What is ISO/TS 22163:2017 - IRIS?
ISO/TS 22163 is the global standard for quality management systems in the rail industry. It is based on the ISO 9001 quality management standard, with the addition of rail-specific requirements. Released in May 2017, it replaced the previous quality standard IRIS Rev. 02. ISO/TS 22163 was created to ensure higher quality standards in terms of facilities, operating equipment, and services. It aims to achieve global uniformity in language, assessment guidelines, and audits in order to create a higher level of transparency throughout the railway supply chain.
Benefits of ISO/TS 22163 Certification
Reduces Risk
Reduces risk, by ensuring conformity with the requirements of the international railway standard.
Provides a competitive
Provides a competitive advantage that is recognized for the approval of suppliers in the rail sector.
Customer Satisfaction
Deliver products that consistently meet customer requirements and a service that is dependable and can be relied on.
Improves product quality
Improves product quality across the entire supply chain.
Enhances efficiency
Enhances efficiency in the evaluation and selection of suppliers.
Reduces costs
Reduces costs associated with supplier monitoring.
Check out the ISO 22163 Video
Who can be certified ISO/TS 22163?
Aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. All the requirements of this International Standard are generic and are intended to be applicable to any organization, regardless of its type or size, or the products and services it provides.
Rail Coach Factory
Rail Engine Factory
Light Rails Vehicles
Regional and commuter trains
Metros
High Speed train
Document required for ISO/TS 22163
- System Manual
- System Procedure
- Policy
- Objectives
- Mission & Vision
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Checklist
- Forms
- Formats
- Records
The extent of Documented Information differs as per:
- Organization’s size
- Activities performed by the organization
- Processes undertaken by the Organization
- Products and services offered by the organization
- The complexity of processes undertaken
- Competence of persons involved
Role of Shamkris and Process of ISO/TS 22163 Certification
Shamkris adopts a results-oriented approach to effective system implementation in the organization. A simple and practical method of system implementation helps organizations increase business efficiency and sustainability. Shamkris supports 100% documentation to obtain a certificate of success in addition to enhanced performance.
The implementation process is described below:
Day 1
GAP Analysis, Certification Body, Selection, Cost Estimates
• Finding the GAP between existing system related to ISO requirements
• Selecting the appropriate certification body
• Based on the scope of your business & certification body you choose
Week 1
Developing Documents
• Management System Manual, Management System Procedures, Policy, Objectives, Forms etc.
• Review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Week 4
Implementing Management System
• ISO Awareness training for the top management and staff
• Implementing a well-documented management system throughout the organization
Week 8
Internal Audit
MRM
CAPA
• Internal audits identifying nonconformities related to ISO requirements
• Management Review Meetings
• Corrective and Preventive Action plan for nonconformities
Week 10
Certification Body
Audit
N-C Closing
• Shamkris acts on your behalf and assists you in the third-party audit
• Closing of any nonconformities identified by the certification body
Week 12
Certificate Issued
• ISO certificates issued for 3 years
• Surveillance Audits yearly
Year on Year
Yearly Compliance
• Support of Yearly documentation for audit
Who can issue the ISO 22163:2017 Certification?


FAQ
ISO/TS 22163:2017 is the international standard for quality management systems in the rail industry. It is based on ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems) but includes additional rail-specific requirements to ensure higher quality standards in facilities, operating equipment, and services.
IRIS stands for International Railway Industry Standard. It was initially developed by the rail industry and has now evolved into ISO/TS 22163:2017, a globally recognized standard.
The standard aims to improve quality, efficiency, and transparency across the railway supply chain. It ensures global uniformity in language, assessment guidelines, and audits, helping organizations meet the specific demands of the rail industry.
The standard is designed for organizations operating in the rail industry, including manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers involved in the production, maintenance, or delivery of rail-related products and services.
Risk Reduction: Ensures conformity with international railway standards, reducing risks.
Competitive Advantage: Recognized as a key requirement for supplier approval in the rail sector.
Customer Satisfaction: Ensures consistent delivery of high-quality products and reliable services.
Improved Product Quality: Enhances quality across the entire supply chain.
Enhanced Efficiency: Streamlines the evaluation and selection of suppliers.
Cost Reduction: Reduces costs associated with supplier monitoring and audits.
No, ISO/TS 22163:2017 is not mandatory. However, it is often required by major rail industry players and is considered a prerequisite for suppliers in the rail sector.
To achieve certification, an organization must:
• Implement a quality management system that meets the requirements of ISO/TS 22163:2017.
• Conduct internal audits to ensure compliance.
• Engage an accredited certification body to perform an external audit and verify compliance.
Yes, SMEs in the rail industry can implement ISO/TS 22163:2017. The standard is scalable and can be adapted to the size and complexity of the organization.
Recertification audits are typically required every three years, with surveillance audits conducted annually to ensure ongoing compliance with the standard.