All quality system documents must be archived for:

The correct response is that quality system documents must be archived for a period established by policy. This is important because organizations have unique requirements and regulatory obligations that can influence how long they need to retain documentation. Each quality management system (QMS) should have policies that dictate retention periods, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and operational needs.

Establishing a clear policy allows organizations to align document retention with their specific industry standards, business objectives, and any relevant laws or regulations. This may also incorporate the need for traceability and accountability in quality processes, ensuring that information remains accessible for audits, reviews, or investigations as required.

Other potential timeframes such as a minimum of three years or the duration of a project may apply in certain contexts or industries but do not universally define the standard for all quality system documents. Therefore, relying on an established policy provides the needed flexibility and specificity for various situations within different organizations or sectors.