– The third party certification review must use the ISO/TS16949:2002 checklist as audit input.

– Applying the unified process approach of the automotive industry: a method for establishing a follow-up audit (from customer requirements to work instructions and back to the benchmark of the product delivered to the customer).

– It is not sufficient to obtain only ISO9001:2000 registration for an organization that requires TS16949:2002 to be adopted by customers.

– The certification body must be accredited by the IATF.

– Auditors must pass the IATF assessment.

– The entire quality system is assessed at least every three years.

– If no non-conformities are found during the review, a “pass” conclusion will be given.

– When there is a major or general non-conformity, a “pending” conclusion will be given. When the evidence of compliance is received and approved within 90 days, the conclusion can be converted to "passed".

– Failure to rectify non-conforming items within 90 days will result in a “fail” conclusion.

– All manufacturing sites must be covered in one certificate and supporting sites must be audited.

– Each site is subject to surveillance audits at least every 12 months.