Automotive

IATF 16949

IATF 16949: Automotive Quality Management System

In the competitive landscape of automotive manufacturing, maintaining high standards of quality is essential for success. IATF 16949 certification, provided by TÜV UK (together with TÜV NORD CERT), is your pathway to achieving excellence in automotive quality management. This globally recognised standard specifies the requirements for a comprehensive quality management system, ensuring your products and services meet the highest standards throughout the supply chain.

Developed to harmonise global quality requirements, IATF 16949 replaces the previous ISO/TS 16949 standard, which is no longer valid. Certification to IATF 16949 demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement, defect prevention, and reducing variation and waste in the supply chain. It is crucial for manufacturers and suppliers of automotive components, assemblies, and services such as heat treatment and galvanising. Leading automotive manufacturers and OEMs recognise this certification, often requiring it for their suppliers to ensure adherence to strict technical specifications.

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CARA

Information about the audit documentation tool CARA

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Information about the audit documentation tool CARA

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99 . 97 KB

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CARA online questionnaire - User guide

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276 . 19 KB

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CARA online questionnaire - User guide

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276 . 19 KB

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What is IATF 16949?

IATF 16949:2016 is the international standard for automotive quality management systems, developed to harmonise global quality requirements. Key aspects of IATF 16949 include:

Product Safety: Ensuring the highest standards in automotive product safety.
Risk Management and Contingency Planning: Proactively managing risks and preparing for contingencies.
Requirements for Embedded Software: Addressing the complexities of software integration in automotive products.
Change and Warranty Management: Efficiently managing changes and warranties to maintain product integrity.
Management of Sub-tier Suppliers: Ensuring quality across all levels of the supply chain.

Why Choose IATF 16949 Certification?

Certification to IATF 16949 demonstrates your company's dedication to continuous improvement, defect prevention and reducing variation and waste in the supply chain. It is essential for manufacturers and suppliers of automotive components, assemblies and services such as heat treatment and galvanising. Leading automotive manufacturers and OEMs recognise this certification, often requiring it for their suppliers to ensure adherence to strict technical specifications.

ISO 9001 as a basis

IATF 16949 is built upon the foundation of the ISO 9001 quality management standard, incorporating additional sector-specific requirements for the automotive industry. This integration offers a holistic approach to improving quality and performance across the automotive supply chain, from sub-tier suppliers to direct suppliers.

The standard utilises the High-Level Structure, making it easier to integrate with existing management systems that also follow this framework. This ensures a seamless transition and alignment with other quality management initiatives within your organisation.

ISO 9001

Benefits of IATF 16949 Certification

Customer Satisfaction: Deliver products that consistently meet customer requirements.
Reduced Operating Costs: Achieve operational efficiencies and save money through continual improvement.
Improved Stakeholder Relationships: Enhance your reputation with staff, customers, and suppliers.
Proven Business Credentials: Gain independent verification against a globally recognised industry standard.
Global Recognition: Be recognised as a reputable supplier in international automotive supply chains.
Consistent Quality Approach: Drive consistency, competence, and control in supplier development.

Your route to IATF 16949 certification

Enquiry & Offer Preperation

Commissioning of TÜV UK

You enter an agreement with TÜV UK and planning begins for your initial audit

Stage 1 Audit

Determination of certification maturity

Stage 2 Audit

Certification audit

Issue of certificate

Your certificate is issued and you are entered into the IATF database

Why Choose TÜV UK?

TÜV UK is a leader in IATF 16949 certification, offering:

Expert Support: Our skilled auditors provide comprehensive guidance throughout the certification process.
Global Recognition: TÜV UK is part of the TÜV NORD Group, a globally respected certification body.
Impartial Certification: Benefit from an independent, third-party assessment.

Already certified?

If you currently hold a valid accredited certificate from another provider, transferring your certification to TÜV UK is straightforward and hassle-free. Contact us and transfer today!

Transfer My Certificate

Get Started Today!

At TÜV UK, we are committed to helping you maximise the value of IATF 16949 certification. Whether you are starting your IATF journey or considering transferring your certification, we are here to assist you every step of the way.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

IATF 16949 certification is an internationally recognised standard for automotive quality management systems, ensuring high standards of quality and efficiency in automotive production.

Manufacturers and suppliers of automotive components, assemblies, and services such as heat treatment and galvanising can benefit from certification, as it is often required by leading automotive manufacturers.

Certification demonstrates your commitment to quality, continuous improvement and defect prevention, which are essential for maintaining relationships with leading automotive manufacturers and accessing global markets.

IATF 16949 is an independent quality management standard that incorporates ISO 9001 requirements but is certified separately. It does not replace ISO 9001, but complements it with automotive-specific requirements.

ISO/TS 16949 was the predecessor to IATF 16949 and is no longer valid. IATF 16949 was published in 2016 to provide a globally harmonised quality management system for the automotive industry.

IATF 16949 is based on ISO 9001, incorporating additional automotive sector-specific requirements, making it easier to integrate with existing management systems that follow the High-Level Structure.

The process involves requesting a quote, booking an assessment and undergoing a two-stage audit. Successful certification is valid for three years, with surveillance audits and a recertification audit.

The timeline can vary, but your management system must be operational for at least three months before the initial audit. The certification process includes two mandatory audit visits.

Yes, TÜV UK can assist with transferring your existing certification, ensuring a smooth transition and continued compliance with the standard. Contact us today to transfer your certification.