ISO 26262 Standard for Automotive Functional Safety

What is the ISO 26262 Standard for Safety in Component and Vehicle Development?

ISO 26262 is an international standard for functional safety in the automotive industry. It provides a framework for ensuring the safety of electrical and electronic systems in road vehicles throughout their lifecycle, from conceptual design through decommissioning. ISO 26262 aims to prevent and mitigate risks associated with potential failures in automotive systems.

At Applus+ Laboratories, we conduct thorough assessments to ensure your organisation's processes for automotive functional safety comply with ISO 26262 requirements. We issue a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) that validates your commitment to the highest safety standards in automotive system development and maintenance.

Why Is ISO 26262 Important?

Compliance with ISO 26262 is critical for the following reasons:

• Safety Assurance: Ensures that automotive systems are designed, implemented, and maintained to prevent failures that could lead to hazardous situations.
• Regulatory Compliance: Helps meet regulatory and market requirements for functional safety in road vehicles.
• Market Confidence: Enhances trust in your products and processes, positioning your brand as a leader in automotive safety.
• Industry best practices and harmonisation: Provides a globally recognised framework for functional safety in the automotive industry. Promoting consistency and harmonisation of safety practices across different regions and markets.

What are the key components of the ISO 26262 for Automotive Functional Safety?

Here are the key components of the ISO 26262 certification:

• Framework: Establishes protocols for maintaining the safety of electrical and electronic systems in road vehicles throughout their lifespan.
• Risk Management: Focuses on identifying, preventing, and minimising risks associated with potential system failures.
• Safety Requirements: Utilises Automotive Safety Integrity Levels (ASILs) to define critical safety requirements needed to achieve an acceptable level of risk.

Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL)

Automotive Safety Integrity Levels (ASILs) are part of the ISO 26262 which are used to classify the different inherent risks in automotive systems and mitigate them. ASILs follow four different levels, from A-D each representing different degrees risk ASIL D being the highest risk).

What are the Benefits of Being Certified Under the ISO 26262 Standard?

The benefits of getting the ISO 26262 certification are:

• Verification of Compliance: Our certificate validates that your processes and products are aligned with ISO 26262 requirements. For the different ASIL categories.
• Formal Evidence of Compliance: Provides tangible proof of adherence to global standards, strengthening your market position and ensuring the trust of regulators and customers.
• Risk Mitigation: Will be easier for your company to proactively identify and mitigate risks associated with potential failures in electronic systems. This reduces the likelihood of safety-critical incidents and recalls, protecting both consumers and manufacturers from costly liabilities.

Certification Process for ISO 26262 Standard

Applus+ Laboratories follows the guidelines for auditing cybersecurity engineering according to ISO 19011 Guidance for auditing management systems.

The ISO 26262 Audit, Step by Step

The audit for ISO 26262 follows the following steps:

• Documentary review: Applus+ Laboratories' audit team will verify that the client's procedures, processes and rules are aligned with the requirements of the ISO 24089 standard.
• Interview and implementation verification: Applus+ Laboratories will verify that the defined procedures are implemented and that the client's assigned roles follow the procedures.

What Do You Get at the End of the ISO 26262 Audit? 

Upon successful certification, you will receive a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from Applus+ Laboratories. This certificate serves as formal evidence of your organisation's adherence to ISO 26262 standards, providing a competitive edge and reinforcing your commitment to functional safety in automotive systems.

Why Choose Applus+ Laboratories for ISO 26262 Certification?

Whether you are an OEM, a supplier, or a partner in the automotive industry, ISO 26262 certification prepares your organisation for future regulatory requirements and market demands. It demonstrates your commitment to the highest standards of functional safety, positioning your products favourably in the market.

For more information on how ISO 26262 Certificates of Conformity can elevate your company's standing in the field of automotive functional safety and provide a competitive advantage, contact Applus+ Laboratories. Our expert team is ready to assist you in achieving compliance and certification.