HomeInternational certificationIATF 16949

IATF 16949:2016 · Automotive quality management

IATF 16949Automotive

The quality requirements of car manufacturers and their suppliers. Without it, a tier-1 or tier-2 supplier does not get on the approved list.

Apply for IATF 16949 →What it gives you

SCHEME CARD · QUALITY & INDUSTRY

IATF 16949Automotive quality management · 2016

Who it's for: Component manufacturers, tier-1 / tier-2 suppliers and more
Audit model: Stage 1 + Stage 2 + surveillance
Certificate validity: 3 years
Typical timeline: 12–16 weeks

Listed in public registerCombines with ISO 9001, ISO 14001

3 yrscertificate validity, with annual surveillance audits

2audit stages — documentation review, then on-site assessment

12–16weeks from application to certificate, typical timeline

1business day to a fixed offer after your application

Why companies certify

Who needs IATF 16949— and when

IATF 16949 builds on ISO 9001 and adds automotive core tools — APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA and SPC — along with customer-specific requirements. Certification is the passport into OEM supply chains.

A formal requirement of OEM and tier-1 supplier development programmes.

INDUSTRIES WE CERTIFY TO IATF 16949

Component manufacturersTier-1 / tier-2 suppliersAutomotive electronicsMetal & plasticsToolingLogistics for OEMs

Not sure whether IATF 16949 fits? Our auditors run a short diagnostic review and suggest the scheme — or a combination of two or three — that answers your customers' requirements.

Inside the standard

What makes it automotive

01Core tools

APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC applied and evidenced.

02Customer-specific requirements

OEM CSRs integrated into the system.

03Product safety

Responsibilities for safety-related characteristics.

04Contingency planning

Tested plans for supply disruption.

05Manufacturing process audits

Layered audits and process audits scheduled.

What the audit covers

Requirements,clause by clause

IATF 16949 is audited against these requirement areas. Open each one to see what auditors look for in your company.

Clause 4Context of the organisation+

Interested parties, internal and external issues, and how the scope of the system is defined.

Clause 5Leadership+

Top management commitment, a policy that fits the business, roles and responsibilities.

Clause 6Planning+

Risks and opportunities identified and addressed; measurable objectives with plans to reach them.

Clause 7Support+

Resources, competence and awareness, communication, control of documented information.

Clause 8Operation+

How processes are planned, controlled and delivered day to day.

Clauses 9–10Evaluation & improvement+

Monitoring, internal audits, management review — and how nonconformities become corrective actions.

Benefits

What IATF 16949certification gives you

Eligibility as an OEM and tier supplier
Structured launch process — fewer late changes
Lower PPM and warranty costs
Customer-specific requirements managed in one place
Recognised worldwide through the IATF database
Builds directly on ISO 9001

Integrated audit

Hold more than one standard? One audit.

IATF 16949 shares its structure with ISO 9001, ISO 14001. We audit them together — one team, one visit, one report.

−25%audit days on average

1lead auditor for all standards

The path to certificate

Five steps from application to IATF 16949

Scroll the steps — the bar shows where you are in the process. Every step has a named coordinator and a fixed timeline.

STEP 1 / 5 · Application & offer

STEP 11 business day

Application & offer

You send a short application; a coordinator sizes the audit and sends a fixed offer.

→ Offer with audit plan

STEP 21–2 days

Stage 1 audit

Documentation review and readiness check — remote or on site. Gaps are listed, not penalised.

→ Readiness report

STEP 3By calculation

Stage 2 audit

On-site assessment of implementation and effectiveness with a team that knows your sector.

→ Audit report

STEP 45–10 days

Decision & certificate

Independent certification decision; the certificate is issued and entered into the public register.

→ IATF 16949 certificate

STEP 5Annual

Surveillance & renewal

Annual surveillance keeps the certificate in force; re-certification in year three.

→ Certificate maintained

Readiness check

Are you readyfor Stage 1?

Tick what you already have. You do not need a perfect system to apply — you need a working one.

ISO 9001 system running for at least 12 months of recordsCore tools trained and applied to current productsCustomer-specific requirements matrix maintainedProduct safety responsibilities assignedContingency plan testedInternal system, process and product audits completed

Your readiness

Based on the items ticked on the left. Indicative — the Stage 1 audit gives the formal picture.

Apply for IATF 16949 →

FAQ · IATF 16949

Questions companiesask before certifying

Did not find yours? Call us — a coordinator answers within the same business day.

+38 (044) 332-30-76

Do we need ISO 9001 first?+

IATF 16949 includes ISO 9001; you certify to both in one audit. A functioning system with 12 months of records is required.

Is remote auditing allowed?+

IATF rules require on-site audits for Stage 2; remote elements are limited to specific circumstances.

What is the IATF database?+

A global register of valid certificates that OEMs check; your certificate is listed there after the decision.

Related schemes

Often certifiedtogether

Get certifiedto IATF 16949

Send an application — we define scope and audit duration, and issue a fixed offer within one business day.

Auditors with experience in your industry
Fixed price — no surprises after Stage 1
Certificate listed in the public register