Quality Management Standard
IAF-AQMS v1.0 – Draft for Stakeholder Review
This page presents the scope, evaluation model, and certification process of our developing global quality management standard for the automotive ecosystem.
What is it?
The IAF Automotive Quality Management Standard (IAF-AQMS) defines an internationally recognisable framework for establishing, maintaining, and continually improving a quality management system across the automotive value chain — from design and manufacturing to software-enabled services, batteries, distribution, and aftersales support.
IAF-AQMS is structured to align with widely adopted international quality principles while extending them to modern domains such as software-defined vehicles, over-the-air releases, battery and energy systems, and data-driven field performance management.
Why does it matter?
Automotive quality now spans hardware, software, data, and global supply networks. Fragmented practices can lead to recalls, safety incidents, market barriers, and loss of trust. IAF-AQMS harmonises expectations, improves supplier comparability, and makes quality performance measurable and auditable across borders — enabling safer products, faster learning cycles, and more resilient supply chains.
Scope & Key Requirements
| Requirement Area | Focus | Typical Evidence | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| A. Leadership & Product-Safety Accountability | Top-management commitment, roles, responsibilities, escalation paths | Quality policy, governance minutes, escalation logs | Executive product-safety sign-off; safety KPI ownership |
| B. Advanced Product & Process Quality Planning | Structured NPI, design/process risk analysis, control plans | Design/Process risk records, control plan, lessons learned | Design reviews linked to field issues; change control gates |
| C. Supplier Quality & Development | Selection, approval, performance monitoring, development & escalation | Supplier audits, scorecards, development plans | Incoming defect trend analysis; containment protocols |
| D. Software & Digital Services Quality | Release readiness, configuration & change control, secure update continuity | Release notes, test coverage reports, rollback strategy | Vehicle firmware release approval; service uptime SLOs |
| E. Battery & Energy Systems Quality | Cell/pack variability control, traceability, thermal-event prevention | Process capability data, traceability records, stress tests | Pack genealogy; storage/transport conditioning logs |
| F. Traceability & Counterfeit Prevention | End-to-end part identification, authenticity checks, distribution controls | Serial/QR logs, supplier declarations, distribution audits | High-risk parts authenticity verification |
| G. Field Quality, Warranty & Data-Driven Improvement | Warranty/telemetry analysis, 8D/CAPA, design feedback loops | Root-cause reports, corrective actions, KPI dashboards | OTA signal triage; rapid containment to design update |
| H. Risk, Contingency & Business Continuity | Scenario planning, supply disruption readiness, recovery tests | BC/DR plans, test evidence, supplier contingency proofs | Alternate sourcing; emergency process qualification |
Certification Scope Types
| Scope | Intended Organisations | Typical Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Site | Component plants, assembly sites, remanufacturing | Process controls, capability indices, traceability, audits |
| Design & Development | Engineering centres, R&D units | Requirements mgmt., verification/validation, change control |
| Software & Digital Services | Firmware teams, cloud/OTA service providers | Release governance, SLA/SLO performance, incident response |
| Battery Manufacturing | Cell/pack production, integration facilities | Genealogy, environmental controls, stress/abuse tests |
| Integrated Multi-Site | Enterprises with shared QMS across sites | Multi-site sampling plan, central functions evidence |
Maturity Tiers
Essential
Core controls in place; suitable for SMEs entering international supply chains.
Advanced
Robust process capability, supplier development, and field-data-driven CAPA.
Leading
Predictive analytics, closed-loop design learning, best-in-class performance.
Normative References
- International quality-management frameworks for manufacturing and services
- Global automotive quality practices for product and process assurance
- Process and product audit methodologies for supplier management
- Environmental and safety frameworks relevant to automotive operations
- Data governance and privacy frameworks applicable to quality data
A full cross-reference and mapping guide will be provided in Annex A of the final publication.
How does it work?
Audits are evidence-based and risk-focused. Organisations define their scope; accredited assessors sample processes, review records, interview personnel, and verify effectiveness. Scores are aggregated across requirements with mandatory thresholds for product-safety, authenticity, and change control.
Application & Assessment
- Application and completeness check (7 working days)
- Stage-1 readiness review (documentation & risk profile)
- Stage-2 on-site/remote audit (process sampling, interviews, trials)
- Independent technical review & certification decision
- Annual surveillance; full re-certification every 3 years
- Scope extension rules for added sites or new technologies
Certificate & Registry Use
- Organizations certified to IAF-AQMS receive a digital certificate with a unique ID and a QR code that points to the public registry entry.
- The registry entry must display: legal entity name, certified scope, covered sites, certificate ID, issue/expiry dates, surveillance schedule, and any limitations.
- The phrase “IAF-AQMS Certified Organization” may be used only with the certificate ID or QR. Product or component labeling is not permitted under this scheme.
- Upon suspension/withdrawal, all certification claims must be removed immediately. Misuse can lead to sanctions and up to 12 months ineligibility for re-application.
- Recertification occurs every 3 years; surveillance audits are conducted annually.
Open Public Registry
Timeline & Contact
Committee Draft issued
Open consultation with OEMs, tier suppliers, software and battery manufacturers, and quality associations.
Pilot audits (field validation)
At least 3 pilots across regions; expected outputs: gap analysis, draft auditor checklist v0.9, maturity tier guidance.
Feature freeze & ballot
Critical issues only; final package prepared for committee vote.
Target final publication
IAF-AQMS v1.0 released; accreditation criteria and auditor competence guide published.
Implementation guidance
Transition guide, process templates, KPI library, and public registry onboarding.