DQS CFS

What DQS CFS does

DQS CFS operates as an independent third-party certification body in the global Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) industry, providing management system certification, audit, and assessment services. Founded in 1985 and legally organized as DQS Holding GmbH, a German private limited company, the company serves organizations across multiple regulated and quality-driven verticals including medical devices, automotive, food safety, information security, ESG and sustainability, transport and logistics, education, occupational health and safety, and general quality management. Its service portfolio encompasses over 200 recognized standards, with flagship offerings spanning ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, ISO 13485, IATF 16949, EU MDR 2017/745, MDSAP, ISO/IEC 42001, FSSC 22000, and TISAX, among others.

DQS monetizes through professional services fees structured as multi-year certification contracts with surveillance and recertification cycles. Pricing is quote-based, determined through a free initial consultation to define scope, with billing tied to audit complexity, site count, and standard coverage. The company's go-to-market is an enterprise field sales motion supplemented by content marketing (blog, white papers, knowledge center), training programs via DQS Academy, and digital channels across LinkedIn, YouTube, and localized country websites. Supporting its delivery operations, DQS operates a customer portal (My DQS) and an audit management system, though no software-as-a-service products, apps, or APIs are commercially offered.

The company holds distinctive competitive positions as a designated Notified Body under EU Medical Device Regulation (EU) 2017/745, authorizing it to certify medical devices for European market access, and as a founding member of IQNet, the world's largest certification network, which extends certificate recognition to over 150 countries. DQS delivers services through 80 offices in 60 countries, deploying 3,000+ auditors and maintaining 65,000+ certified sites worldwide. Customer-facing content is localized across 25+ languages. The US operations are anchored in Schaumburg, Illinois, and the broader organization maintains 1,001-5,000 employees globally. Ownership is private with no disclosed institutional or PE backing and no publicly reported funding events.

Name

DQS CFS

Legal name

DQS Holding GmbH

Website

https://dqs-cfs.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

DQS CFS is an independent global certification body providing management system certification and audit services across 200+ standards. It serves organizations in medical devices, automotive, food safety, information security, ESG, and other verticals through 80 offices in 60 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Certification, Audit and Compliance Services

NAICS

Testing Laboratories and Services (541380), Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (5416)

SIC

Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro primary industry

Accredited Certification Bodies (CBs) – ISO 22000/FSSC 22000/BRCGS/SQF (AFALACAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Supplier Approval & Second-Party Audit Programs (Retailer/Brand/Manufacturer) (AFALACAF), Pre-Assessment, Gap Assessment & Certification Readiness Services (AFALACAE), Auditor Qualification, Training & Competency Certification (Food Safety) (AFALACAD)

Keywords

• Management system certification
• Audit services
• ISO certification
• Compliance assessment
• Certification body

Headquarters

HQ city

Frankfort

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Certification Services: DQS generates revenue through certification and assessment services for management systems. Services include audits against recognized international standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, ISO 13485, IATF 16949, and over 200 other standards). Revenue is earned through audit fees, certification fees, and related assessment services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

DQS CFS is an independent certification body providing third-party audit and certification of management systems against internationally recognized standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, ISO 13485, IATF 16949, FSSC 22000, EU MDR 2017/745, and over 200 other standards. Services span quality management, medical devices, information security, automotive, food safety, sustainability/ESG, transport/logistics, education, and occupational health and safety, delivered through a global network of more than 3,000 auditors across 80 offices in 60 countries. The company also operates the DQS Academy for training and a My DQS customer portal for managing certification engagements.

