DQS
DQS is a German-headquartered independent certification body founded in 1985, auditing and certifying management systems (ISO and sector-specific standards) across 60 countries for 65,000+ enterprise clients, with Notified Body status under EU MDR and IQNet-recognized certificates valid in 150+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1985
- HeadquartersFrankfurt, Germany
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What DQS does
DQS Holding GmbH is a privately held German independent certification body founded in 1985 and headquartered in Frankfurt, with a US branch in Schaumburg, Illinois. The company provides third-party auditing and certification services across more than 200 recognized management system standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, ISO 22301, ISO 50001, ISO 22000, ISO 13485, ISO 21434, TISAX, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, VDA 6.1/6.2, and MDSAP, alongside regulatory designations such as Notified Body status under EU MDR 2017/745 for medical devices. As a founding member of IQNet, DQS-issued certificates are recognized in over 150 countries, and the firm operates through 80 offices in 60 countries with more than 3,000 auditors worldwide, serving over 65,000 certified locations.
The underlying technology stack consists of digital audit management tooling rather than a software platform per se. The MyDQS customer portal allows clients to manage certification documentation and audit cycles online, while the DQS Audit Manager coordinates audit scheduling and execution across geographies. Complementary services include the DQS Academy (training), Med Xpert Lab (medical device expertise), ESG audits, social audits, supplier due diligence audits, mystery audits, and store checks. Go-to-market is consultative and sales-led: free initial consultation, scope-based quote with no publicly disclosed pricing, multi-year contracts with recurring surveillance and recertification audits.
Revenue is generated through subscription-style recurring certification fees across initial, surveillance, and recertification audits. Pricing is bespoke, determined by certification scope, number of sites, and complexity, with multi-year contract cadence typical. Following the March 2026 divestiture by UL Solutions of its stake for approximately €105 million, DQS operates as a fully independent entity and has consolidated ASEAN operations in Malaysia and Singapore into wholly owned subsidiaries (February 2026) under CEO Ingo M. Rübenach, with capital backing from the German Institute for Standardization (DIN).
DQS firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- DQS
- Legal name
- DQS Holding GmbH
- Website
- https://dqs.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1985
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- DQS is a German-headquartered independent certification body founded in 1985, auditing and certifying management systems (ISO and sector-specific standards) across 60 countries for 65,000+ enterprise clients, with Notified Body status under EU MDR and IQNet-recognized certificates valid in 150+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
DQS industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Management System Certification Services
- NAICS
- Testing Laboratories and Services (541380)
- SIC
- Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Integrated Management System Certification (Food Safety + Quality/Environment/OHS) (AFALACAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Supplier & Vendor Qualification Audits (Second-Party Audits) (AFALABAB), Environmental Compliance Audits & Management System Audits (EHS Audits, ISO 14001/45001 Compliance Audits) (EUAHABAF), Food Safety Auditing & Inspection Services (GFSI/Third-Party Audits) (AFALAAAB), Supplier Approval & Second-Party Audit Programs (Retailer/Brand/Manufacturer) (AFALACAF)
Keywords
Where DQS is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Frankfurt
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
DQS business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Certification Services: DQS provides independent certification services for management systems. Revenue is generated through initial certification audits, surveillance audits, and recertification audits. The company offers over 200 recognized standards and certification programs across multiple industries.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom certification packages based on scope and requirements |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels4 records
DQS product offering
Product offeringCore offering
DQS provides independent third-party auditing and certification of management systems and processes against ISO standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, ISO 22000) and industry-specific schemes (EU MDR, MDSAP, TISAX, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, VDA 6.x, IFS Logistics). Services span initial certification audits, surveillance audits, recertification audits, tailor-made audits, social and supplier audits, and ESG assessments, delivered through a global network of accredited auditors and recognized in over 150 countries via the IQNet network.
