ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

The International Organization for Standardization, commonly known as ISO, is an independent, non-governmental international body that develops and publishes standards to ensure quality, safety, efficiency, and consistency in various industries. Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, ISO has become one of the most influential organizations in the global economy, fostering trust in international trade and innovation.

ISO was established with the mission of creating standardized protocols that facilitate global cooperation and interoperability. Its name, derived from the Greek word "isos," meaning "equal," reflects its goal of unifying standards across borders. Today, ISO works with 168 national standard bodies, making it a truly global organization.

The organization’s primary aim is to provide frameworks that ensure products, services, and systems are reliable and meet universal benchmarks for quality. These standards make international trade smoother, support innovation, protect consumer rights, and promote sustainable development.

Types of ISO Certification

The list of types of ISO certification available in India is the same as the global list of ISO certifications. Here are the types of ISO certifications available in India:

• Quality Management Systems (QMS): ISO 9001:2015 - Quality Management Systems
• Environmental Management Systems (EMS): ISO 14001:2015 - Environmental Management Systems
• Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS): ISO 45001:2018 - Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
• OHSAS 18001:2007: Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
• Information Security Management Systems (ISMS): ISO/IEC 27001:2013 - Information Security Management Systems
• Energy Management Systems (EnMS): ISO 50001:2018 - Energy Management Systems
• Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS): ISO 22000:2018 - Food Safety Management Systems
• Social Responsibility: ISO 26000:2010 - Social Responsibility
• Asset Management: ISO 55001:2014 - Asset Management
• Risk Management: ISO 31000:2018 - Risk Management
• Anti-bribery Management Systems: ISO 37001:2016 - Anti-bribery Management Systems
• Compliant Management System: ISO 10002:2018 - Compliant Management System
• Security Management: ISO 28000:2007 - Security Management
• Sustainable Events: ISO 20121:2012 - Sustainable Events
• Medical Devices: ISO 13485:2016 - Medical Devices
• Testing and Calibration Laboratories: ISO/IEC 17025:2017 - Testing and Calibration Laboratories
• Language Codes: ISO 639:2002 - Language Codes
• Currency Codes: ISO 4217:2015 - Currency Codes
• Country Codes: ISO 3166:2013 - Country Codes
• Date and Time Format: ISO 8601:2019 - Date and Time Format

Note that some of these certifications have been updated over time, and the year of the latest version is mentioned alongside the certification name.

ISO Certification Requirements

The ISO certification requirements vary depending on the specific ISO standard, but generally, they include the following:

• Implementing a quality management system (QMS) that addresses the needs of the applicable ISO standard
• Documenting processes and procedures related to the QMS.
• Establishing and maintaining a management system that is focused on continual improvement.
• Ensuring that employees are trained on the QMS and are aware of their responsibilities.
• Demonstrating compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
• Monitoring and measuring the effectiveness of the QMS through internal audits and management reviews.
• Identifying and addressing non-conformities and taking corrective and preventive actions