Key Takeaways
- A revision of the IATF 16949 standard is planned, with publication expected in late 2026 or early 2027, subject to confirmation by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF).
- The revised standard is expected to reflect developments in areas such as risk management, software quality, and supplier oversight.
- IATF 16949:2016 remains the current valid standard until the revised version is published, and an official transition process is confirmed.
- The IATF Rules 6th Edition came into effect on January 1st 2025, and introduced changes to how audits are conducted, without revising the requirements of IATF 16949:2016.
What Is the IATF 16949 Revision?
IATF 16949 is the globally recognized automotive Quality Management System (QMS) standard, developed and published by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF).
The upcoming revision of IATF 16949 is expected to align more closely with the structure of ISO 9001:2026, while continuing to include automotive-specific requirements for organizations operating within the automotive production and service supply chain.
The update is intended to reflect the increasing complexity of the global automotive sector, with a stronger emphasis on areas such as embedded software controls, risk-based thinking, and supplier performance oversight.
Why Is IATF 16949:2016 Changing?
Since the current version was published in 2016, the automotive industry has undergone significant change, including:
- The rise of software-defined and connected vehicles
- Increased focus on supply chain risk, resilience, and traceability
- Evolving expectations from regulators and automotive OEM customers
To remain aligned with current industry expectations and emerging automotive risks, the IATF is updating the standard to ensure it continues to support consistent and effective quality management across global supply chains.
What Does the IATF 16949 Revision Mean for Businesses?
Already certified to IATF 16949:2016?
Once the revised standard is published, organizations will be required to transition within the timeframe defined by the IATF. Certification bodies will communicate transition requirements once these are formally confirmed.
Planning to certify to IATF 16949?
Certification to IATF 16949:2016 remains valid and available. Organizations starting the certification process can continue against the current standard and will be expected to transition during the official transition period once the revised version is issued.
Early awareness of potential changes can support organizations in understanding future certification expectations and planning accordingly.
IATF 16949 Revision Timeline
|
Milestone |
Status |
|---|---|
|
Current Live Standard |
IATF 16949:2016 |
|
IATF Rules, 6th Edition |
In effect from January 1st 2025 |
|
Draft Revision Activity |
Expected during 2026 |
|
Anticipated Publication |
Late 2026 or early 2027 (subject to IATF confirmation) |
|
Transition Deadline |
To be confirmed following publication |
All dates are indicative and subject to official confirmation by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF).
Anticipated Changes to the Standard
While the final content has not yet been published, industry communications and consultation activity suggest the revised standard may place greater emphasis on:
- Risk-based thinking and operational resilience
- Control of software and embedded system quality
- Supplier development, monitoring, and oversight
- Alignment with modern customer-specific requirements
Further details will be available once draft or final versions of the revised standard are released by the IATF.
“Theanticipatedfocus areas of the IATF 16949 revision are consistent with what we see across the automotive supply chain today. Increased complexity, digitalization, and supply chain risk are driving greater expectations around control and resilience, andit’slogical that the standard will evolve to reflect this.”—Tom Droog Aerospace and Automotive Scheme Manager
History of IATF 16949
- 1999: ISO/TS 16949 was introduced to harmonize automotive quality management globally
- 2009: Final revision of ISO/TS 16949 published
- 2016: IATF 16949:2016 released, replacing ISO/TS 16949
- 2025: IATF Rules, 6th Edition becomes mandatory for audits
- 2026/2027: Revised IATF 16949 standard expected (date to be confirmed)
Stay Updated on The IATF 16949 Revision
This page will be updated as further information is released by the IATF, including:
- Draft publication announcements
- Official release of the revised standard
- Confirmed transition timelines and guidance
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