System Certifications

IATF 16949 Certification

International Standard For Automotive Quality Management Systems

Principles of Certification According to IATF 16949

IATF 16949:2016 is the internationally recognized Quality Management System (QMS) standard for the organizations in the automotive industry. Based on the requirements of ISO 9001, it incorporates additional automotive-specific requirements focused on improving product quality, customer satisfaction, risk management, and continual improvement throughout the automotive supply chain.

Certification to IAFT 16949 demonstrates an organization’s ability to consistently meet customer-specific requirements, applicable regulatory requirements, and the quality expectations of the automotive industry.

The key principles supporting an effective IAFT 16949 Quality Management System include:

Customer Focus

Organizations must understand and consistently meet customer-specific requirements while striving to exceed customer expectations through quality, reliability, and timely delivery.

The standard promotes a process-based management system, ensuring that all activities are planned, monitored, and continuously improved to achieve desired outcomes efficiently.

Organizations are required to identify, assess, and mitigate risks that could affect product quality, safety, or customer satisfaction, while also recognizing opportunities for improvement.

A core principle of IATF 16949 is the ongoing enhancement of processes, products, and system performance through corrective actions, performance monitoring, and preventive measures.

The standard emphasizes proactive quality management practices aimed at preventing defects rather than detecting them after they occur, reducing waste and improving efficiency.

Business decisions should be supported by accurate data, performance metrics, and objective analysis to ensure effective management and continual improvement.

Top management must demonstrate commitment to the quality management system while fostering employee involvement, competence, and accountability across all organizational levels.

Organizations are expected to manage and develop their suppliers effectively, ensuring that quality requirements are consistently met throughout the automotive supply chain.

By achieving IATF 16949 certification, organizations demonstrate their commitment to delivering high-quality automotive products, meeting customer and regulatory requirements, and driving operational excellence across the business.

Benefits of certification

  • Improve product quality and consistency across automotive operations.

  • Enhance customer satisfaction by meeting industry-specific requirements.

  • Reduce defects, waste, and rework through effective quality controls and defect-prevention practices.

  • Strengthen risk management and preventive action processes.

  • Increase operational efficiency and productivity.

  • Support participation in global automotive supply chains and new business opportunities.

  • Improve supplier performance and supply chain reliability.

  • Demonstrate conformity with applicable customer and regulatory requirements.

  • Foster a culture of continual improvement and operational excellence.

  • Build trust and credibility with customers, partners, and stakeholders.

Certification process

The certification process consists of 4 basic phases:

Development of Documentation

Development of the quality management system documentation.

Implementation of the QMS

Implementation and operation of the quality management system within the organization.

Certification by an IATF-Recognized Certification Body

Assessment of the organization’s Quality Management System by an IATF-recognized certification body through the applicable certification audit process.

Surveillance audit

Regular surveillance audits are conducted during the certification cycle to verify the continued conformity and effectiveness of the IATF 16949 Quality Management System and support continual improvement.

The times of elaboration of documentation and putting the system into practice are individual
(it usually takes several months).

Certification by the IATF-Recognized Certification Body

  • Submission and review of the application for certification

  • Agreement between the certification body and the organization

  • Appointment of the audit team

  • Stage 1 audit – assessment of readiness

  • Stage 2 audit – assessment of the Quality Management System and manufacturing processes

  • Preparation of the audit report

  • Management and closure of nonconformities, where applicable

  • Certification decision

  • Issuance of the certificate

  • Registration of the certification in the IATF database

Surveillance & Certificate Validity

The certificate is generally valid for a three-year certification cycle. During this period, surveillance audits are conducted annually to verify the continued effectiveness and compliance of the Quality Management System.

Decision on Confirmation of Certificate Validity

Confirmation that the certificate remains valid until the next surveillance audit.

Decision on suspension

Suspension of the certificate in accordance with the applicable certification requirements.

Decision on Withdrawal

Withdrawal of the certificate in cases of fundamental or significant deviations from the requirements of the applicable standard.

Request IATF 16949 Certification support

Our experts are ready to support your certification journey.