IATF 16949 | Automotive Quality Management System

IATF 16949:2016 is an international quality management standard specifically for the automotive industry. It defines  the requirements for an effective automotive quality management system that helps organizations consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.

IATF 16949:2016 was developed to harmonize automotive quality management system requirements across the globe. It replaces the previous ISO/TS 16949 standard and aligns with the latest quality management principles, including risk-based thinking and process approach.

Any organization involved in the automotive supply chain, including manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers, must comply with IATF 16949:2016 if they want to be part of the automotive industry's supply network.

Some key changes include a stronger focus on leadership commitment, risk-based thinking, product safety, and contingency planning. Additionally, there's an increased emphasis on supply chain management and alignment with ISO 9001:2015 requirements. There is increased emphasis on prevention and structured management of change processes.

Compliance with IATF 16949:2016 helps organizations improve their processes, reduce risks, enhance product quality, and increase customer satisfaction. It also enables access to global automotive markets by demonstrating a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

The certification process involves implementing a quality management system that meets the requirements of IATF 16949:2016 and any applicable customer-specific requirements, undergoing a third-party audit by an IATF-recognized certification body, and maintaining compliance through regular surveillance audits.

The initial certification is typically valid for three years, subject to successful surveillance audits. Organizations must undergo regular surveillance audits to maintain certification validity. There are typically two surveillance audits, audits, conducted annually after the initial audit for certification. A full, recertification audit is conducted on the third year.

Yes, smaller organizations can implement IATF 16949:2016 by scaling the requirements to fit their size and complexity. Many tools and resources are available to help organizations of all sizes effectively implement and maintain the standard. With customer approval, smaller organizations that do not possess the necessary resources to meet the full requirements of IATF 16949:2016, may be granted the approval to meet a reduced set of requirements. This reduced set of requirements is known as the Minimum Automotive Quality Management System Requirements for Sub-Tier Suppliers (MAQMSR).

Top management plays a crucial role in driving the implementation and assessment of the overall effectiveness of the quality management system. They are responsible for providing leadership, resources, and support, as well as setting strategic objectives and ensuring alignment with customer requirements and that the quality management systems meets its intended results.

More information about IATF 16949:2016 can be found on the IATF – International Automotive Task Force, IAOB - International Automotive Oversight Bureau and AIAG – Automotive Action Industry Group websites.

The Sixth Edition contains the requirements for IATF-recognized Certification Codies (CB) when conducting IATF 16949 audits and for granting certification to automotive supply organizations.

• Improve the current IATF 16949 registration process 
• Incorporation of Existing Rules: Integration of the 5th Edition Sanctioned Interpretations (SIs) and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to ensure alignment with current industry practices and interpretations. 
• Update the Eligibility Requirement : Expanding  of eligibility criteria for IATF 16949 certification, reflecting evolving standards and industry needs. 
• Process and Requirement Enhancements: Introduction of new contract stipulations between certification bodies and their clients, facilitating clearer expectations and accountability. Additionally, updated requirements for audit planning to enhance effectiveness and efficiency. 

These modifications collectively aim to elevate the overall quality and relevance of the IATF 16949 certification scheme, fostering greater consistency, transparency, and alignment with industry best practices. 

The Sixth Edition may introduce updates to existing requirements, , or revisions aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the standard. Here are several  of the key changes: 

• Automotive Products include (1.0)
  • Production parts / Production materials 
  • Accessory parts 
  • Replacement parts and materials for automotive vehicles including remanufactured parts 
• Certification structure for certification requirements (1.1) 
  
  • Single Manufacturing Site 
  • Single Manufacturing Site with Extended Manufacturing Site(s)
  • Corporate Scheme 

• Appeals and Complaints process (2.8)
• Enhanced contract requirements between client and Certification Body (CB) (3.0)
• Defined Certification Body (CB) Resource responsibilities (4.0)
• Revised auditor qualification requirements (4.2-4.4)
• Enhanced audit planning requirements (5.7)
• Revised requirements regarding the handling of nonconformities (5.11)
  
• Addition of requirements for conducting remote audits (7.3)

The Rules Sixth Edition will become effective on January 1, 2025. At that time the Rules 5th Edition,  Rules 5th Edition Sanctioned Interpretations (SIs) and 5th Edition Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) will become obsolete.  Automotive supply organizations seeking recognition or organizations currently registered to IATF 16949 will need to make themselves aware of these new requirements to ensure their management systems will achieve or maintain their registrations to IATF 16949.

While the majority of the information contained in the Sixth Edition is focused on IATF-recognized Certification Bodies (CBs) and their operations, it would be advisable for organizations currently registered to IATF 16949 to be obtain a copy of the Rules Sixth Edition. The International Automotive Task Force (IATF) issued a standalone document,  Areas of Impact for Client Consideration (Need quotes around the title)   which  was available for download on the IAOB website at no cost. This document extracted the organizational requirements from the Rules 5th Edition. At the present time, the IATF has not made any announcement regarding publishing a similar document for the new Rules Sixth Edition.