The IATF scheme owners have issued new Sanctioned Interpretations that introduce important clarifications around the treatment of aftermarket automotive parts under IATF 16949. While the mandatory compliance date (1st January 2028) may appear distant, the implications for both OEM and aftermarket manufacturers mean early action is strongly advised.
What has changed?
Two key requirements have been confirmed.
Clients manufacturing “Aftermarket parts” are now eligible for IATF16949
Organisations that manufacture only aftermarket replacement parts are now clearly recognised as eligible for IATF 16949 certification. While certification remains optional unless required by the customer, any organisation mandated by an automotive customer must fully meet the requirements of the standard.
This change is expected to increase demand for IATF certification among aftermarket suppliers that have not previously been within scope.
Mandatory inclusion of aftermarket activities for existing IATF-certified sites
Where an IATF-certified organisation manufactures both OEM and aftermarket parts within the same facility, aftermarket activities must be included within the IATF 16949 certification scope no later than 1 January 2028.
Including aftermarket processes will typically increase audit duration, depending on headcount and operational complexity, and will require appropriate planning.
Why being proactive matters
Although 2028 may feel some way off, organisations that delay action risk facing capacity constraints closer to the deadline. As more businesses seek scope extensions, gap analyses and certification audits at the same time, qualified IATF audit resources are likely to be limited.
Starting early allows organisations to:
- Secure audit capacity and avoid last-minute bottlenecks
- Phase implementation in a controlled, lower-risk way
- Align certification timelines with customer and commercial priorities
- Integrate aftermarket processes effectively, rather than reactively
Who should take action now?
This update has implications for:
- Existing IATF-certified clients who need awareness of the new scope requirements to include aftermarket parts on their IATF scope
- Clients manufacturing both OEM and aftermarket parts within the same facility.
- Clients manufacturing “only-aftermarket” parts whose customers may begin mandating IATF certification
- Organisations planning future bids or long-term supply agreements
- No impact on organisations manufacturing 100% automotive OEM parts.
Practical next steps
Businesses should consider:
- Raise internal awareness (with sales and auditors) of the scheme changes
- Reviewing current certification scope and production activities
- Building certification and audit activity into their medium-term planning pipeline
Early engagement enables organisations to spread effort and investment over time, rather than compressing critical activities as the deadline approaches.
How LRQA can support
LRQA is working with both existing and prospective clients to help them respond confidently to these changes. Support includes:
- Awareness briefings and scope reviews
- Scope extension audits for existing IATF-certified clients
- Certification support for organisations new to IATF 16949
By starting now, organisations can reduce risk, protect continuity and position themselves strongly as trusted suppliers in the automotive market.
