The IATF (the International Automotive Task Force) is a group of automotive manufacturers formed to provide improved quality products to automotive customers worldwide. IATF 16949:2016 defines the requirements for an automotive based QMS. In order to qualify to be certified as an IATF 16949 : 2016 organization, suppliers must be involved in manufacturing automotive production parts, services parts and/or accessory parts. Production of after-market parts does not qualify you for this certification.
The aim of IATF 16949 : 2016 is to reduce risk throughout the automotive supply chain. By being compliant to IATF 16949 the QMS will focus on continual improvement, emphasis on defect prevention and the reduction of variation & waste. The current version of the IATF 16949 uses ISO 9001:2015 as its foundation, with added general automotive industry-specific requirements. In the automotive world, IATF 16949 certification shows that you are a reliable automotive supplier.
When you achieve IATF certification, your certification body (CB, also known as registrar) will provide your organization a 3 year certificate. The registrar will perform annual audits to ensure you are still in compliance.
