International Standard Organization (ISO) certification is an internationally recognized standard for quality and efficiency. Businesses that are ISO certified showcase commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, allowing them to achieve a competitive edge and credibility. But how can you become ISO certified organisation? Here’s everything you need to know about the ISO certification in India.
What is ISO Certification?
ISO certification is the registration with an external certification body that ensures that the applicant is compliant with the standards set by the International Standard Organisation (ISO). ISO is an international organisation that develops global standards, addresses issues and promotes technological advancements. The ISO registration process involves an extensive assessment of the organisation to determine whether it meets the ISO standard requirements or not. This involves a review of the organization’s procedures, systems and operations to ensure that they comply with the ISO requirements.
Benefits of ISO Registration
Here’s how the ISO certification benefits businesses in India:
- Improved Quality: Organizations registered with ISO demonstrate commitment to high-quality goods and services. Organizations should strive to obtain ISO registration in India to try to improve their quality to meet the ISO standards thus, improving the overall quality.
- Enhanced Credibility: ISO is a globally recognized standard for quality and effectiveness. Thus, businesses having ISO certificates hold the credibility that helps them gain recognition from all the stakeholders.
- Improved Reputation: Businesses having ISO certification have improved reputations than non-ISO-certified entities. ISO certification helps gain and improve customer trust, leading to faster conversion and higher retention.
- Enhanced Risk Management: ISO-certified organisations are very conscious of the quality of goods and services they provide. Thus, they are at the helm of risk management to mitigate any risk that can hamper their quality, standards, operations and consumer trust.
- Access to New Market: Entering into new markets is often challenging for most businesses and winning customer trust and fighting competition can be an uphill task. In such cases, having ISO registration can help give you an edge while entering into new markets and winning customer trust.
- Cost Savings: The ISO registration process requires you to improve your standards and efficiency. This also allows you to channelize significant cost savings, especially in the long run.
Different Types of ISO Certification
There are multiple different types of ISO certifications you can apply for across different industries and areas. These certifications include the following:
- ISO 9001:2015 - Quality Management Systems
- ISO 45001:2018 - Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
- ISO 14001:2015 - Environmental Management Systems
- ISO/IEC 27001:2013 - Information Security Management Systems
- OHSAS 18001:2007 - Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
- ISO 22000:2018 - Food Safety Management Systems
- ISO 50001:2018 - Energy Management Systems
- ISO 55001:2014 - Asset Management
- ISO 26000:2010 - Social Responsibility
- ISO 37001:2016 - Anti-bribery Management Systems
- ISO 31000:2018 - Risk Management
- ISO 28000:2007 - Security Management
- ISO 10002:2018 - Compliant Management System
- ISO 13485:2016 - Medical Devices
- ISO 20121:2012 - Sustainable Events
- ISO 639:2002 - Language Codes
- ISO/IEC 17025:2017 - Testing and Calibration Laboratories
- ISO 3166:2013 - Country Codes
- ISO 4217:2015 - Currency Codes
- ISO 8601:2019 - Date and Time Format
What are the Requirements for ISO Certifications in India?
Here are some of the requirements you need to fulfil to apply for ISO certification in India:
- Executing a Quality Management System (QMS) that helps satisfy the needs of the applicable ISO standard
- Documenting the procedures and processes relating to the QMS
- Ensuring compliance with the applicable laws and regulations
- Spreading awareness amongst the employees relating to QMS and ensuring that they fulfil their responsibilities
- Developing and maintaining a management system that focuses on the continual improvement
- Identifying non-compliance and taking appropriate measures to correct them
- Periodically measuring the effectiveness of the QMS through management reviews and internal audits
- Maintaining all the records and documents relating to the QMS
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ISO Registration Process
If you are wondering how to get ISO Certification in India or how to get company ISO certified, then here is the detailed process. Once you satisfy the ISO certification eligibility, you can proceed with applying for ISO registration.
- Type of Certification: Initially, you need to determine the type of ISO certification as per your business needs.
- Certification Body: After finalizing the type of certification, you need to select the Certification Body to issue the ISO certification. The body should be accredited and authorized by the National Association Board for Certification Bodies.
- Gather Documentation: You need to gather all the important documentation for obtaining ISO certification. This includes procedure and work instructions, quality manuals etc. The documentation showcases that your business is compliant with the ISO standards and requirements.
- Implementation of the Quality Management Systems (QMS): The organisation needs to implement the Quality Management System and continue to maintain it as per the required standards. This basically includes identifying and managing risks, documenting and controlling the procedures and performance of the internal audits.
Stage 1 audit involves a review of documentation to ensure that the QMS documentation aligns with the ISO standard requirements. Stage 2 is basically a site audit that ensures that the QMS is being implemented and maintained as per the standard requirements. This involves observation, interviews with key personnel and perusal of the records. - Certification: Based on the results of Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits, the Certification Body will decide on the approval or rejection of ISO certification. ISO certificate will be issued if the QMS satisfies the standard requirements.
- Periodical Review: Once the certification is granted, the CB will conduct a periodical review and surveillance audits to ensure that the QMS continues to meet the ISO standard requirements.
- Recertification Audit: After 3 years, a re-certification audit shall be undertaken to re-certify the QMS.
In a Nutshell
ISO certification in India can boost the credibility of your business and help you win customer trust faster. However, it is important to meet the ISO certification criteria and standards to obtain the certificate without going through much hassle. Having experts to deal with and liaison with the authorities is important to navigate any complexity that may arise. In case you also wish to apply for ISO certification in India, feel free to contact Exim Advisory.