API SPEC Q1-2013

This specification establishes the minimum quality management system requirements for organizations that manufacture products or provide manufacturing-related processes under a product specification for use in the petroleum and natural gas industry.

This specification specifies the requirements of a quality management system for an organization to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide reliable products and manufacturing-related processes that meet customer and legal requirements.

If an organization performs activities addressed by this specification, no claims to exclusion of those activities are permitted. Where any requirement of this specification cannot be applied due to the nature of an organization, the requirement can be considered for exclusion. Where exclusions are made, the basis for claiming exclusions is to be identified. Furthermore, such exclusions cannot affect the organization's ability, or responsibility, to provide products and related servicing that meet customer and applicable regulatory requirements. Exclusions are limited to the following sections:

• 5.4, Design and Development;
• 5.7.1.2, Servicing;
• 5.7.1.5, Validation of Processes for Production and Servicing;
• 5.7.5, Customer-supplied Property;
• 5.8, Control of Testing, Measuring, and Monitoring Equipment.

The quality management system requirements specified in this specification are in alignment with the section requirements and format of document used for the provision of services and use of service- related product (API Q2). Information marked “NOTE” are not requirements but are provided for guidance in understanding or clarifying the associated requirement.