As of October 1, 2017, ISO/TS16949 audits (initial audits, surveillance audits, re-certification audits or facility transfers) will cease. Enterprises that have obtained ISO/TS16949 certification must conduct transition audits in accordance with the existing audit cycle time (such as surveillance audits or re-certification audits) in accordance with chapter 5.1.1 of the certification rules.

(1) If the next scheduled audit is an annual surveillance audit, the transition audit must meet the relevant regulations for 6 months (one month in advance/delay), 9 months (one month in advance or two months in advance) or 12-month review cycle (one month later or three months earlier). In the case that this time node cannot be met, the certification body needs to start the certification withdrawal process according to the IATF regulations. The relevant on-site auditors shall reschedule the transition audit according to the requirements of the certification rules;

  (2) If the next scheduled audit is a re-certification audit, the audit period shall meet the time requirements of the renewal audit specified by IATF (up to three months in advance but no delay);

  (3) If the transition audit is not completed within the time specified by IATF, according to Chapter 5.1.1 (if the certification withdrawal process has been started, refer to Chapter 8.4), the enterprise is required to re-conduct the initial audit according to the deviation permit;

(4) For enterprises that fail to complete the revision audit within the time limit specified by IATF, as long as the initial audit of IATF16949 is conducted within 18 months of the last audit of ISO/TS16949, the first-stage audit can be exempted, and the certification body does not need to apply to IATF Chartered.