Blog Details

HomeblogIRIS Certification

Published on: May 27, 2025

Complete Guide to IRIS Certification: What It Is, Benefits, and How to Get Certified

Introduction

The railway industry is an essential part of the global transportation infrastructure. With increasing demands for safety, reliability, and international cooperation, suppliers in the railway sector must adhere to stringent quality standards. One such vital standard is IRIS Certification—the International Railway Industry Standard.

Whether you're a component manufacturer, system integrator, or service provider in the railway sector, achieving IRIS certification can significantly enhance your market credibility and streamline quality management processes. In this blog, we’ll explore what IRIS Certification is, why it matters, its benefits, and how your organization can become certified.

What is IRIS Certification?

IRIS (International Railway Industry Standard) is a globally recognized certification standard developed specifically for the railway industry. It was established in 2005 by UNIFE (the Association of the European Rail Industry), in collaboration with major railway manufacturers such as Siemens, Bombardier, Alstom, and others.

The IRIS standard is based on ISO 9001 (the international standard for quality management systems), but it includes additional, rail-specific requirements to ensure high levels of safety, quality, and performance in railway products and services.

In 2017, the latest version of IRIS was launched under the name IRIS Certification® rev. 03, which is now aligned with ISO/TS 22163, a globally standardized technical specification for the railway sector.

Key Objectives of IRIS Certification

→ Standardization of audits and assessments across the railway industry.
→ Improved product and service quality from railway suppliers.
→ Increased transparency and traceability within the supply chain.
→ Reduced duplication of supplier audits for railway operators and manufacturers.
→ Promotion of continual improvement in supplier processes and performance.

Structure and Scope of IRIS

The IRIS Certification system is composed of several key components:

ISO/TS 22163 Standard: The core standard on which IRIS Certification is based. It includes:
- → Project management
- → RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety)
- → Life cycle cost
- → Special processes like welding or painting
- → Configuration and change management
IRIS Certification Performance Assessment: A scoring-based audit methodology evaluating:
- → Management systems
- → Business performance
- → Customer satisfaction
- → Continuous improvement efforts
→ IRIS Audit-Tool: An online platform used to manage audit processes, generate performance scores, and maintain global visibility of certified companies.
→ IRIS Certification Database: A central database of all certified organizations, accessible to IRIS members for supplier evaluations.

Why is IRIS Certification Important?

→ Industry Recognition: Recognized by major railway manufacturers, placing your company on preferred supplier lists.
→ Improved Quality and Consistency: Structured framework for reducing non-conformities and improving process efficiency.
→ Reduced Audit Duplication: A single certification replaces multiple client-specific audits.
→ Enhanced Global Competitiveness: Facilitates entry into new markets and global partnerships.
→ Customer Confidence: Demonstrates commitment to quality and builds long-term trust with clients.

Who Needs IRIS Certification?

IRIS Certification applies to a wide range of organizations in the railway supply chain:

→ Component manufacturers (e.g., brakes, HVAC, electronics)
→ Sub-system providers (e.g., traction and control systems)
→ Train manufacturers and assemblers
→ Maintenance and repair organizations (MRO)
→ Engineering service providers

If your company supplies to major railway players, IRIS Certification is often essential.

The IRIS Certification Process: Step-by-Step

→ Understand the Standard: Obtain and review ISO/TS 22163, identify gaps.
→ Gap Analysis and Planning: Evaluate readiness and build an implementation roadmap.
→ Documentation and Training: Develop documentation and train staff.
→ Implement the Management System: Apply IRIS-compliant processes and conduct internal audits.
→ Select a Certification Body: Choose an IRIS-approved body accredited by UNIFE.
→ Undergo the IRIS Audit: Comprehensive audit leading to a performance score (Bronze, Silver, or Gold).
→ Certification Decision and Listing: Successful organizations are listed in the IRIS Portal.
→ Ongoing Surveillance and Recertification: Includes annual audits and full recertification every 3 years.

IRIS Certification Levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold

Organizations are graded based on performance:

→ Bronze: Basic compliance
→ Silver: High compliance with strong performance
→ Gold: Excellence in quality and operational maturity

These levels are visible to clients in the IRIS Portal and influence business opportunities.

Challenges in IRIS Certification

→ Extensive documentation and robust systems required
→ Stringent scoring methodology
→ In-depth, operationally focused audits

Despite the challenges, the long-term benefits of improved efficiency and client trust make IRIS Certification a worthwhile investment.

Conclusion

IRIS Certification is more than a compliance standard—it's a competitive differentiator in the global railway industry. By aligning with ISO/TS 22163 and embracing quality and safety, your business can unlock new market opportunities and gain long-term operational excellence.

Need Help with IRIS Certification?

We specialize in helping organizations implement IRIS-compliant management systems, conduct internal audits, and prepare for successful certification. Whether you're just getting started or upgrading from ISO 9001, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation!

We would love to hear your thoughts! Please leave your comment below: