ISO Certification Bodies

What is ISO?

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) was created in 1947 as an autonomous, non-governmental organization. ISO’s mission is to create and maintain international ISO standards that provide world-class specifications for goods, services, and safe working practices in order to encourage safe business practices. It develops and promotes a wide range of proprietary, industrial, and commercial guidelines. Despite the fact that ISO produces and publishes ISO standards, it does not grant certification. As a result, businesses seek ISO certification from third-party ISO certification bodies for the plethora of standards that are released.

ISO Certification Bodies

What are ISO Certification Bodies?

ISO certification bodies are impartial ISO standards organizations. ISO certification bodies operate as a third-party ISO certification body and provide ISO certification to businesses that comply with ISO standards. ISO certification is one of the most widely recognized forms of quality assurance, with around 1 billion ISO-certified products manufactured worldwide each year.

Purpose of ISO Certification Bodies

The ISO certification process is overseen by ISO certification bodies, that are impartial third parties. Businesses employ ISO certification bodies to acquire independent recognition. Independent recognition is becoming increasingly important in a worldwide economy when clients are unable to visit potential suppliers or service providers on the other side of the world. In the ISO certification process, ISO certification bodies must adhere to ISO’s principles for impartiality, non-discrimination, openness, and transparency.

What are Accredited ISO Certification Bodies?

Accreditation is the process through which an independent accreditation authority recognizes and approves a certification organization, ensuring that it functions in accordance with international standards. Non-accredited ISO certification bodies, as well as those that claim to be accredited but aren’t, may be exempt from regular performance, quality, or competence monitoring by a national accrediting body.

How Do You Choose Among ISO Certification Bodies?

Choosing the best among all of the ISO certification bodies is a difficult task for any individual or business. Before selecting an ISO certification authority, consider the following considerations:

  • Service Quality

It’s crucial to think about what ISO standards the ISO certifying body offers and how long they’ve been doing so. ISO certification bodies that offer a greater number of ISO standards and have done so for a long time are generally more respected and acknowledged than those that just offer a few ISO standards.

  • Price Structure

It’s necessary to think about the costs of ISO certification because they vary based on which ISO standard is being certified against. Some ISO certification bodies may also provide lower rates on ISO standards that are prerequisites for ISO standards that you need, so keep an eye out for these special offers.

  • Accreditation

You should be wary if anyone can provide you a piece of paper claiming to be ISO certified to any standard although no one is accredited (licensed) to do so. In that case, you should check to see if the certifying body has a well-known accreditation.

  • Flexibility

All ISO standards are not created equal. Some ISO standards are more complicated than others, and preparing for certification may take longer. As a result, you should select an ISO certification organization that is adaptable enough to meet your requirements.

  • Experience

ISO certification bodies and their personnel require extensive knowledge in executing ISO registration processes as ISO standards become increasingly in demand in the globalized workplace. As a result, determine whether the ISO certification authority employs skilled personnel.

  • Language

If you need a translator, ISO certification bodies should be able to help. The audit will go much more smoothly if the auditor speaks your language. He will be able to read your whole documentation much more quickly if there is no language barrier, and you will be able to build a stronger relationship with him.

Benefits of ISO Certification Bodies

Some of the benefits of hiring ISO certification bodies are as follows:

  • Provide you with third-party certification of ISO compliance.
  • Certification provides you a leg up on the competition when it comes to doing business globally.
  • Through an effective certification process, your organization can save time and money.
  • ISO certification bodies must have a solid understanding of your sector so that best practices may be identified.
  • It lowers the need to re-audit your company, which cuts down on paperwork and improves productivity.

Selecting ISO Certification Bodies: Some Pointers

Begin by considering what advantages the certification will bring to your business. After that, you may start putting up a list of criteria that are specific to your situation. Some companies, for example, select ISO certification bodies based on their reputation with potential clients, as well as their experience and skills. Others choose ISO certification bodies that are well-known in their target industries.

  • As soon as possible, start looking for ISO certification bodies. Near the end of the management system setup phase, the majority of companies begin picking ISO certification bodies. Begin by obtaining quotes from at least a few ISO certification bodies and inquire about the other services they may provide in addition to the certification audit. For example, they might be able to give you advice on the scope of your management system.
  • To find out which ISO certification bodies your primary clients or competitors use, ask them. These ISO certification bodies may have a better understanding of your sector and can provide valuable advice.
  • Examine the services that are included in the package. When comparing rates, be sure you’re comparing similar items, such as if trip expenditures or documentation review are included.
  • When interviewing ISO certification bodies, ask for their ISO auditing experience and ISO certification references. The ISO certification body should be able to present testimonials from both current and previous clients that attest to their expertise.
  • If you’re not sure who you want to hire, look online. The ISO website includes a list of all accredited ISO certification bodies. In addition, ISO certification bodies are required to disclose their ISO accreditation status on their websites, so make sure you check their credentials.

ISO Certification Bodies: The Bottom Line

ISO certification bodies have become more important than ever for businesses that want to expand globally. Contact the ISO certification bodies on your shortlist after performing preliminary research and seek a meeting to discuss your concerns and assess their potential as partners. Once you have chosen an ISO certification body, request a checklist from them so that you may start preparing for the ISO auditing process.

For more information about ISO certification bodies, please contact us at enquiry@iascertification.com