Difference Between ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 Clauses: A Complete Clause-by-Clause Comparison

ISO 9001:2015 defines the fundamental quality management system requirements for all organizations. It was prepared and managed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

IATF 16949 is an automotive QMS standard along with applicable customer-specific requirements. It was developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF). However, IATF 16949 is not a stand-alone standard, but rather a supplement used in conjunction with ISO 9001:2015.

Difference between ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 Clauses:

There are 10 clauses in both ISO 9001 and IATF 16949. ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 clauses are the same. But there are some differences between standard requirements.

General Differences:

S.NoISO 9001:2015IATF 16949:2016
1It is managed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)It was developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF)
2 It considers customer satisfactionAdditionally, it focuses on Customer-specific requirements
3It applies to all units of an organizationIATF 16949 is applicable for the Automotive industries only, which provide products and services to automotive OEMs.
4This standard is complete by itselfIATF standard is used in conjunction with ISO 9001

Clauses-wise Differences:

ClauseISO 9001 RequirementAdditional IATF 16949 Requirement
4 – Context of OrganizationDefines QMS scope, processes, and stakeholdersAdds automotive-specific requirements, customer-specific demands and Product safety.
5 – LeadershipManagement commitment, customer focusIncludes corporate responsibility, process owner, process efficiency and effectiveness.
6 – PlanningRisk-based thinking, Risk and OpportunityAdds Risk analysis, preventive actions, contingency planning, product safety risks
7 – SupportResources, competence, awareness, communication, and documented informationAdds lab requirements, calibration, supplier monitoring, and facility planning
8 – OperationPlanning, customer communication, design & development, productionTPM, Temporary change of process controls, Supplier QMS development, Control of rework & repair.
9 – Performance EvaluationMonitoring, measurement, internal audit, management reviewAdded Internal auditor requirements in more detail, Identification and application of statistical tools and management review inputs.
10 – ImprovementNonconformity, corrective actions, continual improvementAdds structured problem-solving, Error-proofing, Warranty management system and lessons learned

ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 difference, download PDF:

Key Difference:

While the clause numbers and structure are the same as ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949 adds automotive-specific requirements within clauses 4–10, such as:

  • Product safety
  • Embedded software requirements
  • Supplier monitoring and development
  • Calibration and laboratory requirements
  • Warranty management
  • Error-proofing and problem-solving

Smithers’ side-by-side clause differences

What is the difference between ISO 9001 and IATF 16949?

ISO 9001 is a general quality management standard for all industries, while IATF 16949 is specific to the automotive sector with additional requirements like product safety, risk management, and supplier monitoring.

How many clauses are in ISO 9001 and IATF 16949?

Both standards follow the same 10-clause structure. IATF 16949 expands on ISO 9001 with additional sub-requirements tailored for automotive manufacturers and suppliers. IATF 16949 Clauses List

Why is IATF 16949 important for automotive suppliers?

IATF 16949 ensures defect prevention, continual improvement, and consistency in automotive production, making it mandatory for many global automotive supply chains.

Which clauses are most different in IATF 16949?

Clauses 7 (Support), 8 (Operation), and 9 (Performance Evaluation) have the most additional requirements, such as calibration, traceability, warranty systems, and customer-specific requirements.

IATF questions and answers:

Q 1. What is the full form of IATF?

Q 2. What is the first edition of IATF?

Q 3. How many clauses are in IATF?

Q 4. How many requirements are in IATF 16949?

Q 5. What is the full form of ISO?

Q 6. What is the full form of QMS?

Q 7. How many quality management principles are in IATF?

Q 8. What are the 5 quality core tools?

Q 9. What is the full form of APQP?

Q 10. What is the full form of PPAP?

Answers:

  1. International Automotive Task Force
  2. IATF 16949:2016
  3. 10 Clauses
  4. 282
  5. International Organization for Standardization
  6. Quality Management System
  7. 7 Principles
  8. APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC
  9. Advanced Product Quality Planning
  10. Production Part Approval Process

You may also like to read more about:

IATF 16949 Clauses & Requirements

Mandatory procedures list per IATF 16949

Management Review checkpoints (MRM) as per IATF 16949

Major changes between IATF 16949 and TS 16949

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