Second-party auditor competency (IATF only)
Plain-language summary
The people you send to audit your suppliers must meet documented competence requirements too — supplier audits done by the unqualified create risk, not assurance.
What the clause is really asking
Define and document the competence for second-party (supplier) auditors: relevant customer and regulatory requirements, automotive process approach, the scope they will audit (system/process/product), and the core tools applicable.
What auditors look for
Auditors sample a recent supplier audit and ask who performed it and against which competence criteria; records must exist exactly as for internal auditors.
Typical evidence
Second-party auditor criteria; qualification records; supplier audit reports linked to qualified auditors.
How to comply — recommendations
Usually your best internal process auditors plus supplier-management training — document that combination as your criteria and keep the link between audit reports and qualified names.
Common nonconformities
Supplier audits by buyers with no audit qualification; no documented criteria distinct from internal auditors; audit reports unsigned/untraceable to a qualified person.
Related clauses
Builds on ISO 9001 7.2 / 8.4
Qlause provides interpretive guidance only and is not a substitute for the standard. Refer to your licensed copy of ISO 9001 / IATF 16949 for the authoritative text.