IAF Recognition for Product & System Suppliers
IAF recognition acknowledges suppliers whose design control, material integrity, serial-production discipline and
field-performance responsiveness demonstrate credible validation and verification across the mobility supply chain.
The programme aligns with IAF pillars: Safety, Sustainability & Emissions, Digital Systems Integrity, and Smart Mobility & UX.
What this recognition means: a public listing with a precise scope statement (product families, standards, limits),
traceable technical dossiers and independent evidence of conformity. Periodic surveillance sustains market trust.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to Tier-1/2 suppliers and integrators that place components, modules or systems on the market
(OEM, aftermarket or fleet). Recognition focuses on design & change control, conformity evidence, serial control,
and field feedback. Typical applicant types include:
Tier-1 System Suppliers
Powertrain, chassis, E/E architectures, ADAS modules and interior/exterior systems.
- Eligibility: APQP/PPAP discipline, DVP&R, release authorities.
- Scope: product families, variant ranges, regulatory interfaces.
Systems
Tier-2 Components & Materials
Critical components (sensors, harnesses, fasteners) and base materials (metals, polymers, textiles).
- Eligibility: CoC/DoC discipline, IMDS/chem compliance, incoming inspection.
- Scope: part families, material grades, dimensional/spec limits.
Components & Materials
Embedded Software & Mechatronics
ECUs and mechatronic units where software/firmware is part of the delivered product.
- Eligibility: SBOM, secure release, cybersecurity responsibilities (vehicle/network).
- Scope: module names, SW/HW baselines, interface specifications.
Embedded
Aftermarket & Service Parts
Replacement parts marketed directly or via authorised service networks.
- Eligibility: OEM equivalence data, fit/form/function proof, packaging validation.
- Scope: part categories, warranty terms, geographic applicability.
Aftermarket
Module & Kit Integrators (CKD/SKD)
Pre-assembled kits and modules delivered for final assembly lines.
- Eligibility: configuration control, serialization, preservation/handling.
- Scope: kit content, control plan, interface responsibilities.
Module Integrators
Remanufacturing & Reuse
Parts restored to like-new performance under controlled processes.
- Eligibility: teardown criteria, replacement specs, performance validation.
- Scope: families, warranty/risk controls, marking/traceability.
Circularity
What We Validate
Technical Dossier
Design control, BoM, drawings/specs, DFMEA linkages, DVP&R and risk mitigations.
Product Conformity
CoC/DoC discipline, independent test/inspection outputs, type-approval interfaces.
Serial Production Control
Control plans, sampling, SPC/MSA, FAI/PPAP and release authorities (ISIR/PSW).
Traceability & Change
UID/lot tracking, PCN/ECN control, deviation/waiver handling and configuration management.
Digital & Cyber Responsibilities
SBOM, secure updates, diagnostics/data protection and vulnerability handling for embedded content.
Sustainability & Substances
IMDS, REACH/RoHS and recycled-content declarations; packaging preservation and end-of-life rules.
Field Feedback & Warranty
Failure/claim analytics, 8D discipline, containment plans and effectiveness checks.
Scope statement: the public listing names validated product families, limits/specs, applicable standards and interfaces (e.g., “Front camera module—FMVSS/UNECE refs; SW baseline vX.Y; PPAP level 3”).
Evidence Checklist
Design & Validation
- DFMEA/PFMEA linkages, DVP&R with pass/fail criteria and reports.
- Special characteristic controls and capability studies (Cp/Cpk).
- Compliance matrix for standards/regulations and interfaces.
Conformity & Release
- CoC/DoC samples, type-approval evidence or notified-body outputs.
- ISIR/PSW, FAI, boundary samples and master data sets.
- Independent test/inspection reports and lab qualifications.
Serial Controls
- Control plan, MSA (gage R&R), SPC dashboards and reaction plans.
- Incoming inspection (IQC) and supplier performance reviews.
- Packaging/preservation validation (e.g., ISTA) and shelf-life rules.
Traceability & Change
- UID/lot trace, BoM reconciliation and labeling rules.
- PCN/ECN notifications, deviation/waiver and concession controls.
- Configuration & software release discipline (where applicable).
Digital Assurance
- SBOM, vulnerability scanning and incident response.
- Secure OTA/update policies and diagnostic access controls.
- Data privacy and customer/OEM interface responsibilities.
Sustainability
- IMDS submissions, REACH/RoHS and restricted-substance controls.
- Waste, recycling and end-of-life considerations.
- Energy and carbon reporting where contracted or regulated.
Tip: keep evidence version-controlled with owners and dates; cross-reference each item in your scope dossier.
Recognition Workflow
1) Pre-check & Scope Draft
List product families, standards/limits, variants and interfaces (embedded, regulatory, supply).
2) Evidence Upload & Review
Technical dossiers, conformity evidence, serial controls and change/traceability artefacts are reviewed by IAF evaluators.
3) Verification (On-site / Witness)
Line walks, sampling, interviews and data-trail checks verify implementation and control effectiveness.
4) Findings & Closure
Address any findings via corrective actions; closure confirmed through independent peer review.
5) Decision, Listing & Surveillance
Recognition granted; your supplier profile appears in the public directory. Periodic surveillance sustains confidence.
~8-12 w
Typical Lead-time
Label Use & Public Directory
Recognised suppliers may use the “IAF Recognised Supplier” label per Brand Guidelines. Always pair the label with the scope statement and a verification link/QR (e.g., verify.iaf.com/IAF-ID).
- Use only for validated product families and markets; avoid blanket claims beyond scope.
- Preserve colours/proportions; adhere to minimum sizes for readability.
- Remove the label if recognition is suspended or scope changes.
Directory listing includes: company name, validated families/variants, standards/limits, pillars, validity period, IAF-ID and verification contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Recognition applies to the validated scope only (named families/variants, standards and limits). Scope extensions can be requested later.
Yes, if subcontractors are qualified and disclosed, and you maintain configuration, traceability and release authority. Subcontracted portions must be transparent in reports.
Embedded content is verified under Digital Systems Integrity (SBOM, secure release, vulnerability handling). Your scope will state SW/HW baselines and interface responsibilities.
Ready to Begin Recognition?
Start with a quick pre-check and a concise scope draft. Our team will guide you through evidence preparation,
validation and verification so your listing can go live smoothly.
Apply for IAF Recognition