ISO 18542

ISO 18542:2021 is an international standard developed by ISO’s Technical Committee TC 22/SC 31, which specifies a framework for standardized access to automotive repair and maintenance information (RMI). It plays a crucial role in ensuring that independent operators, garages, and service providers can access up-to-date vehicle-related technical data essential for diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance.

As the automotive industry evolves with increasing electronic complexity, ISO 18542 helps bridge the gap between vehicle manufacturers and service professionals. Quality Asia Certification offers ISO 18542 certification to organizations involved in the automotive ecosystem—enhancing data accessibility, improving service transparency, and supporting compliance with regulatory requirements.

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What is ISO 18542?

ISO 18542:2021 – Road vehicles — Standardized access to automotive repair and maintenance information (RMI) — Part 1: Terminology.

This standard provides standardized terminology and framework to define and describe repair and maintenance information used in diagnostics, service, and repair of vehicles. It ensures that all stakeholders, including OEMs, workshops, and third-party providers, have a common language and reference for managing automotive RMI access. It promotes interoperability and uniformity across different IT systems and interfaces used in the vehicle service domain.

Quality Asia Certification offers ISO 18542:2021 certification services to organizations aiming to comply with international norms for vehicle RMI data management and service communication.

Why is ISO 18542 important?

The demand for secure, consistent, and non-discriminatory access to automotive repair and maintenance information has surged due to:

  1. Increased electronic components in vehicles.
  2. Regulatory pressure in the EU and other markets to provide open data access.
  3. The rise of independent repairers requiring manufacturer-level service data.
  4. Interoperability challenges between different vehicle systems and diagnostic tools.

ISO 18542:2021 enables OEMs, diagnostic software developers, and service providers to align on standardized data access protocols and definitions, reducing friction in data usage and ensuring quality aftermarket support.

What are the benefits of ISO 18542?

  1. Standardization of Terminology – Helps create a common language for all RMI stakeholders, reducing misinterpretation and ambiguity.
  2. Improved Data Interoperability – Facilitates seamless integration of diagnostic tools and vehicle IT systems.
  3. Compliance with EU Regulations – Supports meeting legal requirements under EU Type Approval for RMI access.
  4. Enhanced Customer Service – Enables quicker and more accurate repairs through efficient data access.
  5. Support for Independent Repairers – Offers equal access to service data, helping non-OEM service providers stay competitive.
  6. Improved Vehicle Safety and Maintenance – Ensures service providers have the right data for effective vehicle servicing.

What kind of businesses can benefit from ISO 18542?

✅ Regulatory Readiness: Demonstrate compliance with global automotive RMI access requirements, including EU 2018/858 regulations.

✅ Enhanced Technical Capabilities: Equip your service teams and tools with structured access to OEM-grade repair information.

✅ Market Competitiveness: Certification builds credibility and ensures OEMs and partners recognize your organization as a compliant, professional player.

✅ Stronger Client Trust: Show customers and vehicle owners your commitment to data transparency, accuracy, and service reliability.

✅ Global Recognition: Stand out in the international automotive service and diagnostic landscape with ISO 18542 certification.

✅ Streamlined Operations: Reduce downtime and enhance productivity through standardized processes and accurate data usage.

Top Tips on making ISO 9001 effective for you.

#1

Top management commitment while practicing and accomplishing the standard is the key to success.

#2

Keeping staff informed about the ongoing practices, a well-communicated plan would increase the motivation and zeal of working in them.

#3

Making sure that the various departments of the organization work as a team for the benefit of the organization and customers as well.

#4

Review systems, policies, processes, and procedures for a smooth working of QMS.

#5

Speaking to customers & suppliers while getting feedback & working on improvements.

#6

Training staff carrying out the internal audits with the opportunity for improvement.

#7

Celebrate your achievement and use the QualityAsia Assurance Mark on your literature, promotional material, and website.

#8

Ensure continuous improvement by regularly reviewing and updating your quality management practices.

#9

Promote a culture of quality by encouraging innovation, accountability, and employee involvement at every level of the organization.

Why QualityAsia?

QualityAsia always vanguard in the auditing and governing of internationally acclaimed standards practices. At QualityAsia, we focus on driving the success of our clients through creating excellence with our trained professional auditors. The content of our service provision, comply with international certification rules defined by the accreditation bodies without burning a hole in your pocket. We will take you through the journey of audits with our best kept audit practices, viz.:

Initial Certification – Stage 1 (Preparatory Phase)
  • Thorough documented information review.
  • Exchange of information with staff through online or onsite presence.
  • Identification of key performances, processes & objectives as per the standard requisites.
  • Analysis of facilities, infrastructure, systems and processes in regard with the requested certification scope with a resource allocation review.

Initial Certification – Stage 2 (On-site Audit)
  • Measurement, reporting & reviewing the performances against key performances objectives.
  • Reviewing the suitability of the system meeting the legal, regulatory & contractual requirements.
  • Operational control of processes, internal audits & management reviews while understanding the responsibilities for the policies.
  • Conclusion based on prescriptive requirements, policy, performance objectives, staff skill, operations, procedures, internal audits, etc.


    Surveillance & Certification Renewal

    Drawing out the scrutiny on various aspects of the previously done audits on effectiveness while reviewing the various processes and control of the operations in the QMS and finally going for the recertification.

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