Are Distributors included in 7.4.1.2? Some of our "suppliers" are distributors

[vanputten]

Hello ALl:

There have been many threads regarding 7.4.1.2 Supplier QMS development. I checked the other threads and did not find an answer to my question so forgive me if this is a repeat.

Some of our "suppliers" are distributors. The do not make anything but only sell stuff to us. How do I determine if I need to subject our distributors to 7.4.1.2 of TS 16949?

Thank you, Dirk

 

[Kevin H]

Supplier QMS Development - distributors

Hi Dirk, even though we passed our audit and are registered to TS, we're still struggling with this. One of our big raw materials is scrap, and a lot of it goes through middlemen that have no desire to be ISO certified. Two thoughts on how to address the problem: one - in FAQ 2 on the IAOB web site at the end is "Also, guidance includes wording "a process to achieve the above" - meaning you could accept a plan to achieve the requirement - and as far as maximum timing of that plan - our view is that it should be achievable during the three year life of the certificate. Surveillance visits shall monitor achievement of the plan." We presented our auditor a plan to achieve registration - he'll be checking status at each semiannual assessment. In the middle of the IATF guidance section, you have "“Supplier” in this clause (7.4.1.2) refers to sites where production and/or service parts specified by the customer are manufactured."

If your distributors are reluctant to be registered to ISO, citing the above you could argue that registration doesn't apply to them, as they are not doing manufacturing.

When we originally got registered to QS-9000, a similar wording was available and that was the saving grace for registration because we still had the scrap supplier problem.

Hope the above helps a bit.

 

[vanputten]

Hello Kevin:

Thank you for leading me to this information in the IATF guidance. This statement answers my question. Distribuitors are not manufacturers.

“Supplier” in this clause (7.4.1.2) refers to sites where production and/or service parts specified by the customer are manufactured."

Regards, Dirk