTIFICATION WITH TÜV SÜD

TÜV SÜD has over 100 years of experience in automotive solutions, working with top OEMs and suppliers across the entire value chain. Our highly qualified auditors are conveniently available in all key regions across the globe. We are an official IATF-contracted and registered Certification Body. By choosing TÜV SÜD, your IATF 16949 certification will be instantly recognized by automotive OEMs everywhere.

Our following services help your company to conform with the standard and to gain the confidence of major suppliers and manufacturers in the automotive industry:

Audits: As an official contracted IATF Certification Body, we conduct audits according to IATF 16949 certification rules. Our expert auditors are among the most experienced automotive assessors in the industry and can support you in gaining a competitive edge.
Certification: Once your company has achieved a positive result in an audit, we will provide an
IATF-registered IATF 16949 certificate.
Entry into IATF Database: As a certified IATF 16949 client, TÜV SÜD will enter your company into the IATF Database. This process informs all automotive OEMs that your company has a valid IATF 16949 certification.

FAQs

What type of organizations are eligible for IATF 16949 certification?

IATF 16949 eligibility includes manufacturing organizations where production parts are mechanically attached or electrically connected to the vehicle during the manufacturing process. It also applies after the manufacturing process if parts are procured or released by the OEM to be integrated into the automotive vehicle before or after delivery to the final customer. This includes passenger vehicles, light commercial, heavy trucks, buses, motorcycles, and other user vehicles.

IATF Rules 6 begins on January 1, 2025 and has increased eligibility to include replacement / aftermarket parts and materials for automotive vehicles including remanufactured parts.

However, it still does not include industrial, agricultural, or off-highway vehicles. Automotive organizations that only design or provide service also do not qualify.
What’s the difference between a due date and the certificate expiration date? Why are they different?

It can be quite confusing to understand when the auditing process must be completed by, many people 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 may result in the potential to enter the suspension process.
What’s the most difficult challenge that organizations face when looking to transfer their IATF 16949 certification?

A significant part of the transfer process is to request permission from 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 any issues. This rule is imperative, so the organization needs to allow enough time to address and fix any findings well ahead of the certification due date.

The above question regarding proper due dates is often confusing to organizations. 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.
What are the benefits of utilizing a corporate scheme standard vs. a single site plus site extension standard vs. a single site standard?
First, it’s important to define each:
- A single site is defined as a standalone production site.
- A single site plus site extension has one main location for production with another manufacturing location nearby and operating under the same QMS. This manufacturing location must be located within a maximum of ten (10) miles and 60 minutes of driving distance from the main manufacturing site. It also only provides support for one manufacturing 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 centralized management system 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.
How does working with a Certified Body help achieve IATF 16949 compliance?

Partnering with a dedicated third-party testing and certification solutions provider can help your organization to seamlessly integrate your existing processes, adhere to the due dates and specific requirements laid out by IATF 16949, 6th Edition Rules. Do not 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.

We are a third-party service organization where our customers come first. If you are looking for a trusted globally recognized provider that is responsive to your company’s certification needs, TÜV SÜD is your partner! Contact Us to learn more.