VDA 6.X certification

Ensure high-quality, enhance customer satisfaction, and achieve competitive advantage.

About VDA 6.X Quality Management System (QMS)

The VDA 6.X QMS certification is an extension of ISO 9001 for the automotive industry as required by automotive manufacturers in Germany. 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.

Below is an overview of the VDA series:

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.

What is VDA 6.1?

VDA 6.1 establishes requirements for direct suppliers and sub-contractors within the automotive industry. The standard addresses both specific technical requirements and those related to the company’s business and customer focus.

The VDA 6.1 certification ensures that the integrity of your products and processes are up to German manufacturing standards. For automobile part manufacturers, the VDA 6.1 certification can be issued together with IATF 16949 or on its own. In addition to the basic premise within the ISO 9001 standards, VDA 6.1 covers the following areas:

Recognition of product risk
Employee satisfaction
Quotation structure
Quality history

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)

What is VDA 6.2?

VDA 6.2 is an automotive QMS certification addressing 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 at all times. This gives your company a competitive edge in the 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.

What is VDA 6.4?

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

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.

What is the 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, by email.

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.

Benefits of VDA 6.x certification

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 minimize wastage during the manufacturing process.

Seven steps to certificatioin

Request for certification
Pre-audit to find areas for improvement and make corrections (optional)
On-site audit by TÜV SÜD's auditors
Evaluation of findings and presentation of report
Non-conformity management/Closure of findings
Issuance of the certificate
Periodic surveillance and recertification audits to check performance improvements

Your trusted expert

TÜV SÜD is a registered certification body with VDA-QMC. Along with our stable 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 minimize 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 VDA 6.X certification services

In-depth assessment - TÜV SÜD tailors a unique program to suit your organization’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, TISAX, IATF 16949, and other automotive standards.