16949

16949 refers to the automotive quality management standard originally issued as ISO/TS 16949 and later updated as IATF 16949. It was developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) with ISO to harmonize and improve quality management across the automotive supply chain. The standard is closely aligned with ISO 9001 but adds automotive-specific requirements and expectations, aiming to reduce variation, waste, and defects in global production and service provision.

Scope and content include requirements for a quality management system applicable to design, development, production, installation, and servicing of automotive-related products and services. It emphasizes a process approach, risk-based thinking, defect prevention, continual improvement, customer-specific requirements, supplier quality management, and product realization. The standard also integrates automotive-sector tools and practices such as APQP, PPAP, MSA, and measurement systems analysis, and addresses supplier development and counterfeit parts controls.

Certification process involves evaluation by an IATF-recognized certification body. The typical path includes a Stage 1 readiness review (documentation and readiness assessment) and a Stage 2 on-site audit (compliance with the standard). After initial certification, surveillance audits are conducted periodically, with recertification typically required every three years.

Relation to ISO 9001: IATF 16949:2016 harmonizes with ISO 9001:2015, incorporating its structure while adding automotive-specific requirements. Though ISO/TS 16949 is no longer administered, the 2016 revision (IATF 16949:2016) remains widely referenced as the modern automotive QMS standard. The standard is commonly a prerequisite for doing business with major automakers and their suppliers and is used worldwide to improve product quality and process performance.