ISO certification

ISO certification or the International Organization for Standardization certificate refers to the approval of the ISO for manufacturing company that can provide high-quality goods and services.

Updated: December 7, 2024

ISO certification

ISO certification or the International Organization for Standardization certificate refers to the approval of the ISO for manufacturing company that can provide high-quality goods and services. The word ISO comes from the Greek word 'Isos' which means equal. The main goal of the ISO certification is to help companies become equal and standardized to provide high-quality services and standards.

This certificate is designed for manufacturers seeking to boost online sales as suppliers. While not mandatory for all industries, ISO certification ensures quality, consistency, and safety in products, services, and operations. It covers manufacturing processes, services, management systems, and documentation procedures. This seal of approval fosters trust between new customers and international manufacturers.

What is ISO certification?


The ISO certification is a certification of the ISO standard, which is a series of international standards. It is given by the International Organization of Standardization (ISO), which is an independent and non-governmental international group. It publishes international standards to support the manufacturing industry across the world. International experts always take the interest of every stakeholder into consideration while setting these standards. Sectors including environmental, quality management, health and safety, energy, food safety, and IT security, etc. are covered in this.

ISO sets the standards but does not handle the certification process itself. A company must find an external certification body to obtain ISO certification. Achieving ISO certification signals that your business is legitimate, reputable, and capable of meeting international standards, indicating its potential for development and growth. It is a crucial certification for manufacturing companies, assuring future customers of your reliability.

The key benefits of ISO certification include increased efficiency, employee engagement, reduced risks, enhanced customer satisfaction, and higher sales. Additionally, ISO certification can make international business insurance more affordable. To maintain certification, businesses must continue meeting international standards and deliver exceptional customer service.

ISO certification is not awarded to individuals or employees; it is granted only to businesses.


Different Types of ISO standards:


More than 23,499 international standards are developed by the ISO including, regulating business practices, manufacturing processes, and quality of goods and services. There are six ISO standards an international manufacturer should be aware of. These standards are developed to support international trade and to standardize the way orders are placed and services or goods are provided in the manufacturing industry, as well as prevent miscommunication and problems.

ISO 9000: Quality Management

Quality is essential for meeting customer expectations as a manufacturer. ISO 9000 standards focus on quality management, guiding businesses on how to meet or exceed customer requirements when they place an order. For example, ISO 9001 certification demonstrates that your business is customer-focused and committed to delivering consistent, high-quality products.

ISO 14000: Environmental Management

This standard provides the tools and guidelines businesses need to adopt environmentally responsible practices. ISO 14000 is increasingly important for attracting international customers, as many now prefer to work with eco-friendly manufacturers. Key factors include sourcing raw materials sustainably, using eco-friendly packaging, recycling, and improving energy efficiency.

ISO / IEC 27000: Information Security Management Systems

ISO / IEC 27000 standards are designed to protect businesses and customers from online threats. As cybercrime grows globally, these standards help safeguard intellectual property, confidential employee and customer data, and financial information, offering peace of mind to businesses and customers alike.

ISO / IEC 17025: Laboratory Risk Assessment

This standard encourages national and international collaboration among laboratories and organizations to improve the quality of manufactured goods, especially in sectors like cosmetics, medical products, and food and beverages. Sharing test reports, research, and lab results helps enhance product quality and innovation.

ISO 13485: Medical Equipment Standards & Safety

ISO 13485 sets high standards for medical equipment to ensure consumer safety. Medical devices used for diagnosis, disease prevention, and treatment must undergo rigorous testing. Manufacturers of medical devices and equipment must adhere to these standards to deliver accurate, reliable, and safe products.

ISO 45001: Occupational Health & Safety

ISO 45001 outlines the requirements for maintaining a safe workplace or factory environment. This standard is designed to reduce workplace accidents and ensure employee safety. It reassures customers that your business prioritizes the health and well-being of its workforce.


Importance and Benefits of getting ISO-Certification:


A wide range of benefits can be provided by having an ISO certification as a manufacturing company. These include:

  • Environmental performance of your supply chain can be improved.
  • You will become compliant with international regulations and legislation.
  • You can establish yourself as an eco-friendly, health and safety conscious and reputable manufacturer.
  • Workplace accidents, incidents, and errors can be reduced.
  • Excellent customer service can be provided and repeat customers can be generated.
  • Financial performance and risk management can be improved.
  • International standards of excellence and increase sales is possible to meet or exceed.

How to get ISO Certification:


You will need to find a third party who specializes in ISO training and ISO certification to get ISO certified as an ISO certificate is not provided by the International Organization of Standardization. You need to pay attention to few steps when choosing a certification body. These include:

  • You need to first select different certification bodies and evaluate them.
  • Ensure that the certification body you chose, uses and follows the CASCO standard you want.
  • Check if the certification body is accredited. Although, it is not necessary to get accreditation, but it could be a confirmation of the capacity and reputation of the certification body.

You will need to do the following once you have found the right third-party ISO certification provider 

  • The type of ISO certification you want need to be chosen.
  • An application or contract with the third-party provider need to be created.
  • The relevant documents should be provided for review.
  • Make an action plan and undergo an initial ISO certification audit.
  • Complete the ISO certification and have on-going surveillance audits.