Control of nonconforming outputs
Plain-language summary
Bad product must not travel: identify it, control it, decide its fate (correct, segregate, contain, return, inform the customer, concession), verify corrections, and record what was found, done and decided — including who decided.
What the clause is really asking
Ensure nonconforming outputs are identified and controlled to prevent unintended use/delivery; act appropriately (correction, segregation/containment/return/suspension, customer information, concession authorisation); re-verify after correction; retain records describing the nonconformity, actions, concessions and the deciding authority.
What auditors look for
Auditors inspect the quarantine area first (locked? identified? log matching contents?) then sample NCRs: disposition authority defined, re-verification after rework, concessions properly authorised, customer informed where delivery was affected.
Typical evidence
Quarantine controls and log; NCR records with dispositions and authority; re-verification records; concession documents.
How to comply — recommendations
Physical discipline first: one quarantine area, controlled access, everything tagged and logged. Define disposition authority by name/role. Rework is only complete after re-inspection against the original criteria — make the form enforce it.
Common nonconformities
Suspect stock standing untagged beside good stock; dispositions by whoever needed the parts; rework shipped without re-verification; quarantine log and shelf contents disagreeing.
Related clauses
IATF 16949: extended by 8.7.1.1-8.7.1.7; links 5.3.2 stop authority
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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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.