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Manufacturers & Assemblers

IAF Recognition for Manufacturers & Assemblers

IAF recognition acknowledges organisations operating vehicle assembly and integration activities whose governance, process capability, product-safety evidence and environmental responsibility demonstrate credible validation and verification against international requirements across the mobility ecosystem.

What this recognition means: a public listing with a clear scope statement (sites, production lines, product families), traceable process and quality controls, and periodic surveillance to sustain confidence.

Who Can Apply?

Vehicle OEM Final Assembly

ICE/EV assembly plants with integrated testing and release processes.

OEM

Contract Assembly (CKD/SKD)

Licensed build or contract assembly operations under OEM oversight.

CKD / SKD

Powertrain & Pack Assembly

e-axle, engine, battery-pack lines operated by the OEM or integrator.

Powertrain Integration

Special Purpose & Conversions

Multi-brand upfits, SPVs and regulated conversions under controlled processes.

System Integrators

What We Validate

Governance & Compliance

Legal status, responsibility matrices, change control, risk management and regulatory mapping.

Quality System & Process Control

APQP/PPAP coherence, control plans, MSA, SPC and layered audits sustaining capability.

Product Safety & Regulatory

Type-approval evidence, safety cases, conformity-of-production and release authorities.

Traceability & Recall Readiness

VIN/lot serialization, BoM traceability, recall drills and blocked-stock controls.

Digital Assurance

Secure OTA, cybersecurity responsibilities, diagnostic/data protection and software release discipline.

Environment & HSE

Emissions/energy management, waste and recycling, OHS controls and emergency readiness.

Scope statement: the public listing names the validated sites, lines and product families, with exclusions and interface responsibilities clearly defined.

Evidence Checklist

Process Control & Capability

  • PFMEA/DFMEA linkages, control plans and job instructions.
  • Cp/Cpk, SPC dashboards and reaction plans.
  • MSA (gage R&R) and calibration records for critical characteristics.

Incoming & Supplier Controls

  • IQC sampling, CoC/DoC collection and supplier performance reviews.
  • Supplier audits and containment plans for high-risk items.
  • Change-notification and deviation/waiver handling discipline.

Production Readiness

  • Pilot builds, Run@Rate evidence and line balance verification.
  • First Article Inspection (FAI) and release authorities.
  • Configuration & change control across model years/variants.

Testing & Product Release

  • End-of-line tests, audit plans and traceable acceptance criteria.
  • Calibration/verification status for release-critical equipment.
  • Sample retention and deviation management.

Logistics & Traceability

  • Labeling/serialization, BoM reconciliation and shipment release gates.
  • Reverse logistics and blocked/quarantine stock handling.
  • Recall drill evidence and stakeholder communication plans.

Incidents & Improvement

  • NCR logs, 8D/5-Why root-cause and effectiveness checks.
  • Internal audits and management review actions.
  • Customer and regulatory feedback loops.
Tip: maintain version-controlled evidence with clear owners and dates. Cross-reference each item in your scope dossier.

Recognition Workflow

1) Pre-check & Scope Draft

List sites, lines and product families; define boundaries, exclusions and interface responsibilities.

2) Evidence Upload & Review

Quality system artefacts, process controls, safety and environmental evidence reviewed by IAF evaluators.

3) Verification (On-site / Witness)

Line walks, witness builds, sampling and interviews verify implementation and control effectiveness.

4) Findings & Closure

Address any findings; closure confirmed by independent peer review before decision.

5) Decision, Listing & Surveillance

Recognition granted; public directory entry created. Periodic surveillance sustains confidence.

2-3 w

Document Review

1-2 d

On-site/Witness

2-4 w

Findings Closure

~8-12 w

Typical Lead-time

Label Use & Public Directory

Recognised organisations may use the “IAF Recognised Manufacturer” label according to Brand Guidelines. Always pair the label with the scope statement and a verification link/QR (e.g., verify.iaf.com/IAF-ID).

  • Use only for validated sites/lines/product families; avoid blanket claims beyond scope.
  • Preserve colours/proportions; respect minimum sizes for readability.
  • Remove the label if recognition is suspended or scope changes.
Directory listing includes: company name, validated sites/lines, product families, pillars, validity period, IAF-ID and verification contact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recognition applies to the validated scope only (named sites, lines and product families). Additional sites or lines can be added via scope extension.

Yes, where contractual controls, oversight and traceability are demonstrated. Subcontracted operations must be disclosed in the scope statement.

Model-year or variant changes require controlled updates to documents and, where material, a scope update. Surveillance will confirm effective change control.

Ready to Begin Recognition?

Start with a quick pre-check and a concise scope draft. Our team will guide you through evidence preparation, validation and verification so your listing can go live smoothly.

Apply for IAF Recognition

Our Network, Our Members

From regional OEMs to global tech pioneers, IAF unites a diverse community committed to shaping tomorrow’s mobility.

  • Active global outreach across key mobility regions
  • Strategic onboarding of founding corporate & expert members
  • Monthly roundtables, knowledge-sharing & draft consultations
  • Early-stage collaborations with research & policy networks

…and many more benefits designed to amplify your impact in the evolving mobility ecosystem.

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