IATF 16949

Certification and quality management in the automotive industry.

IATF 16949 is the automotive industry’s global quality standard and one of the most comprehensive standards for manufacturing quality assurance.

 

It is a further development of the previous ISO/TS 16949 standard and combines requirements from ISO 9001 with industry-specific additions.

 

Certification to IATF 16949 is often a prerequisite for supplying major vehicle manufacturers.

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About WEDEAQ

WEDEAQ Scandinavia AB is a Swedish consulting company specializing in quality management and quality development in the automotive business according to requirements in IATF 16949 and based on methods from VDA QMC and AIAG. We have more than a decade of experience in the field and are the official licensed partner of VDA QMC in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland.

We provide expert-led training, internal audits, consulting services, and translated VDA publications to support manufacturers in meeting international automotive quality standards. Our services are designed for companies across Scandinavia and the Baltic region – including Estonia – that aim to improve their quality systems, prepare for certification, and enhance process performance.
We operate in:
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Sweden

finnish flag

Finland

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Norway

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Denmark

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Estonia

confirmation letter for official licensed partner of VDA QMC
confirmation letter for official licensed partner of VDA QMC

The only official VDA QMC partner in the Nordics.

Our courses in IATF 16949 Audit Management

May 19-21

Training

IATF 16949:2016 Audit Management

Location

Taitotalo, Helsinki

Date

May 19-21

Price (EUR)

1725

Course ID

3113-621

Availability
Participants
0
Due Date Registation

2026-04-20

Application

What is IATF 16949?

IATF 16949 is a standard developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) in cooperation with ISO (International Organization for Standardization). It is specifically designed for companies that manufacture components, systems and services for the automotive industry.

IATF 16949 is based on ISO 9001:2015 but has over 120 additional requirements that focus on:

  • Product safety and risk management
  • Supplier management and procurement
  • Production management and maintenance
  • Corporate governance and internal audits
  • Product development and project management

The standard is used globally and is applied by major vehicle manufacturers such as VW, BMW, Daimler-Mercedes, PSA, GM, Ford, Chrysler-Fiat and Renault. It is a central part of quality management in the automotive industry and is also used as a guideline in other sectors.

Training and certification

To implement the standard effectively, training and skills development are required. We offer:

  • Basic IATF 16949 training (1-3 days)
  • Internal audit & gap analysis Identifying non-conformities and areas for improvement
  • Implementation support – Advice and alignment with company processes

Certification involves an external auditor reviewing the company’s quality management system and determining whether it meets the requirements of IATF 16949. To be certified, the company must:

  1. Implement the quality management system according to the requirements of the standard
  2. Conduct internal audits and identify areas for improvement
  3. Undergo a third-party audit by an accredited certification partner

An IATF 16949 certificate is proof of your company’s compliance with industry quality requirements and can be crucial in procurement and supplier contracts.

Why is IATF 16949 important?

IATF 16949 helps companies meet high standards of quality and safety by ensuring efficient processes and reducing risk in the supply chain.

 

Benefits of implementing IATF 16949:

  • Improved process control and product quality
  • Reduced production variation and waste
  • Fewer product defects and warranty claims
  • Increased credibility in procurement and supplier contracts
  • Better control over suppliers and subcontractors

IATF 16949 certification is often a prerequisite for supplying vehicle manufacturers and strengthens the company’s competitiveness in the global market.

Who needs IATF 16949?

IATF 16949 is relevant to companies throughout the automotive supply chain.

 

The standard’s requirements are specifically aimed at:

  • Automotive industry suppliers – Any company that manufactures or supplies components and systems.
  • Production and quality managers – Responsible for maintaining quality management.
  • Business managers and CEOs – To implement and ensure compliance with the standard.
  • Purchasing and supplier managers – To manage and assess subcontractors.
  • Maintenance and production staff – To comply with quality and safety requirements.

Even companies that cannot certify to the standard can use IATF 16949 as a model for quality management and risk management. This applies, for example, to other industries that manage complex supply chains and want to reduce production variations.

Automotive Core Tools within IATF 16949

One of the strengths of IATF 16949 is its requirement for the use of specific quality management methods and tools, often called Automotive Core Tools. These tools help companies reduce variation and ensure efficient processes:

With these tools and methods, businesses can achieve higher quality and profitability in their operations.

Frequently Asked Questions about IATF 16949

Yes, it can be used as a quality management model for companies with complex supply chains, even if formal certification may not be possible.
ISO 9001 is a general quality standard, while IATF 16949 is specific to the automotive industry and adds over 120 extra requirements for process and product control.
VDA 6.3 is a process audit standard for evaluating production processes, while IATF 16949 is a comprehensive quality management system standard for the entire automotive supply chain.
By implementing a quality management system, performing internal audits, using Core Tools, and passing a third-party audit with an accredited certification body.