Product overview
DQS is a global certification and audit services company offering a comprehensive portfolio of over 200 recognized certification standards and assessment programs. The core offering consists of ISO management system certifications (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, ISO 22301, ISO 50001, ISO 21001, ISO 21434, ISO 22000) covering quality, environment, occupational health and safety, information security, business continuity, energy, education, automotive cybersecurity, and food safety domains. Industry-specific certifications include TISAX for automotive, BRCGS Consumer Products, FSSC 22000, IFS Logistics, VDA 6.1/6.2, GDP, and MDSAP/MDR for medical devices. Additional services include tailor-made audits, supplier audits, social audits, mystery audits, store checks, ESG audits, and specialized programs like the Taiwan Technical Cooperation Program. Supporting services include the DQS Academy for training, Med Xpert Lab for medical device expertise, MyDQS customer portal, DQS Audit Manager digital tool, and IQNet certificate for global recognition. DQS operates as one of the world's most established independent certification bodies, accredited by national bodies and acting as a Notified Body under EU MDR 2017/745, with operations in over 60 countries, more than 3,000 auditors, and over 65,000 certified locations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- ISO 9001 Certification (Quality Management) Quality management system certification validating that an organization's processes meet international quality standards for continuous improvement.
- ISO 14001 Certification (Environmental Management) Environmental management system certification helping organizations improve environmental performance through more efficient resource use and waste reduction.
- ISO 45001 Certification (Occupational Health & Safety) Occupational health and safety management system certification to improve employee safety, reduce workplace risks, and create better working conditions.
- ISO 27001 Certification (Information Security) Information security management system certification defining requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving information security.
- ISO 22301 Certification (Business Continuity) Business continuity management system certification enabling organizations to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disruptive incidents.
- TISAX Certification (Automotive Information Security) Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange certification for the automotive industry enabling mutual recognition of information security assessments among participants.
- ISO 50001 Certification (Energy Management) Energy management system certification helping organizations improve energy performance, efficiency, use, and consumption.
- ISO 22000 Certification (Food Safety Management) Food safety management system certification establishing requirements for organizations in the food chain to demonstrate ability to control food safety hazards.
- FSSC 22000 Certification Food safety system certification based on ISO 22000 combined with sector-specific prerequisite programs for the entire food chain.
- BRCGS Consumer Products Certification Global Standard for Consumer Products certification for manufacturers of consumer products, ensuring quality, safety, and operational criteria.
- MDSAP - Medical Device Single Audit Program Single audit program allowing medical device manufacturers to demonstrate compliance with quality management system requirements of multiple regulatory jurisdictions in one audit.
- MDR (EU) 2017/745 Certification (Medical Device Regulation) EU Medical Device Regulation certification; DQS is a Notified Body authorized to assess and certify medical devices for the European market.
- Tailor-made Audits Customized audit solutions designed to address specific organizational requirements, industry sectors, or unique compliance needs beyond standard certifications.
- InsO Excellence Certification Insolvency excellence certification for organizations demonstrating best practices in insolvency management and turnaround processes.
- ISO 21001 Certification (Educational Organizations) Educational organizations management system certification for providers of education to enhance satisfaction of learners and other beneficiaries.
- AZAV Certification Certification for education and employment agencies in Germany, verifying compliance with accreditation requirements for placement services.
- ISO 21434 Certification (Road Vehicles Cybersecurity) Road vehicles cybersecurity engineering certification addressing cybersecurity engineering requirements throughout the product lifecycle in the automotive industry.
- VDA 6.1 Certification German Automotive Industry Association quality management audit certification for production process quality assurance.
- VDA 6.2 Certification German Automotive Industry Association certification for service organizations within the automotive sector, focusing on service quality standards.
- IFS Logistics Certification International Featured Standards certification for logistics providers assessing safety and quality of food handling processes.
- SQAS Assessment Safety Quality Assessment System evaluation for logistics service providers, particularly in the chemical industry, assessing multiple quality and safety aspects.
- GDP Certification (Good Distribution Practice) Certification ensuring proper distribution practices for pharmaceutical products including storage, transport, and documentation requirements.
- Social Audits Social compliance audits assessing labor standards, human rights, and ethical business practices in supply chains.
- Store Checks Retail store assessment services evaluating compliance with standards, visual merchandising, customer experience, and operational procedures.
- Mystery Audits Mystery shopping and secret shopper audits providing objective assessment of customer service quality and standards compliance.
