The /TS16949 is an ISO technical specification aimed at the development of a  that provides for continual improvement, emphasizing  prevention and the reduction of variation and waste in the . It is based on the  standard and the first edition was published in June 1999 as ISO/TS 16949:1999.

It was prepared by the  (IATF) and the "Technical Committee" of ISO. It harmonizes the country-specific regulations of quality Management systems.

About 30 percent of the more than 100 existing automobile manufacturers affiliate the requirements of the norm but especially the large Asian manufacturers have differentiated, own requirements for the quality management systems of their corporate group and their suppliers.

TS16949 applies to the /, production and, when relevant, installation and servicing of -related .

The requirements are intended to be applied throughout the . For the first time vehicle assembly plants will be encouraged to seek /TS16949 .