Many buyers, especially larger companies and government tenders, ask suppliers for ISO certification. For a small business, it can feel like an expensive formality. Whether it is worth it depends on who you sell to and how you use it.
What ISO certification actually is
ISO publishes international standards. Certification means an independent certification body has audited your management system and found that it meets the standard. The most common are ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 14001 (environmental management) and ISO 27001 (information security).
When it makes sense
- Your customers or tenders require it
- You want consistent processes as the team grows
- You are entering export markets where buyers expect it
What the process involves
- 1Choose the right standard for your goals
- 2Document processes and put them into practice
- 3Run an internal review
- 4Undergo the certification audit
- 5Maintain the system through periodic surveillance audits
This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, limits and fees change — check the official portal or speak to us about your specific situation.