QS audit
In a neutral audit, the QS authorised certification bodies monitor the implementation and maintenance of the stage-specific QS criteria. The audit result is represented by a final audit result (FAR). On the basis of the audit result, the categorisation of the business into a QS state is made. The categorisation of the business determines the validity period for the certificate, i.e. how long it will be until the next audit (see Table). With an audit interval of two years, the follow-up audit may be carried out up to six months prior to the actual due date. With an audit interval of one year or less, the follow-up audit is to be carried out at the due date. In justifiable instances, the certification body has the opportunity to lengthen the duration of a certificate and thus the supply authorisation of a system partner in the QS system by up to three months.
Table: Audit interval for the individual testing stages, depending on status
Violations against the specification of the QS system can lead to sanctions in an authorised QS business. The QS sanction council appointed by the QS executives decides the measures to be implemented based on the severity of the violation. These range from follow-up audits and an increased frequency of audits through to warnings and contractual penalties and even to the exclusion from the QS system.
Guidelines, Checklists and other Downloads can be found here.
