IATF 16949 Automotive Quality Management System Certification
What is IATF 16949 and who is it for?
IATF 16949 is the international standard for automotive quality management systems. It provides a standardised Quality Management System (QMS) that focuses on driving continuous improvement, with an emphasis on the prevention of defects and the reduction of variation and waste in the automotive supply chain and assembly process.
The standard was published in 2016 by the International Automation Task Force (IATF) when it replaced ISO/TS 16949. IATF 16949 is based on ISO 9001. It comprises of the same High Level Structure (HLS) of ten clauses. This facilitates integration with other management systems, such as ISO 45001 (workplace safety) and ISO 14001 (environmental management), which are also key standards for the automotive industry.
IATF 16949 certification is required for most organisations in the automotive supply chain involved in the design, development, production, and servicing of automotive-related products, irrespective of the size of the organisation. Most of the major automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMS) mandate certification to IATF 16949 for their supply chain.
What are the benefits of IATF 16949 certification?
IATF 16949 is intended to bring quality management and continual improvement into the heart of an organisation in the automotive supply chain. It requires a holistic approach in order to identify factors – whether internal or external parties and/or issues – that might affect the QMS. By taking this higher-level strategic view, organisations are better able to monitor and enhance their performance and drive continual improvement.
Organisations certified to IATF 16949 also cite the following benefits:
- Automotive market access
- Improved customer satisfaction
- Increased efficiency
- Better risk management
- Greater staff engagement and motivation.
IATF 16949 is a clear indication of an organisation’s commitment to quality management and serves to enhance credibility and boost access to global markets.
What are the requirements of IATF 16949?
The latest version of IATF 16949 was published in 2016 (IATF 16949:2016). It is not a standalone QMS but is supplementary to ISO 9001 and must implemented in conjunction with this standard.
To achieve certification, organisations must be able to demonstrate that they meet all the requirements of each of the 10 clauses that make up the standard.
It incorporates the structure and requirements of ISO 9001 with additional requirements specific to the automotive industry. This includes a focus defect prevention, waste reduction and product safety.
Organisations must also consider the ecosystem within which they operate. This is referred to as the context of the organisation, which includes the supply chain, customers and other stakeholders.
To ensure certification success, and the continual improvement required by IATF 16949, the ongoing support of leadership at the highest level is required.
What are the steps to obtaining IATF 16949 certification?
For any organisation seeking to earn IATF 16949 certification, good preparation is important, and time should be allowed for this. There are typically five steps to follow:
- 1
Read and understand the standard
Ensure that employees are familiar with the requirements of the standard. To solidify understanding, its framework, and how you will implement it within your organisation, it’s advisable to buy a copy of the standard. - 2
Take action
Start to prepare the documentation and supporting evidence that you will need to demonstrate that your organisation meets the requirements of the standard. A gap assessment can help to identify your organisations readiness for certification. NSF can perform this service. Once you know the current state of your organisation, you can address any gaps that have been identified. - 3
Choose a certification body
Once you’re confident that you meet all the requirements of IATF 16949, select an accredited, independent third-party certification body, such as NSF, to audit your organisation against the standard. This is likely to be over several days although the duration of the audit will depend on several factors, including the number of employees and the complexity of your organisation. It’s important that those responsible for the IATF 16949 QMS in your organisation are available when the audit takes place. - 4
Receive audit recommendation
Once a successful audit is completed, the auditor will make a recommendation for certification. Should any minor nonconformities be identified, these will need to closed out within a specified time period and evidence of the work done to rectify them submitted to the certification body. Major nonconformities will likely require another audit to be booked. - 5
Certification is granted
Certification can be granted once it’s been confirmed that all requirements have been met. Earning IATF 16949 certification is an important achievement that should be shared with all stakeholders, whether that’s through internal communication channels, PR activity, on social media, on your website or via any other communication channel important to your organisation.
IATF 16949 certification follows a three-year certification cycle. To ensure continued compliance with the standard, audits are carried out in years one and two of the cycle. In the third and final year of the cycle, a recertification audit will be conducted. If successful, certification will be granted for another three years.
Why choose NSF for IATF 16949 certification?
NSF is one of the largest automotive registrars in North America and was among the first organisations endorsed by the IATF to conduct audits. In 2022 NSF was awarded Certification Body of the year by the International Organization for Accreditation Body (IAOB).
Our technical teams and auditors have many years of direct experience in quality management systems and can apply deep knowledge of the automotive industry that can help you deliver the quality your stakeholders expect.
We work hard to provide outstanding customer service and take pride in the high scores we receive in our client satisfaction survey.
Transfer your certification to NSF
What is an Integrated Management System?
IATF 16949 follows the same structure as for other management system standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. This structure is known as Annex SL. The benefit of this consistent structure is that management systems can be more closely aligned and integrated. This can help deliver efficiencies in an organisation when integrating two or more management system standards. NSF is well placed to support organisations to do this.
Many automotive OEMs require suppliers to have certification to ISO 14001. Some also require an occupational health and safety management system such as ISO 45001. NSF is an accredited certification body for ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. This means we are well placed to work with organisations wishing to integrate IATF 16949 with other management systems to deliver operational efficiencies and other associated benefits.
Contact us for more information about the benefits of an integrated management system.
