ISO 26262 · Process certification
ISO 26262. Functional safety in the automotive sector
ISO 26262 governs the functional safety of safety-relevant electrical and electronic systems in road vehicles across the entire development lifecycle.
Overview
What is it about?
ISO 26262 “Road vehicles. Functional safety” is the leading standard for the functional safety of E/E systems in road vehicles. It is a sector-specific derivation of the overarching safety standard IEC 61508 and addresses the risk arising from malfunctions of electrical and electronic systems. For example in braking, steering, airbag or driver assistance systems.
The standard follows a comprehensive safety lifecycle from hazard and risk analysis through concept and development at system, hardware and software level to production and operation. Its central instrument is the Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL A to D), which is derived from the severity, probability of occurrence and controllability of a hazard and determines the rigour of the required measures. This is complemented by safety management, the concept of Safety of the Intended Functionality (SOTIF, ISO 21448) and evidence through a robust safety case.
Purpose & benefit
Certification demonstrates that development processes for safety-critical E/E systems are under control in conformity with the standard. It builds trust with manufacturers, suppliers and supervisory bodies and is an established proof of the state of the art in the automotive supply chain.
What's included
- Safety management across the organisation and the entire safety lifecycle
- Hazard and risk analysis with derivation of the Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL)
- Functional and technical safety concept at system level
- Safety-oriented hardware and software development including verification and validation
- Evidence via a structured safety case and confirmation measures
- Consideration of production, operation, service and decommissioning
For whom
Is this right for you?
The standard is aimed at vehicle manufacturers and at suppliers of control units, components, semiconductors and software for safety-relevant vehicle systems. It is relevant for all organisations involved in developing safety-critical E/E functions.
Your benefits
What it does for you
- Evidence of a standard-conform development process for safety-critical systems
- Reduction of product liability risks through documented evidence
- Recognised proof of conformity as a requirement in the automotive supply chain
- Systematic control of risks through the ASIL-based approach
Our role
How we work
- 1Planning and conducting certification audits to assess the conformity of your management system with the requirements of the standard
- 2Independent decision on certification based on the audit results
- 3Issuing and maintaining certificates
- 4Conducting surveillance and recertification audits in accordance with the applicable rules and defined time intervals
Impartiality
Consulting or support services for the introduction, implementation or improvement of management systems are not part of our activity as a certification body.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What does the Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) mean?
The ASIL classifies the risk of a hazard from ASIL A (lowest requirements) to ASIL D (highest requirements). It is derived from severity, probability of occurrence and controllability and determines how rigorous the required safety measures and evidence must be.
How does ISO 26262 differ from SOTIF (ISO 21448)?
ISO 26262 addresses risks from malfunctions and systematic or random faults. ISO 21448 (SOTIF) complements it with risks arising from functional insufficiencies of the intended functionality, for example in assistance and automated driving functions.
Your request
What would ISO 26262 cost for you?
Simply request a non-binding quote, quickly and directly.