IATF 16949:2016 – Certification of suppliers in the automotive sector
The Automotive QMS Standard, also IATF 16949:2016, together with the automotive customer specific requirements, defines the basic quality management system requirements for the automotive industry. The right certification credentials are essential for companies wishing to be included in the supply chain of vehicle manufacturers. As such, IATF 16949:2016 opens the doors to the world's largest production industry.
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Quality management according to IATF 16949:2016
IATF 16949:2016 forms the basis for top-level process know-how and excellence («zero defects principle»). Due fulfilment of the standard confirms that the required and validated process control measures have been implemented and is therefore mandatory to become an approved supplier.
Target groups of IATF 16949:2016
Suppliers to the automotive industry at all stages along the supply chain.
Validity period of the certificate
3 years - there is an annual audit to ensure that standards are being maintained and a recertification audit after 3 years.
Recognition of the SQS certificate
The SQS certificate of conformity with IATF 16949:2016 has international validity and is recognised worldwide through the IQNET membership.
Responsible for the product and there for you
Franck Magendie
Do you have any questions about the standard or our service? Would you like to know more about the certification process and the costs? Or may we provide you with a concrete offer for the certification?
We are happy to help you. Our account management team and I, as the product manager, will be happy to forward your questions to our experienced auditors. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to access certified management systems.
Please let us know how we can support you. We look forward to hearing from you!
Kind regards
Franck Magendie
Highest quality and process reliability
With an IATF 16949 certification, companies ensure that their products and processes meet strict requirements. The ‘zero-defect principle’ and continuous improvement processes increase reliability and minimise failures in the supply chain.
Recognition and market access
IATF 16949 is a globally recognised standard in the automotive industry intended for manufacturing companies. A certified quality management system enables companies to tap into new markets and improve their chances of being included or remaining in the supply chain of renowned automotive manufacturers.
Clear and optimised processes
IATF 16949 promotes a systematic, risk-based approach in all areas of the company. This reduces sources of error, improves the monitoring of production processes and documents organisational processes more clearly. This leads to increased delivery reliability, efficiency, cost savings and greater customer satisfaction.
If you feel fit for the standard, you are welcome to use the form above to register for certification. Otherwise, your path to IATF-certification could look like this:
#1 – Training courses/building up the system
Our experienced auditors impart their expertise to you in practice-orientated training courses. Prepare yourself optimally for the introduction of the standard and the certification of your company.
#2 – Registration for the certification
After registering for certification, you can benefit from a preliminary talk or pre-audit. The pre-audit identifies system-relevant gaps and enables efficient certification.
#3 – Auditing
We first review your system documentation, assess your readiness for certification and draw up a detailed audit plan together with you. Our auditors then visit your company to assess the relevant test objects and the maturity degree of the management system and compile a report.
#4 – Certificate with a three-year validity
If the report is positive, you receive the certificate in digital and printed form. You can communicate it internally and externally for three years. Annual audits ensure compliance with the standard and enable continuous improvements. A comprehensive recertification takes place after three years.
How long does it take to obtain an IATF-16949 certificate?
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The duration depends on the size of the company, the complexity of the processes, and the level of preparation. Well-structured documentation and thorough preparation can accelerate the process. It is helpful if the company is already ISO 9001 certified, as IATF 16949 is an extension of ISO 9001. At least one year of process measurements, internal audits, and management reviews is required before starting the IATF certification.
How often does an IATF 16949 certificate need to be renewed?
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The certificate is valid for three years. During this time, a surveillance audit is carried out every year and recertification takes place after three years.
What are the costs associated with an IATF 16949 certification?
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The costs vary depending on the scope and complexity of the organisation. The calculation is based on the number of employees (headcount). However, there are several reduction factors as defined in the Rules 6th Edition. We would be happy to provide you with a customised offer.
Does SQS also offer consultancy services?
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No, our core competence is certification - simultaneous consultancy services are not permitted by the IATF. However, if required, we will be happy to connect you with external experts or organise training courses so that you can optimally prepare for certification.
What role does SQS play in IATF 16949 certification?
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SQS, as certification body, checks neutrally and independently whether your quality management system fulfils the standard requirements and issues the certificate if the audit report is positive. SQS is authorised by the VDA-QMC Oversight Office and is audited annually.
How can a company verify the validity of an IATF 16949 certificate?
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Each SQS certificate is given a unique IATF registration number and an SQS registration number. This number can be used to check the validity via iatfglobaloversight.org and via our SQS online directory. To the query.
Can a company have several certifications at the same time?
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What happens if a company does not fulfil the requirements of IATF 16949?
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If non-conformities are identified during an audit, the company is given a deadline to initiate corrective measures. Without successful implementation, the certificate cannot be issued or maintained. The deadlines are defined very precisely in the Rules 6th Edition.
How do IATF 16949 and other management systems interact?
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Many norms and standards are based on the Harmonised Structure of ISO management systems, which enables a seamless integration. This allows different systems to be managed together and reduces the administrative workload.
What is the difference between IATF 16949 and ISO 9001?
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IATF 16949 is based on ISO 9001 and extends it to include specific requirements of the automotive industry, for example regarding process control, supplier management and error prevention.
What role do customer-specific requirements play in IATF 16949?
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IATF 16949 additionally refers to the requirements of the respective automotive manufacturers. These customer specifications must also be integrated into the management system in order to fully meet the standard.
How can a certified QMS according to IATF 16949 improve the company image?
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A successful certification demonstrates that a company adheres to the highest quality standards and is constantly improving. This strengthens the trust of customers, investors and business partners and enables a stable position in the market.