Quality certification in the automotive sector

Quality certification in the automotive sector is essential for all companies operating in the automotive supply chain that want to demonstrate their commitment to quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

IATF 16949 is the international standard that defines the requirements for a quality management system in the automotive sector. Based on ISO 9001 principles, it can be easily integrated with it.

The IATF 16949 certification allows you to access new business opportunities, positioning yourself among the qualified suppliers of major OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) car manufacturers.

It applies to suppliers of materials for production or assistance (spare parts and/or aftermarket), suppliers of heat treatments, painting, chroming, or other finishing services, and vehicle manufacturers (cars, motorcycles, heavy vehicles intended for road use).

Advantages

- Product quality improvement: ensure high-quality standards and reduce defects.

- Global recognition: it is an internationally recognized certification that improves competitiveness.

- Risk management and business continuity: prevent and mitigate the risks to ensure business stability.

- Cost reduction: optimise processes, with fewer waste, rework, and scraps.

- Customer satisfaction: gain greater reliability and precise delivery times that allow for increased customer loyalty.

- Operational efficiency improvement: optimise internal processes for better and continuous performance.

 Certification process

- To begin the certification process, your company must implement a quality management system that complies with the requirements set by the IATF 16949 standard.

- Once your management system is in place, you can start the certification process with the assistance of RINA as an accredited body

- The IATF 16949:2016 certification is issued through CISQ AUTOMOTIVE—a recognized consortium authorized by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF)—guaranteeing international recognition of your certification.

- As a member of the CISQ AUTOMOTIVE consortium, we perform the conformity assessment of your management system in accordance with the IATF 16949. 

- Following a successful assessment, we issue your IATF 16949 certificate on behalf of CISQ AUTOMOTIVE, which is the only accredited body for the official certification. 

- Certification is subject to annual periodic audits, which are essential for its maintenance. 

Why choose RINA?

We are accredited through the CISQ Automotive consortium for IATF 16949:2016 certification. To date, over 500 organizations have chosen RINA as a third and independent body to obtain and maintain certification, ensuring a competent and recognized evaluation process in the automotive sector.

Regulatory focus

IATF 16949:2016 is the international standard for quality management systems in the automotive sector, developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) and first published in 2016. It stems from the evolution of the ISO/TS 16949 standard, created in 1999, with the aim of globally harmonizing the requirements of vehicle manufacturers (OEM) and their supply chain. The standard focuses on strong customer orientation, integrating specific consolidated requirements and promoting continuous improvement, defect prevention, and waste reduction in production and business processes.

For further details, visit the official IATF website.

Frequently Asked Questions