DQS Inc.
DQS Inc. is the US subsidiary of Germany-based DQS Holding GmbH, a global independent certification body operating since 1985 with 3,000+ auditors across 60 countries, issuing accredited ISO and sector-specific management-system certifications to 65,000+ enterprise and mid-market client sites worldwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1985
- HeadquartersHenrietta, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What DQS Inc. does
DQS Inc. is the US operating subsidiary of DQS Holding GmbH, a Germany-based independent certification body operating since 1985. The company delivers third-party conformity assessment, management-system certification, and specialized audits against international standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, ISO 13485, IATF 16949, FSSC 22000, BRCGS, TISAX) and sector-specific schemes (EU MDR 2017/745, MDSAP, ISO 18788). As a founding member of the IQNet network and a designated Notified Body under EU MDR, DQS issues certificates recognized across 150+ countries. Headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, the US entity supports North American clients in industries including medical devices, automotive, food, information security, and sustainability.
The underlying technology stack centers on standardized audit methodologies augmented by digital workflow tools — namely the Digital Audit Journey (structured data exchange from scoping through certificate issuance) and the DQS Audit Manager customer portal for certificate validation. Core intellectual property resides in regulatory designations and accreditations rather than software: DAkkS, ANAB, UKAS, and SANAS accreditations, EU MDR Notified Body status, ENX TISAX approval at Assessment Level 3, and ICoCA acceptance for ISO 18788. A global delivery network of 3,000+ sector-specialist auditors across 80 offices in 60 countries executes on-site engagements.
DQS generates revenue primarily through quote-based, multi-year certification contracts (typically three-year cycles with annual surveillance audits), supplemented by assessment services (MDSAP, TISAX, sector-specific audits) and DQS Academy training programs. Pricing is tailored to organization size, scope complexity, site count, and industry factors. Go-to-market is sales-led, with direct enterprise field sales providing consultation and customized quotes. Customer segments are organized vertically across manufacturing, medical devices, automotive, food, information security, sustainability/ESG, occupational health and safety, education, and private security — yielding a highly diversified customer base of 65,000+ certified sites.
DQS Inc. firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- DQS Inc.
- Legal name
- DQS Holding GmbH
- Website
- https://dqsglobal.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1985
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- DQS Inc. is the US subsidiary of Germany-based DQS Holding GmbH, a global independent certification body operating since 1985 with 3,000+ auditors across 60 countries, issuing accredited ISO and sector-specific management-system certifications to 65,000+ enterprise and mid-market client sites worldwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
DQS Inc. industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Management System Certification Services
- NAICS
- Testing Laboratories and Services (541380)
- SIC
- Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Certification Program Administration & Scheme Management (Standard Owners) (AFALACAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Supplier Approval & Second-Party Audit Programs (Retailer/Brand/Manufacturer) (AFALACAF), Fair Trade & Ethical Sourcing Certification Services (AFALAMAD)
Keywords
Where DQS Inc. is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Henrietta
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
DQS Inc. business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Certification Audits: Primary revenue stream from conducting certification audits against international standards including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, and sector-specific standards. Revenue is generated through audit fees based on organization size, scope complexity, number of sites, and industry-specific factors.
- Assessment Services: Assessments including MDSAP for medical devices, TISAX for automotive, and other specialized sector assessments. Follows a similar audit-based billing model.
- DQS Academy Training: Training and courses provided through DQS Academy for professional development and certification preparation.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom quote based on certification scope and complexity |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels4 records
DQS Inc. product offering
Product offeringCore offering
DQS is a global conformity assessment body that conducts third-party audits and issues accredited certifications for management systems against international standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, ISO 13485, IATF 16949, etc.) and sector-specific standards (EU MDR, MDSAP, TISAX). Services are delivered by over 3,000 sector-specialist auditors across 80 offices in 60 countries, complemented by training programs through DQS Academy.
