ISO 9001 is an international standard for quality management systems which helps businesses consistently meet customer expectations, improve processes, and demonstrate a commitment to quality, which promotes efficiency and competitiveness.
Persistent pressures from global competition demand continuous improvement of products, services, and business processes to remain competitive. With a rapidly changing global business landscape, ISO 9001 promotes the adoption of industry leading practices that help organizations thrive despite the changing needs and expectations of stakeholders. ISO 9001 provides the framework for a quality management system that helps businesses identify risks and opportunities, while taking action to address these risks and opportunities that are proportionate to their potential impact on products and services. This risk-based thinking approach assists organisations in improving customer satisfaction and becoming more efficient, while adapting and responding to changes and contingencies impacting their business operations.
The quality management systems standard is generic in nature and relevant for organisations of all sizes and sectors. It considers new workplace technologies and has an advanced focus on the quality of outputs to customers.
What is ISO 9001?
- Globally recognized Quality Management System standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
- Focus on risk-based thinking that helps identify opportunities in a structured manner.
- Based on the idea of continuous improvement.
- Places greater emphasis on leadership engagement.
- Effectively addresses supply chain management.
- Uses simplified language and writing styles to aid understanding and consistent interpretations of its requirements.
What are the benefits of ISO 9001 to my organisation?
- Provides a solid foundation to build an organisation able to withstand and adapt to the challenges of changing markets and customer needs over time
- Put your customers first to enhance their satisfaction by making sure you consistently meet their needs as well as relevant statutory and regulatory requirements related to products and services.
- Establish a framework for improved performance of the organisation by implementing systematic processes to prevent nonconformities
- Capability to implement the holistic approach of risk-based thinking in managing changing business environments.
- Global recognition
Partner with Intertek and gain the confidence of knowing you have a solid Quality Management System in place.
Where can I find more information on ISO 9001?
More information regarding the value of accredited certification can be found at anab.org and iaf.nu
Learn more about the expected outcomes of ISO 9001 from iaf.nu.
Access and purchase ISO 9001 standard in a format that suits your needs with IntertekInform.
For more information on the standard can be found on the website run by ISO/TC 176/SC 2, the group of experts behind the standard, visit committee.iso.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
ISO 9001 is a quality management system standard that is recognized globally and implemented by more than 1.2 million organizations. The standard is used by organizations in virtually every industry to help meet customer expectations, continually improve, and show a commitment to quality.
ISO 9001:2015 is the latest revision, published in September 2015, however, an amendment addressing climate action was added in 2024. Additionally, the ISO committee responsible for ISO 9001 has released a plan for a new version of the standard to be published in September 2026.
Some of the key benefits of ISO 9001 certification are processes and a culture that promotes operational efficiency, customer confidence, and risk mitigation. ISO 9001 is also a benchmark for quality management internationally, meaning that companies with ISO 9001 certification are in a better position to access new and expanding markets.
ISO 9001 certification can range in price significantly based on a variety of factors including the size of the organization, the number of locations that need to be audited, the complexity of operations, the industry and more. Likewise, the length of time may also vary based on several factors. If you would like a quote for ISO 9001 certification, contact us at business.assurance@intertek.com.
ISO 9001 is suitable for most organizations, but is particularly frequently used in manufacturing, the service industry, and the construction industry. ISO 9001 is also the baseline for industry standards with the IATF 16949 automotive industry standard and AS 9100 series aerospace industry standards building on top of the ISO 9001 standard with industry-specific, and in many cases, more stringent requirements. Additionally, the ISO 13485 medical devices industry standard and the ISO 22000 food safety management systems standard reference and build on the core concepts exhibited in ISO 9001.
There are seven Quality Management Principles (QMPs) put forth by ISO 9001: customer focus, leadership, engagement of people, process approach, improvement, evidence‑based decision making, and relationship management. ISO 9001 is constructed of 10 clauses with clauses 1-3 (scope, normative references, and terms and definitions) representing introductory and background information, and clauses 4–10 (context of the organization, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement) representing the core requirements of the standard.
Risk-based thinking is a systematic approach to considering risk in a quality management system. Core concepts of risk-based thinking are embedded throughout the ISO 9001 standard with an emphasis on identifying risks and opportunities, and mitigating risk. There is a multitude of methods used to assess risk including SWOT Analyses, Root Cause Analyses, Failure Modes and Effects Analyses, and more.
Generally, certificates are valid using a three-year cycle, with the certification body conducting certification or recertification audits in year one, and surveillance audits in years two and three. More information on the certification process can be found by reading Seven Steps to Certification.
ISO 9001 was published by the Internation Organization for Standardization. The standard document is available for purchase through Intertek Inform.
Related Articles
-
Seven Steps to Certification
-
9 Ways to Prepare for an Initial Certification Audit
-
Transfer Your Management Systems Certification
Related Industry Solutions
-
ISO 14001 - Environmental Management Systems
-
ISO 45001 - Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
-
ISO 27001 - Information Security Management Systems
-
ISO 22301 – Business Continuity Management
-
Umrah Travel Agency Safety Assurance
Related Links
Assurance in Action Podcast
Intertek Academy
Intertek Academy learning helps you understand, implement, and improve your business with management systems and compliance training.
Business Assurance Resources
Stay up to date on industry changes and updates to standards with our collection of complimentary on demand webinars, whitepapers, and more.
