IAF Recognition for Product & System Suppliers
IAF recognition acknowledges suppliers whose design control, material integrity, serial-production discipline and field-performance responsiveness demonstrate credible validation and verification across the mobility supply chain. The programme aligns with IAF pillars: Safety, Sustainability & Emissions, Digital Systems Integrity, and Smart Mobility & UX.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to Tier-1/2 suppliers and integrators that place components, modules or systems on the market (OEM, aftermarket or fleet). Recognition focuses on design & change control, conformity evidence, serial control, and field feedback. Typical applicant types include:
Tier-1 System Suppliers
Powertrain, chassis, E/E architectures, ADAS modules and interior/exterior systems.
- Eligibility: APQP/PPAP discipline, DVP&R, release authorities.
- Scope: product families, variant ranges, regulatory interfaces.
Tier-2 Components & Materials
Critical components (sensors, harnesses, fasteners) and base materials (metals, polymers, textiles).
- Eligibility: CoC/DoC discipline, IMDS/chem compliance, incoming inspection.
- Scope: part families, material grades, dimensional/spec limits.
Embedded Software & Mechatronics
ECUs and mechatronic units where software/firmware is part of the delivered product.
- Eligibility: SBOM, secure release, cybersecurity responsibilities (vehicle/network).
- Scope: module names, SW/HW baselines, interface specifications.
Aftermarket & Service Parts
Replacement parts marketed directly or via authorised service networks.
- Eligibility: OEM equivalence data, fit/form/function proof, packaging validation.
- Scope: part categories, warranty terms, geographic applicability.
Module & Kit Integrators (CKD/SKD)
Pre-assembled kits and modules delivered for final assembly lines.
- Eligibility: configuration control, serialization, preservation/handling.
- Scope: kit content, control plan, interface responsibilities.
Remanufacturing & Reuse
Parts restored to like-new performance under controlled processes.
- Eligibility: teardown criteria, replacement specs, performance validation.
- Scope: families, warranty/risk controls, marking/traceability.
What We Validate
Technical Dossier
Design control, BoM, drawings/specs, DFMEA linkages, DVP&R and risk mitigations.
Product Conformity
CoC/DoC discipline, independent test/inspection outputs, type-approval interfaces.
Serial Production Control
Control plans, sampling, SPC/MSA, FAI/PPAP and release authorities (ISIR/PSW).
Traceability & Change
UID/lot tracking, PCN/ECN control, deviation/waiver handling and configuration management.
Digital & Cyber Responsibilities
SBOM, secure updates, diagnostics/data protection and vulnerability handling for embedded content.
Sustainability & Substances
IMDS, REACH/RoHS and recycled-content declarations; packaging preservation and end-of-life rules.
Field Feedback & Warranty
Failure/claim analytics, 8D discipline, containment plans and effectiveness checks.
Evidence Checklist
Design & Validation
- DFMEA/PFMEA linkages, DVP&R with pass/fail criteria and reports.
- Special characteristic controls and capability studies (Cp/Cpk).
- Compliance matrix for standards/regulations and interfaces.
Conformity & Release
- CoC/DoC samples, type-approval evidence or notified-body outputs.
- ISIR/PSW, FAI, boundary samples and master data sets.
- Independent test/inspection reports and lab qualifications.
Serial Controls
- Control plan, MSA (gage R&R), SPC dashboards and reaction plans.
- Incoming inspection (IQC) and supplier performance reviews.
- Packaging/preservation validation (e.g., ISTA) and shelf-life rules.
Traceability & Change
- UID/lot trace, BoM reconciliation and labeling rules.
- PCN/ECN notifications, deviation/waiver and concession controls.
- Configuration & software release discipline (where applicable).
Digital Assurance
- SBOM, vulnerability scanning and incident response.
- Secure OTA/update policies and diagnostic access controls.
- Data privacy and customer/OEM interface responsibilities.
Sustainability
- IMDS submissions, REACH/RoHS and restricted-substance controls.
- Waste, recycling and end-of-life considerations.
- Energy and carbon reporting where contracted or regulated.
Recognition Workflow
1) Pre-check & Scope Draft
List product families, standards/limits, variants and interfaces (embedded, regulatory, supply).
2) Evidence Upload & Review
Technical dossiers, conformity evidence, serial controls and change/traceability artefacts are reviewed by IAF evaluators.
3) Verification (On-site / Witness)
Line walks, sampling, interviews and data-trail checks verify implementation and control effectiveness.
4) Findings & Closure
Address any findings via corrective actions; closure confirmed through independent peer review.
5) Decision, Listing & Surveillance
Recognition granted; your supplier profile appears in the public directory. Periodic surveillance sustains confidence.
2-3 w
Document Review1-2 d
On-site/Witness2-4 w
Findings Closure~8-12 w
Typical Lead-timeLabel Use & Public Directory
Recognised suppliers may use the “IAF Recognised Supplier” label per 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 product families and markets; avoid blanket claims beyond scope.
- Preserve colours/proportions; adhere to minimum sizes for readability.
- Remove the label if recognition is suspended or scope changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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