Product overview

DQS CFS operates as an independent certification body providing a comprehensive portfolio of certification, audit, and assessment services across multiple industries. The service offering is organized as a unified platform of professional certification solutions rather than a software product. The core portfolio includes over 200 recognized certification standards organized by industry verticals: Quality Management (ISO 9001, Process Audits, Tailor-Made Audits), Medical Devices (ISO 13485, EU MDR 2017/745, MDSAP), Information Security (ISO 27001, ISO/IEC 42001), Environmental Management (ISO 14001), Sustainability & ESG (ESG Audits, ISO 45001), Food Safety (FSSC 22000, IFS HPC, IFS Logistics, IFS Broker), Automotive (IATF 16949, RSCI, ISO 21434, TISAX, VDA 6.2, VCS), Transport & Logistics (TAPA), Education (ISO 21001), Second Party Audits (Social Audits, Store Checks, QPS5), and Occupational Health and Safety (SCC/SCP). Supporting the certification services, DQS provides complementary training through DQS Academy offering courses and webinars, and maintains a customer portal (My DQS) and audit management system. The company leverages its global network of over 3,000 auditors across 80 offices in 60 countries to deliver consistent, expert-level assessments to more than 65,000 certified sites worldwide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• DQS Academy: Training and courses for certification preparation and professional development
• IQNet

Products and services

• ISO 9001 Certification Quality management system certification for continuous improvement, helping organizations demonstrate reliable operations in line with international expectations. For organizations seeking recognized quality management certification.
• ISO 14001 Certification Environmental management system certification for organizations promoting sustainable operational environmental protection. For organizations addressing environmental management requirements.
• ISO 27001 Certification Information security management system certification for high protection of organizational data. For organizations requiring information security management certification.
• ISO/IEC 42001 Certification Artificial intelligence management system certification for organizations developing, providing, or using AI-based products or services. For organizations seeking AI governance certification.
• ISO 13485 Certification Quality management system certification specifically designed for medical device manufacturers. For medical device manufacturers requiring quality system certification.
• EU MDR 2017/745 Certification Certification for medical devices under the European Union Medical Device Regulation, conducted by DQS as a designated Notified Body. For medical device manufacturers seeking market access for the European Union.
• MDSAP Medical Device Single Audit Program Comprehensive audit program allowing medical device manufacturers to obtain a single audit that satisfies requirements across multiple regulatory markets. For medical device manufacturers targeting multiple jurisdictions.
• IATF 16949 Certification Quality management system certification for the automotive industry, focusing on defect prevention and reduction of variation and waste in the supply chain. For automotive suppliers and manufacturers.
• TISAX Assessment Information security assessment for the automotive industry, enabling trusted exchange of sensitive information within the automotive sector. For automotive suppliers and OEMs.
• ISO 21434 Certification Road vehicle cybersecurity engineering certification for the automotive industry to ensure cybersecurity throughout the vehicle lifecycle. For automotive manufacturers and suppliers.
• VDA 6.2 Certification Verband der Automobilindustrie certification for quality management in automotive services including sales and spare parts. For automotive services organizations.
• VCS Vehicle Cyber Security Certification Vehicle Cyber Security certification for the automotive industry ensuring protection against cyber threats in vehicles. For automotive manufacturers and suppliers.
• RSCI Assessment Responsible Supply Chain Initiative assessment for evaluating social and environmental responsibility in supply chains. For organizations in automotive and related industries.
• FSSC 22000 Certification Food safety management system certification to prove high quality and safety of food and animal feed. For food and feed manufacturers and processors.
• IFS HPC Certification Certification for household and personal care products ensuring safety, quality, and compliance with consumer expectations. For household and personal care manufacturers.
• IFS Logistics Certification Certification for logistics and storage operations ensuring safety and quality in the food supply chain. For logistics and storage companies serving the food industry.
• IFS Broker Certification Certification for brokers and traders in the food supply chain, ensuring compliance with food safety standards. For brokers and traders in food supply.
• TAPA Certification Transported Asset Protection Association certification for security standards in transport and logistics operations. For transport and logistics companies.
• ESG Audits Environmental, Social, and Governance audits providing actionable insights and reduced risks for organizational sustainability. For organizations addressing sustainability and ESG reporting requirements.
• ISO 45001 Certification Occupational health and safety management system certification for preventing work-related injury and ill health. For organizations seeking OHS management certification.
• SCC Certification - SCP Certification Safety Certificate Contractor and Supplier Certification for occupational health and safety management in contractor and supplier operations. For contractors and suppliers.
• ISO 21001 Certification Educational organizations management system certification for improving quality and accessibility of educational services. For educational institutions and organizations.
• Process Audit Tailored audit services for evaluating and improving organizational processes and systems. For organizations seeking process-level quality assessments.
• Tailor-Made Audits Customized audit solutions designed to meet specific organizational requirements and industry needs. For organizations with unique or non-standard audit requirements.
• Mystery Audits Mystery shopping and evaluation services to assess customer experience, service quality, and compliance at retail locations. For retail, hospitality, and service organizations.
• Social Audits Second-party audits evaluating social compliance including labor rights, human rights, and workplace conditions. For organizations needing supplier compliance assessments.
• Store Checks Retail store evaluation services to assess compliance, customer service quality, and operational standards. For retail brands and franchise operators.
• DQS Academy - Trainings & Courses Professional training and educational courses to help organizations and individuals prepare for certification and develop expertise in quality, compliance, and management systems. For quality professionals, auditors, and certification candidates.

