The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has worked since 1995 to achieve harmonization of supplier quality system requirements for the benefit of the automotive sector. This standard will enable automotive suppliers to design their products for millions of cars and trucks, regardless of the maker, and may reduce the costs by standardizing manufacturing processes. With support from executive management, the IATF has announced the agreement of:

A common supplier quality requirements document, ISO/TS 16949, which with the customer-specific attachments satisfies all current requirements of AVSQ, EAQF, QS-9000, VDA 6.1.

Common automotive schemes for certification bodies to follow provide for certification to the ISO/TS 16949 standard that are recognized by IATF participating organizations, effective July 1, 1999

While not replacing existing standards AVSQ, EAQF, QS-9000, and VDA 6.1, compliance with ISO/TS 16949 and associated customer specific requirements will be accepted as the equivalent by IATF participating organizations, eliminating multiple certifications. Third party certifications issued through any other scheme will not be recognized by IATF.

The principles detailed here are supported by BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Ford, General Motors (including Opel-Vauxhall), PAS Peugeot-Citreon, Renault, Volkswagon and the trade associations AIAG, ANFIA, FIEV, SMMT and VDA.