Differences between TS16949 4th edition certification rules and 3rd edition

The fourth edition of the latest TS16949 certification criteria was released on October 1, 2013 and will be officially implemented on April 1, 2014. The biggest changes are:
1.3.1 Changes in the certification agreement with customers: The new version emphasizes that there should be a legally binding agreement with each site. That is, for customers with multiple sites, multiple agreements must be signed, and multiple certifications and certificates are also required (i.e., the concept of extended sites is cancelled, and all sites must obtain certification separately).
2. 5.13 Certification and Certificate Issuance: h) in the third edition includes in the appendix of the certificate the extension of the audited manufacturing sites as part of the quality management system, including their locations and descriptions of the activities undertaken. However, this clause is not included in the fourth edition.
3. Added the definition of "support site function": on-site or external facilities that carry out non-production processes and provide support to one or more manufacturing sites of the same customer. (such as design, procurement, contract review, etc.)
4. If an enterprise has completely independent premises, personnel and equipment for its automotive product line, it is allowed to apply for independent certification. However, it should apply to the IATF subordinate office three months in advance and the auditor shall conduct a phased on-site assessment to determine whether it meets the requirements before implementation.