Who can be certified to IATF 16949?
Sites that manufacture production parts, service parts or accessories for vehicles – for customers in the automotive industry – can be certified. Pure traders, warehouses or test laboratories, as well as companies that only carry out development, cannot obtain an IATF certificate. Support functions such as development or purchasing are included as supporting locations in the certification of the manufacturing site.
Requirements before the certification audit
Certification bodies generally expect:
- performance indicators for all processes and customer ratings over the last twelve months
- a complete internal audit cycle with system, process and product audits
- a management review
- an up-to-date assignment of the customer-specific requirements (CSR matrix)
- ongoing production
If not enough data is available yet, it may initially only be possible to obtain a letter of conformance.
Initial certification according to the IATF Rules (6th edition)
- Stage 1: the certification body checks on site whether your system is ready for the certification audit.
- Stage 2: no earlier than 20 and no later than 90 days after stage 1. All requirements of IATF 16949 are audited for effective implementation.
- Nonconformities: for major nonconformities, initial evidence – containment actions, root cause analysis and corrective action plan – is due within 15 days; the entire nonconformity management must be completed within 60 days.
Surveillance and recertification
After initial certification, annual surveillance audits follow within a window of three months before or after the due date. A recertification audit is due after three years at the latest.
What does IATF 16949 certification cost?
The costs depend on the audit duration. This in turn depends on the number of employees, the supporting locations and functions and – since the 6th edition of the IATF Rules – also on the performance and risk of your site. In addition, there is the internal effort for setting up and maintaining the system. In a free, no-obligation initial consultation we estimate the effort for your situation.
Outlook: the second edition of IATF 16949
According to IATF planning, the second edition is due to be published in mid-2027. For the current status and what you can already do now, see our page on IATF 16949 consulting.
Your IATF 16949 certification with PeRoBa® Unternehmensberatung GmbH
We support initial certification, recertification and the further development of existing systems, carry out internal audits and process audits according to VDA 6.3 and train your employees. Following the principle of help for self-help, you receive recommendations that you can implement independently.
We consult – we do not certify: certification is carried out by a certification body recognised by the IATF which, under the IATF rules, may not advise you at the same time.
Learn more: Quality management in the automotive industry, IATF 16949 core tools
Frequently asked questions about IATF 16949 certification
How long does IATF 16949 certification take?
Stage 2 takes place no earlier than 20 and no later than 90 days after stage 1. Beforehand, performance data over twelve months and a complete internal audit cycle are usually required – plan the preparation accordingly.
Can a development site or a warehouse be certified?
Not on its own. Development or purchasing are included as supporting locations in the certification of a manufacturing site; pure traders, warehouses and test laboratories cannot be certified.
What happens in the case of a major nonconformity?
Initial evidence (containment, root cause analysis, corrective action plan) is due within 15 days; the complete nonconformity management must be closed within 60 days.
Does PeRoBa® certify?
No. We consult and audit internally or on your behalf; certification is carried out by a certification body recognised by the IATF.
About PeRoBa®:
PeRoBa® Unternehmensberatung GmbH has specialised in management systems since 1991. The company has been headquartered in Baldham since 2011 and also maintains an office on Prinzregentenstraße in Munich. PeRoBa® advises, audits and assesses to support clients in introducing and implementing their management systems, and also offers audits, QM training, seminars and workshops. Since January 2016, the in-house, patented software iVision® – Smart Remote Audit Solution has been on the market.
Dr. Roland Scherb is the founder and Managing Director of PeRoBa® Unternehmensberatung GmbH, certified to DIN EN ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 27001 and based in Baldham. He is President of the Bundesverband der Auditoren e. V. (German Federal Association of Auditors), head of the ISO Certification Competence Forum at BVMW e. V. (German Association for Small and Medium-sized Businesses) and a member of the DIN working committee NQSZ NA 147-00-07 GA on the revision of DIN EN ISO 19011. He is also a book author as well as a trainer and lecturer at renowned educational institutions on management systems and the associated core methods.
How may we help you?
Arrange a free, no-obligation initial consultation via online appointment, or send us a message using our contact form. You are also welcome to call us.
In the free initial consultation, we first clarify your needs.