Product overview
DQS is a global certification body offering a comprehensive portfolio of management system certifications and audits. Operating since 1985 with 80 offices in 60 countries and over 3,000 auditors, the company provides certification services across quality management (ISO 9001, ISO 13485), environmental management (ISO 14001), occupational health and safety (ISO 45001), energy management (ISO 50001), information security (ISO 27001), business continuity (ISO 22301), food safety (ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, BRCGS), and specialized industry sectors including automotive (IATF 16949, VDA standards, TISAX), medical devices (EU MDR 2017/745, MDSAP), and education (ISO 21001). The company also offers supplementary services including DQS Academy training programs, tailor-made audits, ESG audits, and social compliance audits. DQS maintains accreditations from DAkkS, ANAB, and UKAS, and serves as a Notified Body under EU MDR 2017/745 for medical device certification. As a founding member of IQNet, DQS ensures certificates are recognized in over 150 countries.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- ISO 9001 Certification Quality management system certification for organizations seeking internationally recognized continuous improvement certification, applicable across all industries and sizes.
- ISO 14001 Certification Environmental management system certification helping organizations promote sustainable environmental protection and reduce negative environmental impacts.
- ISO 45001 Certification Occupational health and safety management system certification that helps organizations identify, minimize, and avoid employee risks from accidents and health damages.
- ISO 27001 Certification Information security management system certification providing high protection for organizational data through systematic risk management.
- ISO 13485 Certification Quality management system certification for medical devices, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements for design, production, and distribution.
- EU MDR 2017/745 Certification European Medical Device Regulation certification required for medical devices to enter the European Economic Area, covering classes Is, Im, Ir, IIa, IIb, and III.
- MDSAP Medical Device Single Audit Program International audit program enabling medical device manufacturers to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements of Australia, Brazil, Japan, Canada, and the USA through a single certification process.
- TISAX Assessment Information security assessment and exchange procedure for the automotive industry, based on ISO/IEC 27001 with industry-specific requirements for suppliers and service providers.
- IATF 16949 Certification Quality management system certification for the automotive industry, recognized globally as a passport into the automotive supply chain.
- ISO 22000 Food Safety Certification Food safety management system certification demonstrating compliance with the highest standards for hygiene and safety in food production.
- FSSC 22000 Certification Food safety certification system based on ISO 22000, proving high quality and safety of food and animal feed products.
- BRCGS Certification Global food safety standard certification recognized worldwide for food safety and quality in manufacturing, processing, and handling.
- ISO 18788 Certification Private security operations management system certification establishing requirements for risk management, legal compliance, and human rights in security operations.
- ISO 22301 Certification Business continuity management system certification that prepares organizations for exceptional situations through proven procedures and contingency plans.
- ISO 50001 Certification Energy management system certification enabling organizations to continuously improve energy efficiency and energy-related performance.
- ISO 21001 Certification Management system certification for educational organizations focusing on learning needs, content development, and outcome evaluation.
- ISO 21434 Automotive Cybersecurity Certification Automotive cybersecurity management system certification ensuring compliance across the vehicle lifecycle from concept to decommissioning.
- Malaysia Medical Device Conformity Assessment Medical device conformity assessment under Malaysia's Medical Device Act 737, performed by DQS Malaysia as an approved Conformity Assessment Body.
- Tailor-made Audits Customized audit solutions specifically tailored to individual company needs, suitable for organizations with specific requirements, complex processes, or industry-specific regulations.
- DQS Academy Trainings and Courses Educational training programs and courses for certification preparation, audit training, and professional development in management systems, delivered through DQS Academy.
Quantifiable outcome
- 9.40 Auditor Net Promoter Score (NPS)
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use DQS Inc.
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments9 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
DQS Inc. technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
DQS Inc. partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- IQNetcoreIQNet is the world's largest certification network with over 100 member bodies. DQS is a founding member of IQNet, enabling DQS certificates to be recognized in over 150 countries. IQNet provides a global framework for certification harmonization and mutual recognition.
- ENX AssociationcoreENX Association manages the TISAX assessment and exchange procedure for the automotive industry. DQS is an approved audit service provider for TISAX, holding the 'Information Security Very High' audit label at Assessment Level 3.
