Suppliers to the automotive industry

Is your company active in the automotive industry? If you manufacture in series, a certificate according to VDA 6.1 of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) is a recognized proof of your quality capability and a good alternative to IATF 16949. With the automotive standard VDA 6.1, you as a supplier gain access to the automotive industry, promote the avoidance of defects, increase efficiency in the supply chain, and decisively increase the satisfaction of your customers.

Avoidance of errors and minimization of rejects

Strengthens reliability and process capability

Industry-specific proof of quality

Increased customer and employee satisfaction

Beschreibung Standard/Regelwerk
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What is VDA 6.1 certification?

VDA Volume 6.1 was first published by the German Association of the Automotive Industry in 1996 and has been successively developed to date. VDA 6.1 is the right standard if your company manufactures in series. VDA 6.1 provides the framework for an automotive-specific quality management system, promotes defect prevention, and strengthens reliability and process capability in your company's value chain.

VDA 6.1 also includes aspects of the European EFQM model. The process orientation significantly facilitates the integration of management systems that are also important for you, such as ISO 9001:2015 (quality) or ISO 14001 for environmental management. In addition to volume 6.1, the volumes VDA 6.2 (for operators of car dealerships or owners of logistics companies) and VDA 6.4 (individual and series manufacturers of machines, systems, tools or measuring and test stands) supplement the regulations of the German Association of the Automotive Industry.

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How does VDA 6.1 certification work?

If all requirements of VDA 6.1 have been implemented, you can have your management system certified. You will then go through a multi-stage certification process at DQS. 

In the first step, you will discuss your company, your quality management system, and the goals of VDA 6.1 certification with us. On this basis, you will promptly receive a detailed and transparent offer tailored to your individual needs.

The certification audit starts with a system analysis (audit stage 1) and an evaluation of your documentation, objectives, the results of your management review and internal audits. This determines whether your management system is sufficiently developed and ready for certification. In the next step (system audit stage 2), your DQS auditor assesses the effectiveness of all management processes on site, applying the VDA 6.1 standard. The audit result is presented at a final meeting. If necessary, action plans are agreed upon.

After the certification audit, the results are evaluated by the independent certification board of DQS. You will receive an audit report documenting the audit results. If all standard requirements are met, you will receive your certificate.

With a view to continuous improvement and the ongoing effectiveness of your quality management system, on-site audits of key components of your system are conducted at least once a year to identify potential for improvement once again.

Towards the end of the third year, the recertification audit takes place. This must be scheduled early enough to allow sufficient time to implement corrective measures in the event of non-conformities (approx. eight weeks between the last audit day and the expiry of the certificate). Any follow-up audits should be conducted at least two weeks before the end of the certificate's validity.

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What does VDA 6.1 certification cost?

The cost of VDA 6.1 certification depends on a number of factors. For example, the size and complexity of your company have an influence on the price. For these reasons, the costs for certification according to VDA 6.1 cannot be given as a lump sum. We will be happy to make you an individual offer for your company.

What you can expect from DQS

  • All audits from one source
  • Experience and competence in all industries
  • Global presence, local service
  • Customer and solution oriented

Request a quote

Your local contact

We would be happy to provide you with an individual quote for your VDA 6.1 certification.