ISO Certificate

Objective of being ISO Certified

The primary objective of being ISO certified is to improve organizational performance by providing a structure for consistency with quality, and efficiency. The desired outcomes include:

·         Improve customer satisfaction by certifying that the product or service delivered is what was presented when the customer purchased it.

·         Greater efficiency by ensuring that ineffective methods and waste can be easily identified, and eliminated.

·         Increased marketability and competitiveness by being able to demonstrate compliance to a standard recognized internationally.

·         A continuous improvement culture is established that is sustained at all levels of the organization.

Benefits of ISO Certification

There are several benefits of being ISO certified:

·         Improved Quality: Organizations can achieve operational standards that improve their product or service quality through standardization of operational processes.

·         Increased Efficiency: A focus on streamlining operational processes leads to waste eliminations and cost savings.

·         Marketability: Qualifying as ISO can add market advantages.

·         Customer Confidence: Certification will increase customer’s confidence because it assures customers of a commitment to quality and reliability through a third party certifying organization. In simple words, Certification builds trust with customers, as it shows commitment to quality and reliability.

·         Regulatory Compliance: ISO frameworks can help organizations comply with the legal and technical requirements more effectively.

Applicable Fee for ISO Certification

The applicable fee for ISO certification in India varies depending on the certification body, the size of the organization, and the scope of certification. The fees typically include:

• Certification fees: These fees cover the cost of audit and certification.
• Surveillance audit fees: These fees cover the cost of regular audits to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Registration fees: These fees cover the cost of registering the organization on the certification body's database.

ISO Certification Processing Time

The ISO certification processing time in India typically takes 3-6 months, depending on the complexity of the organization and the scope of certification. The process involves:

• Pre-audit
• Stage 1 audit
• Stage 2 audit
• Certification

Types of ISO Certification

There are over 23,000 ISO standards, but some of the most popular ones include:

• ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System)
• ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System)
• ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System)
• ISO 27001:2018 (Information Security Management System)

ISO Certification Process in India

Step 1: Choose the Relevant ISO Standard

The first step involves selecting the appropriate ISO standard that aligns with the organization's goals. Common standards include:

• ISO 9001: Quality Management System
• ISO 14001: Environmental Management System
• ISO 27001: Information Security Management System
• ISO 45001: Occupational Health and Safety Management System
• ISO 22000: Food Safety Management System.

Step 2: Select an ISO Certification Body

Organizations must choose a credible ISO certification body (also known as an ISO registrar). It is essential to evaluate several certification bodies based on:

• Their accreditation status.
• Compliance with CASCO standards (the committee responsible for conformity assessment).
• Experience relevant to the industry.

Step 3: Application Submission

Once a certification body is selected, the organization submits an application form. This application outlines the rights and obligations of both parties and includes details about liability issues and confidentiality.

Step 4: Document Review

The chosen certification body conducts a review of all relevant documents, including quality manuals and existing policies. This review helps identify any gaps between current practices and ISO requirements.

Step 5: Pre-assessment Audit (Optional)

Some organizations may opt for a pre-assessment audit. This initial review identifies significant weaknesses or omissions in the Quality Management System (QMS), allowing organizations to correct deficiencies before the formal registration assessment.

Step 6: Prepare an Action Plan

After identifying gaps, organizations must prepare an action plan to address these issues. This plan should include specific tasks needed to meet ISO standards, which may involve employee training on new procedures.

Step 7: Onsite Inspection or Audit

The next step involves an onsite inspection by auditors from the certification body. During this audit, they assess whether changes have been implemented effectively and identify any non-conformity. Non-conformities are categorized into minor or major based on their severity.

Step 8: Final Audit

If all non-conformities are addressed satisfactorily, a final audit is conducted. The auditor verifies compliance with ISO standards during this stage. If successful, they prepare an audit report recommending certification.

Step 9: Granting of ISO Certificate

Upon successful completion of audits and resolution of any outstanding issues, the certification body grants the ISO certificate. This certificate signifies that the organization meets international standards for quality management or other specified areas.

Step 10: Surveillance Audits

Post-certification, organizations must undergo periodic surveillance audits to ensure ongoing compliance with ISO standards. These audits help maintain quality management systems over time and encourage continuous improvement within the organization.

In summary, obtaining ISO certification in India involves several steps that require careful planning and execution to ensure compliance with international standards.