Segments10 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• IQNetcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDQS is a founding member of IQNet, the world's largest certification network. Through this partnership, DQS certificates are recognized in over 150 countries, providing global recognition for clients' certifications. IQNet enables consistent certification standards across international borders.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• DNV: Norway-based TIC provider with strong management system certification, maritime, energy, and food safety businesses. DNV competes with DQS in ISO certification and supply chain assurance, particularly for European enterprise clients.
• TÜV Rheinland: Major German-headquartered TIC provider with global operations offering ISO 9001/14001/27001 certification, medical device testing, automotive, and food safety audits. Competes head-to-head with DQS in regulated certification across multiple verticals.
• BSI (British Standards Institution): UK-based standards body and certification provider offering ISO 9001/14001/27001 and sector-specific certifications. Directly comparable to DQS in management system certification and training services, with similar Notified Body activity in regulated verticals.
• TÜV SÜD: One of the world's largest TIC (testing, inspection, certification) groups headquartered in Germany. TÜV SÜD offers overlapping ISO management system certification, EU MDR Notified Body services, automotive certifications (IATF 16949), and food safety (FSSC 22000) — directly comparable to DQS's portfolio and customer base.
• DEKRA: Germany-based TIC organization providing management system certification, automotive testing, and industrial inspection. Competes with DQS in automotive certifications (IATF 16949, ISO 21434) and broader ISO management systems.

Broad incumbents

• SGS: World's largest TIC company headquartered in Switzerland, offering inspection, verification, testing, and certification across virtually every industry DQS serves. Overlaps with DQS in management system certification, food safety (FSSC 22000), and supply chain audits, but at materially greater scale.
• UL (Underwriters Laboratories): US-based global safety science company offering testing, inspection, certification, and standards development. Overlaps with DQS in management system certification, cybersecurity standards, and supply chain assurance, but with a much larger product safety testing business.
• Bureau Veritas: Paris-based global TIC incumbent (Marine, Agri-Food, Industry, Construction, Certification). Bureau Veritas operates a certification vertical that overlaps with DQS's ISO and food/feed standards, but also serves much broader end-markets including commodities and marine.
• Intertek: UK-headquartered TIC group providing product testing, inspection, and certification across consumer goods, food, energy, and transportation. Overlaps with DQS in third-party management system certification and supply chain audits but operates at substantially larger scale.

Regional players

• Eurofins: Luxembourg-headquartered testing services group with strong food, environmental, and pharma testing businesses. While Eurofins is more focused on laboratory testing than certification, it overlaps with DQS in food safety assurance (FSSC 22000 ecosystem) and supply chain integrity services.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/dqscfs
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCDHwdxUvl2yhl13ilV-5XDA
• Facebookfacebook.com/DQSInc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dqsglobal

Compliance22 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about DQS CFS