Preservation — supplemental (IATF only)
Plain-language summary
Preservation gets automotive specifics: contamination control, detailed storage rules, cleaning, ESD where relevant — plus inventory management (FIFO expected), obsolescence control, and periodic stock condition assessment.
What the clause is really asking
Preservation includes identification, contamination control, packaging per requirements, shelf-life control and stock rotation (FIFO), plus an inventory management system to optimise stock turns and control obsolete product — with stock condition assessed at appropriate planned intervals.
What auditors look for
Auditors ask for the stock condition assessment schedule and records (not just counts — condition), FIFO evidence in racking practice, obsolete stock control after engineering changes, and cleanliness/ESD rules where the product needs them.
Typical evidence
Stock condition assessment records; FIFO racking systems; obsolescence quarantine records after ECNs; cleanliness/ESD controls.
How to comply — recommendations
Add 'condition' columns to your cycle counts — count AND inspect. On every engineering change, sweep stock for the old level and quarantine it the same day; obsolete stock shipping to customers is one of the most expensive findings there is.
Common nonconformities
Stock counted but never condition-checked; old-level parts shipping after a change; no defined shelf-life control on sealants/adhesives.
Related clauses
Builds on ISO 9001 8.5.4
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. This IATF requirement is covered in the Automotive Edition, in the same six blocks as the ISO clause around it.
Get the free ISO 9001:2026 Readiness Scorecard
Free, instant download. We'll only email you the occasional practical quality update — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Qlause provides interpretive guidance only and is not a substitute for the standard. Refer to your licensed copy of the relevant standard for the authoritative text.