Identification & traceability
In ISO 9001:2026
Checked — unchanged in substance; the requirements are now lettered a) to d).
Plain-language summary
Know what every item is and its inspection status at every stage — and where traceability is required, be able to trace it, with records.
What the clause is really asking
Identify outputs by suitable means through production, identify monitoring/measurement status (pass/fail/pending) throughout, and where traceability is required (customer, legal, or your own decision) control unique identification and retain the records to trace.
What auditors look for
Auditors walk the flow and point: what is this pallet, what status, which lot? Then the trace test: from a finished part backward to material certs and process records, or forward from a suspect lot to where it went. Time-to-trace gets noted.
Typical evidence
Part/lot labels; status identification (tags, locations, system flags); traceability records; trace test results.
How to comply — recommendations
Define the traceability unit honestly (lot, batch, shift) and keep the chain unbroken at the points where lots merge or split — that is where traceability dies. Run your own trace drill yearly, timed.
Common nonconformities
Unidentified WIP on the floor; status known only 'because we know'; trace test fails at the lot-merge point; supplier lot lost at receiving repack.
Related clauses
IATF 16949: extended by 8.5.2.1; links 4.4.1.2 product safety
In the book
Chapter 8 — Operation — Where the Product Is Won or Lost treats this clause family in full: what it is really asking, what auditors look for, the evidence that satisfies, how to make it work on a real floor, and where companies stumble.
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