VDA Certification

ENSURING EXCELLENCE IN QUALITY, SUSTAINABILITY, AND WORKPLACE SAFETY IN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Ensuring excellence in quality, sustainability, and workplace safety is essential for companies operating in the automotive industry. A comprehensive management approach that integrates these three pillars quality assurance, environmental responsibility, and employee safety helps organizations meet industry standards, reduce risks, and drive continuous improvement across the supply chain.

WHAT ARE THE VDA STANDARDS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY?

VDA 6.1 – Quality Management for Material Product Manufacturers
VDA 6.1 applies to manufacturers of material-based products and incorporates both product and process-specific requirements typical of the German automotive industry. While it builds on the ISO 9001:2000 framework, it extends it with sector-specific criteria. The standard places strong emphasis on financial aspects of quality management, employee engagement, product safety and liability, and the clear execution of corporate strategies. These strategic requirements are inspired by the EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management) model. VDA Volume 6.1 includes a detailed questionnaire and scoring system for evaluating a quality management system. The validity of VDA 6.1 remains open-ended
VDA 6.2 – Quality Standards for Service Providers
VDA 6.2 is designed for service-oriented organizations such as engineering consultancies, logistics providers, workshops, and sales networks. The standard adopts a process-driven approach and integrates principles of Total Quality Management (TQM), ensuring service quality and customer satisfaction across all operational areas
VDA 6.3 – Process Audits in the Automotive Industry
VDA 6.3 bridges the gap between system audits and product audits by focusing on process capability. During a VDA 6.3 audit, certified auditors assess the effectiveness and control of processes throughout the product lifecycle—from planning to production and delivery. The goal is to maintain and continuously improve stable, efficient processes. Bureau Veritas offers VDA 6.3 process audits both within your organization and at your suppliers’ facilities as part of supplier management programs
VDA 6.4 – Quality Management for Production Equipment Suppliers
VDA 6.4 targets suppliers of production equipment used in the automotive sector. It represents an extension of the German automotive industry's quality strategy into mechanical and plant engineering. This standard applies to manufacturers of machinery, forming tools, measuring instruments, and other production-related components.

Bureau Veritas is an accredited auditing and certification body authorized by the KBA

This accreditation allows us to assess and verify the compliance of quality management systems with the requirements of road traffic regulations as part of type approval procedures.
These audits are typically conducted within the framework of recognized standards such as ISO 9001, VDA 6.1, and IATF 16949 (formerly ISO/TS 16949), ensuring that organizations meet the stringent quality expectations of the automotive industry.