ISO/TS 16949:2009 is changing - 7 things you need to know

One of the most widely used global quality management standards in the automotive sector has been rewritten. So if you’re one of the 65,000 ISO/TS 16949:2009 certificate holders or 2,000 qualified auditors, here is what you need to know up front.

What has changed?

1. The standard has a new name – IATF 16949:2016. This supersedes and replaces ISO/TS 16949:2009. So it has evolved from a technical specification to a global automotive sector standard.

Although it will continue to be closely aligned with ISO standards, the new document is now managed solely by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF).

This means that the IATF can update the standard on a more regular basis, ensuring it stays relevant to the sector’s needs. In fact this version has incorporated extensive feedback from a range of stakeholders, including Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), suppliers, certification bodies and auditors. This ensures it is tailored exactly to the industry’s requirements.

2. The standard has a new structure. The rewrite follows the new high level structure used for all ISO management system standards.

In addition to the 10 standard sections, the IATF have included an Automotive Annexe. The idea is to provide sources of information that you can consider as you refine your management systems.

Important dates

3. IATF 16949:2016 will be available to purchase from 1st October 2016. You will be able to buy a full copy from one of the 5 IATF National Association members. Details for each IATF Oversight Office can be found on their website.

4. To support the new standard, IATF will release the “Rules for achieving and maintaining IATF recognition” on 1^st November 2016.

5. If you currently have a certificate to ISO/TS 16949:2009, it will no longer be valid after 14th September 2018.

6. You can still have your first certification to ISO/TS 16949:2009 until 1^st October 2017. However your certificate will only be valid until 14^th September 2018.

Transition

7. You can transition to the new standard at your regularly scheduled surveillance or recertification audit.

However, this must be done by 14^th September 2018 at the latest. After this date you will no longer be certified as ISO will withdraw ISO/TS 16949:2009.

All the transition details can be found in the IATF 16949 Transition Strategy document. (Click on the Revision Workgroup News tab.)

In the meantime all Certification Body Auditors will have to go through a requalification process in order for them to be able to certify organisations to the new standard.

You can find out more on 6^th September by signing up for our FREE webinar, hosted by Rob Brown, the SMMT IATF Oversight Manager. This will be a great opportunity to understand and seek clarification on the timescales for release and details around the transition process.