ISO certification is known all over the world as a top standard for quality. Being ISO-certified gives businesses in all sectors, including manufacturing, IT, healthcare and education, trust from customers and the ability to compete in overseas markets. Many times, there’s a question about who can run the process of issuing an ISO certification in India. This blog looks at the regulations, procedures and educational documents needed for ISO certificates in India and the results for businesses.
What is Meant by ISO Certification?
Quality, safety, efficiency and system management standards worldwide are developed and published by the non-governmental International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It is not involved in giving out certificates. Third-party organizations with accreditation for auditing give out the certifications after making sure the company meets ISO standards.
Popular ISO certifications in India include:
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management System
- ISO 14001 – Environmental Management
- ISO 27001 – Information Security
- ISO 22000 – Food Safety Management
- ISO 45001 – Occupational Health & Safety
Who Can Issue ISO Certification in India?
In India, Certification Bodies (CBs) issued by accredited national or international accreditation bodies are the only ones that can provide ISO certificates. It is the responsibility of these Certification Bodies to look over the systems and processes of an organization using certain ISO standards.
Roles Played by Accreditation Bodies
These organizations are given the responsibility to assess and give accreditation to Certification Bodies. The most famous accreditation authority in India is:
1. National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies or NABCB
NABCB which is a part of QCI and is covered by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is in charge of accrediting ISO Certification Bodies that operate in India. It makes sure that the organizations involved in approving certificates are qualified and obey international rules.
2. International Accreditation Bodies Include
- United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)
- ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB)
- International Accreditation Forum (IAF) members
Certification Bodies operating in India may be accredited by NABCB or any recognized member of the IAF (International Accreditation Forum) to ensure global acceptance.
Certification Bodies Operating in India
Here are some of the major Certification Bodies in India that issue ISO certificates:
- TÜV SÜD South Asia
- BSI Group India
- Intertek India Pvt. Ltd.
- Bureau Veritas Certification India
- TÜV Rheinland India
- SGS India Pvt. Ltd.
- IRCLASS Systems and Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (IRS)
- URS Certification Ltd.
These bodies conduct audits, verify documentation, and assess conformity before issuing ISO certificates. Always ensure that the CB is accredited by NABCB or another valid IAF-recognized body.
ISO Certification Process in India
ISO registration process usually includes the following processes.
- Picking the Right ISO Standard: Depending on your company’s type and what you hope to achieve, use the ISO standard that fits your workflow.
- Gap Analysis and Internal Audit: Your organization could conduct a gap analysis and put together suitable documents and procedures to fit the requirements of ISO.
- Launching the certification process with a Certification Body: You can apply for a certificate from an accredited CB once you have chosen it. In the course of its supervision, the CB conducts a review of documents and schedules inspections on-site.
- Stage 1 and Stage 2 Audits: The initial step looks at documents to check their quality. In stage 2, the auditors inspect the company’s facilities to see if it follows the guidelines set by the ISO.
- Getting the ISO Certificate: When the organization meets the requirements, the Certification Body provides the ISO certificate, which is normally valid for three years and reviewed by surveillance audits.
Why is it Important to be Accredited?
A certificate from ISO is only valid if it has been given by an accredited certification body. When a certificate is not accredited, it might not be considered in other countries, during tenders, reports or audits in the industry.
Some important benefits of choosing an accredited certification body:
- Acclaim for the ISO certificate at the international level
- Better public image and people’s trust
- Following the rules set by the industry and law
- Being able to apply for government contracts and tenders
- The efficiency of an organization goes up when valid audits are performed.
Non-genuine ISO Certifications Cause Concern
You should be careful, since there are many fake or unaccredited certification providers who may give you a fast certification without checking everything. They are not proper and might affect your business’s reputation for the worse.
How to verify a certification body:
- Look for the CB on NABCB’s listing database.
- Check if IAF or a similar recognized body provides the accreditation mark
- Check the certificate number on the website for the organization that gave the certification
- Obtain the accreditation certificate from them ahead of starting the procedure
Cost of ISO Certification in India
The price of getting ISO certified depends on a number of things:
- The number of employees and the reach of your organization
- Type of ISO standard being applied for
- The number of places of business and how they are run
- Accreditation status of the certification body
- Most of the time, the fee for certification in India is between ₹25,000 and ₹1,50,000, based on how complex and wide the project is.
Who Should Apply for ISO Certification?
ISO certification is helpful for any type of organization.
- Companies that make goods
- There are also companies that specialize in technology and software.
- Educational establishments
- Hospitals and the people who offer healthcare
- Such organizations include NGOs and government departments.
- People in export and import businesses
When a company has an ISO certification, it increases its chances in the market, pleases its customers, optimizes its processes and gains market credibility.
Conclusion
ISO certificates are only granted by Certification Bodies that are approved by the government in India. Although ISO does not offer certification, it establishes what CBs should follow. To ensure your ISO certificate is valid and has status anywhere globally, ask an NABCB-accredited organization or a member of the IAF.
Always refuse to get certificates if they follow unethical methods. Invest your efforts in an ISO certification that is trusted and will help your company in the long run. Having an ISO certification can help any business, regardless of its size or history, achieve growth, follow the rules, and stay competitive worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Would ISO be authorized to give out certifications by itself?
That idea is incorrect. Creating standards is the main concern of ISO. It is the Accredited Certification Bodies that give out certificates, not the ISO.
2. How can I ensure that my ISO has not expired?
You can either check on the certification body’s website or verify that it is recognized by NABCB or forms part of the IAF group.
3. Is it the case that every business in India must have an ISO certification?
ISO accreditation is not necessary by law; nevertheless, it is generally necessary for tenders, exports and any organization focused on quality.
4. How long is an ISO certificate valid for?
ISO certification remains valid for three years, yet every company must pass an annual check-up.
5. Is it possible for a small business to earn ISO certification?
Yes, micro and small companies are also able to get ISO certification. It improves how efficiently the company operates, gives the brand an advantage and creates more trust among people.