- ICoCA (International Code of Conduct Association)coreICoCA (Responsible Security Association) is a non-profit organization promoting responsible, ethical, and human rights-compliant practices in private security. DQS is an ICoCA-Accepted Certification Body, enabling certification of private security companies against ISO 18788.
- VDA (German Association of the Automotive Industry)coreVDA working group developed the ISA (Information Security Assessment) questionnaire that forms the basis of TISAX. DQS participates in the TISAX ecosystem created by VDA and ENX.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
DQS Inc. competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- SGS: World's largest TIC company offering inspection, verification, testing, and certification services across industries. Competes with DQS in management system certification and food safety audits but with much wider scope including commodity inspection.
- Bureau Veritas: Publicly listed TIC major providing testing, inspection, and certification across marine, commodities, construction, and management systems. Overlaps with DQS in ISO certification and ESG verification but operates a much broader service portfolio.
- Intertek: Global TIC provider offering assurance, testing, inspection, and certification services. Overlaps with DQS in ISO management system certification, product safety testing, and supply chain assurance across multiple verticals.
Direct peers
- DEKRA: Germany-based testing, inspection, and certification organization operating across automotive, industrial, and consumer sectors. Competes directly with DQS in management system certification and automotive-specific standards such as VDA and IATF.
- NSF International: Global public health and safety organization providing certification, testing, and auditing services particularly in food safety, water, and consumer products. Comparable to DQS in food safety (SQF, BRC, FSSC) and management system certification services.
- DNV: Global certification body and Notified Body providing ISO management system certification, maritime and energy certification, and supply chain assurance. Particularly strong overlap with DQS in ISO 9001/14001/45001 and food safety certifications.
- TÜV Rheinland: Global testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) company providing ISO certification, Notified Body services for medical devices, and industry-specific assessments across automotive, food, and information security. Closely mirrors DQS's service portfolio and geographic reach.
- LRQA (Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance): Specialized certification body offering ISO management system certification, food safety (FSSC 22000), and cybersecurity assurance. Closely comparable niche focus on management system certification with strong food safety overlap.
- BSI (British Standards Institution): National standards body and certification provider offering ISO certification, training, and standards publications. Direct competitor in management system certification with comparable global reach and similar accreditation profile.
- TÜV SÜD: One of the world's largest certification bodies offering ISO management system certification, product testing, and Notified Body services for medical devices, automotive, and industrial sectors. Directly comparable to DQS in scope, accreditation footprint, and customer base.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
DQS Inc. social profiles
Digital presenceDQS Inc. compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance10 records
DQS Inc. financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
DQS Inc. leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
DQS Inc. subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
DQS Inc. funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
DQS Inc. M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about DQS Inc.
What does DQS Inc. do?
DQS is a global conformity assessment body that conducts third-party audits and issues accredited certifications for management systems against international standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, ISO 13485, IATF 16949, etc.) and sector-specific standards (EU MDR, MDSAP, TISAX). Services are delivered by over 3,000 sector-specialist auditors across 80 offices in 60 countries, complemented by training programs through DQS Academy.
Is DQS Inc. a public or private company?
DQS Inc. is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was DQS Inc. founded?
DQS Inc. was founded in 1985. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is DQS Inc. based?
DQS Inc. is headquartered in Henrietta, United States, in the North America region.
How does DQS Inc. make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Certification Audits are the primary driver. The others are assessment Services and DQS Academy Training.
Who are DQS Inc.'s main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are SGS, Bureau Veritas and Intertek. Direct peers are DEKRA, NSF International, DNV, TÜV Rheinland, LRQA (Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance), BSI (British Standards Institution) and TÜV SÜD.
Does DQS Inc. have an API?
No public API is recorded for DQS Inc..
What industry is DQS Inc. in?
DQS Inc.'s product category is Management System Certification Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFALACAC, Certification Program Administration & Scheme Management (Standard Owners), with a secondary code of AFALACAF, Supplier Approval & Second-Party Audit Programs (Retailer/Brand/Manufacturer). Its NAICS code is 541380 and its SIC code is 8734.