The IATF (International Automotive Task Force) is an international “ad hoc” group consisting of National Automotive Industry Associations and globally operating automotive manufacturers. The member organizations represent the interests of the automotive industry with the objective of  developing and continuously improving a common Quality Management System Standard and the associated certification scheme.

The first objective behind the foundation of IATF was the harmonization of the quality management systems requirements introduced at national levels of the automotive industry.

The harmonization was achieved in the year 1999 with the publication of ISO/TS 16949 (first edition). This standard, i.e. this technical specification led to a global harmonization of the different evaluation and certification systems in the supply chain of the automotive industry.

The currently valid Quality Management System Standard of the IATF was published in 2016. This standard is known as “IATF 16949”.

The requirements for auditing and certification in accordance with the IATF 16949 standard are published as the “IATF Rules”. In accordance with the currently valid 5th Edition, all the IATF 16949 certifications are performed globally under common requirements.

You can also find further information about the IATF on IATF’s website.

We recommend registering yourself on this central IATF website to be informed about new information and publications of the IATF from time to time.

It is our objective to build trust. Our mission is the continuous improvement.

Certified suppliers in the automotive supply chain and customers of these certified companies can be confident that the IATF Certification Bodies of the VDA QMC perform the audits and issue the respective certificates objectively and impartially.

Ensuring and maintaining the highest professional level of the IATF-recognized Certification Bodies is one of the core tasks of the IATF Oversight Office at the VDA QMC.

The IATF Oversight Office team at the VDA QMC ensures reliable, trustworthy results in the context of certification in accordance with IATF 16949 with the global monitoring of 10 internationally operating IATF-recognized certification bodies.

Do you have questions about IATF, the IATF 16949 standard, or are you interested in certification in accordance with IATF 16949? If so, please do not hesitate to contact us.