DQS - Updates to IATF Rules

IATF Rules are revised to cover replacement parts in the eligible certification scope.

In Nov 2023, IATF issued Sanctioned Interpretations to IATF 16949 certification rules, including:

SI 7 & 21 effective from December 1, 2023

They constitute revisions to associated clauses in IATF 16949 certification rules. The associated clauses after the revision are as below in Italic. The changes as compared to the clauses in the original version are highlighted in bold.

SI 7.

1.0 Eligibility for Certification to IATF 16949

… “Customer-specified production parts” shall be understood as parts that are an integral part of a vehicle. The only customer-specified parts that do not meet this requirement but are to be included are the following: fire extinguisher, car jacks, floor mats, owner’s manuals, warning triangles and reflective vest.

…

Only manufacturing sites where production, service/replacement parts, and/or accessory parts that shall be mechanically attached or electrically connected to the vehicle are manufactured and supplied to automotive customers are eligible for IATF 16949 certification.

If a site supplies to a customer requiring third party certification to IATF 16949, then all automotive customers of the site shall be included in the scope of audit (see section 10.0).

"Automotive" shall be understood to include the following: Passenger Cars, Light Commercial Vehicles, Heavy Trucks, Buses, Motorcycles, and to exclude the following: Industrial, Agricultural, Off-Highway (Mining, Forestry, Construction, etc.).

Specialty cars (i.e., race cars, dump truck, cab-trailer combo, semi-trailers, cash carrying van, ambulances, recreational vehicles, etc.) are excluded unless it is “up fitted” by an IATF OEM. The suppliers for those parts become an integral part of these vehicles and are eligible for certification.

<“Aftermarket parts” ... not eligible for IATF 16949 certification.> (deleted)

Rationale for change:

Same as the warning triangles, most national regulation / standards require reflective vest for the vehicle.
The IATF decided to modify the eligibility requirements to include all service/replacement parts.

SI 21.

10.0 TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

Positive aspect

A positive aspect is a strength/good practice observed within the client Quality Management System by the CB auditor whilst undertaking an IATF 16949 audit.

Aftermarket parts (deleted)

... (deleted)

Replacement parts

Parts used for repair and maintenance services on automotive vehicles, including service, aftermarket and remanufactured parts.

Rationale for change:

Created a new definition to align with the release of the IATF CARA (Common CB Audit Report Application) tool which allow for positive aspects to be recorded.
Updated to align with the revisions to SI #7.

Impacts to Clients:

A company manufacturing replacement parts will be eligible for IATF 16949 certification.
An existing IATF 16949 certified client shall include the replacement parts, in any, into the certification scope, including any associated remote functions.

Note: The automotive customers of a replacement parts manufacturer can be service centres or aftermarket parts dealers, with specifications probably different from those by the OEMs.

About DQS

DQS is the 1st Certification Body approved by IATF for ISO/TS 16949 certification service, which is replaced by IATF 16949 certification at present.
Meanwhile, DQS Academy provides professional IATF 16949 Internal Auditor and Core Tools Training Courses.