On 12 November 2018, IATF published an updated set of Sanctioned Interpretations incorporating SIs 14–15.
The document IATF 16949:2016 – Sanctioned Interpretations #1–15 provides access to interpretations issued by IATF during 2017–2018. A short reading guide and a link to the English document are provided below.
Archived document: SIs 1–15 are not the latest complete set. Before implementation or an audit, check IATF’s official SI list, effective dates and subsequent revisions.
Illustrative image, not a photograph of an actual project.
What is a Sanctioned Interpretation?
A Sanctioned Interpretation changes how a rule or requirement is interpreted and can become the basis for identifying a nonconformity. Reading only the original standard without considering effective SIs may therefore lead to outdated implementation.
Publication milestones in the archived document
SIs 1–9: issued and effective in October 2017.
SIs 10–11: issued in April 2018, effective June 2018.
SIs 8 and 10: revised in June 2018, effective July 2018.
SIs 12–13: issued in June 2018, effective July 2018.
SIs 14–15: issued in November 2018, effective January 2019.
Quick guide to the 15 interpretations
Customer requirements: clarifying who determines requirements when vehicle manufacturers and associated entities are audited.
Product safety: clarifying special approvals for requirements or documents containing safety-related information.
Contingency plans: considering disruption from cyberattacks alongside equipment, supply and infrastructure risks.
Internal auditor competence: distinguishing system, manufacturing process and product audit competence, and retaining evidence of trainer competence.
System documentation: showing where customer-specific requirements are addressed; a matrix is one possible format.
Special characteristics: linking identification and controls across technical documents, risk analyses, control plans and work instructions.
Control of external provision: clarifying responsibility for characteristics that pass through the system without inspection by the organisation.
Supplier management system development: establishing minimum and target levels based on risk, eligibility and customer requirements.
Concession approval: clarifying when customer approval is required for a product or process that differs from its current approval.
External laboratories: reviewing competence, accreditation scope and evidence of customer acceptance under the SI.
Temporary changes to process controls: managing alternative methods where applicable, without assuming that every primary control must have a backup method.
Process effectiveness and efficiency: clarifying management review responsibilities and selection of appropriate measures.
Management review inputs: connecting quality, process, customer and maintenance results with relevant risks.
System auditing: managing the programme over the three-year cycle specified in this document, with each process’s frequency based on performance and risk.
Embedded software: distinguishing software that controls an automotive component’s functions from software controlling manufacturing equipment.
How to use the document in your organisation
Read each relevant SI in full in the official document, rather than relying only on a summary.
Compare the effective edition against your processes and customer-specific requirements.
Assign responsibility for documentation updates, training and verification of implementation evidence.
ITVC GLOBAL · SERVICE ENQUIRIES
Discuss IATF 16949 requirements with ITVC
Share your requirements and preferred timing. ITVC will review your enquiry and discuss a suitable service scope.
.JPG)
.JPG)