- Supplier Due Diligence Audits Supplier audits for due diligence compliance, particularly for meeting regulatory requirements such as the German Supply Chain Act.
- MAAS-BGW Certification Certification for organizations in the German accident insurance system, demonstrating compliance with occupational health and safety standards.
- SCC/SCP Certification Safety Certificate Contractors and Personnel certification for companies and employees in high-risk industries, particularly construction and petrochemical sectors.
- ESG Audits Environmental, Social, and Governance assessment services providing credible insights and risk reduction for sustainability reporting.
- DQS Academy Training Programs Training and education services including courses, seminars, and professional development programs related to certification, audits, and standards compliance.
Companies that use DQS
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments10 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
DQS technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
DQS partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- IQNetcoreDQS is a founding member of IQNet, the world's largest certification network. This partnership enables DQS certificates to be recognized in over 150 countries worldwide, providing international recognition and validity for certifications issued by DQS.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
DQS competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- BSI (British Standards Institution): UK-based certification body and standards organization offering ISO management system certification, training, and supply-chain compliance services that overlap directly with DQS's portfolio.
- TÜV Rheinland: Direct competitor based in Germany providing ISO certifications, product testing, and Notified Body services under EU MDR; competes head-to-head with DQS across quality, environmental, and cybersecurity certifications.
- TÜV SÜD: German-headquartered TIC and certification body offering ISO management system certification, Notified Body services for medical devices and automotive, and a global audit network — directly overlapping DQS's core offerings.
- DEKRA: German-based certification and testing organization offering management system audits, automotive certification (including ISO 21434/TISAX-adjacent services), and a global auditor network — directly comparable to DQS.
Broad incumbents
- SGS: World's largest TIC company with global certification, inspection and laboratory testing operations; a broader incumbent that competes with DQS for ISO management system and industry-specific certification work.
- Intertek: Global TIC provider offering ISO management system certification alongside testing and inspection services; competes with DQS for enterprise certification mandates and supplier audit programs.
- Bureau Veritas: Global TIC major with a much broader testing, inspection and certification portfolio across more than 140 countries; overlaps with DQS in ISO certification but competes as a much larger one-stop-shop provider.
- DNV: Norwegian-headquartered certification body with strong presence in ISO 9001/14001/45001 and management system certification, particularly for maritime, energy, and food sectors where DQS also operates.
Others
- UL Solutions: Former minority shareholder of DQS Holding GmbH (stake sold for ~€105M in March 2026); a global TIC provider that is now an adjacent peer rather than an affiliate, with overlapping certification services.
Regional players
- Eurofins: European testing and certification group with strong food, environmental and product testing capabilities; competes with DQS in food safety certification (FSSC 22000, BRCGS) and environmental compliance auditing.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
DQS social profiles
Digital presenceDQS compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance16 records
DQS financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
DQS leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
DQS subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
DQS funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
DQS 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
What does DQS do?
DQS provides independent third-party auditing and certification of management systems and processes against ISO standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, ISO 22000) and industry-specific schemes (EU MDR, MDSAP, TISAX, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, VDA 6.x, IFS Logistics). Services span initial certification audits, surveillance audits, recertification audits, tailor-made audits, social and supplier audits, and ESG assessments, delivered through a global network of accredited auditors and recognized in over 150 countries via the IQNet network.
Is DQS a public or private company?
DQS is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was DQS founded?
DQS was founded in 1985. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is DQS based?
DQS is headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does DQS make money?
One revenue line is on record: certification Services.
Who are DQS's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are BSI (British Standards Institution), TÜV Rheinland, TÜV SÜD and DEKRA. Broad incumbents are SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas and DNV. UL Solutions is listed as an others. Eurofins is listed as a regional player.
Does DQS have an API?
No public API is recorded for DQS.
What industry is DQS in?
DQS's product category is Management System Certification Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFALACAI, Integrated Management System Certification (Food Safety + Quality/Environment/OHS), with a secondary code of AFALABAB, Supplier & Vendor Qualification Audits (Second-Party Audits). Its NAICS code is 541380 and its SIC code is 8734.