The sixth edition of the IATF 16949 rules was published on 31 March 2024.

The new 6th edition of the rules introduces significant updates to the new auditing and certification process, which will be fully applicable from 1 January 2025.

Key changes in the sixth edition of the rules

1. redefinition of extended manufacturing site (EMS): the definition of extended manufacturing site has been updated: an EMS site must now be within 10 miles (16 km) and 60 minutes’ drive of the main site. EMSs that do not meet these criteria will be treated as manufacturing sites and will need to be certified from stage 1.

2. periodic audit intervals: under the new rules, periodic audit visits are limited to twice in a three-year audit cycle. The previous intervals of every six or nine months are no longer permitted, so customers will need to switch to a 12-monthly contract. If, as of 1 January 2025, the customer has contracted with the certification body for a periodic audit interval of every 6 or 9 months, the periodic audit interval of every 6 or 9 months will remain valid until the next renewal audit.

3. audit duration: the audit duration now includes additional time for activities such as verification of non-conformities, translation and investigation of significant changes. At least 1.5 days are required for regular visits to key manufacturing sites and at least 30% of the audit time (previously 1/3 of the audit time) is dedicated to the customer’s manufacturing processes.

4. non-conformity management: a more rigorous schedule for dealing with non-conformities has been established. Major non-conformities must be submitted for corrective action within 15 days and systemic corrective action must be completed within 60 days. Minor non-conformities must submit a systemic corrective action within 60 days. Failure to meet these deadlines will invalidate the most recent visit and the certification will be withdrawn.

5. remote audits: remote audits are only permitted under certain conditions and for independent remote sites. Regardless of the remote work setting, on-site audits will continue to be mandatory for major manufacturing sites.

6. impact on company-wide registrations: the new rules standardise the percentage reduction in the number of audit days for company-wide registrations to a flat rate of 15%, eliminating the previously specified reduction in the number of calculation days.

Dilip Kumar, LRQA’s IATF expert, emphasises the importance of the changes: ‘The sixth edition of the rules reflects the IATF’s commitment to ensuring consistency and robustness in audits. By redefining audit intervals, audit duration and non-conformity management, the new rules will increase consistency throughout the certification process.’