For those who import products for business, you might have come across ISO certification or seen it on some suppliers’ profiles. In today’s blog, we’ll break down what ISO certification means, its purpose, and other key details that are helpful for newcomers in international trade.
What is ISO certification?
Simply put, ISO certification is like an international “seal of approval” for a company’s products, services, or management systems. The standards are set by ISO (International Organization for Standardization), a globally recognized and authoritative non-governmental organization that creates standards.
ISO certification applies to all industries, not just manufacturing companies.
ISO standards cover almost every industry. For example, suppose a factory produces everyday consumer goods like leather wallets, Christmas trees, or T-shirts. In that case, ISO 9001 is a suitable certification to show that the factory follows proper production practices. Plus, ISO certification isn’t limited to manufacturers or factories; any organization, like service-based businesses, can get certified.
Note: ISO certification is not mandatory, but it’s globally recognized and trusted by consumers.
What are the 3 most common ISO certifications?
ISO 9001 certification
ISO 9001 is the most common international Quality Management System (QMS). For example, when sourcing backpacks from China, it’s a good idea to prioritize suppliers with ISO 9001 for further evaluation. These certified suppliers usually offer better product quality than small workshops without the certification.
Although ISO 9001 can apply to any industry, it’s especially common in specialized fields like injection molding, automotive parts involving CNC machining, and precision component manufacturing. Additionally, this certification is widely used by large companies like famous clothing brand Uniqlo to manage the quality of multiple suppliers, ensuring they meet international standards in both production and quality management.
The current standard is ISO 9001:2015, revised and released by the ISO in 2015.
ISO 14001 certification
ISO 14001 is for environmental management systems. This certification is specifically designed for the company’s production environment, waste management, and energy-saving practices. It ensures that the production process minimizes environmental impacts and meets international standards. ISO 14001 is commonly found in industries like textiles, chemicals, dyeing, and construction, where environmental pollution can be a concern.
The latest version of this standard is ISO 14001:2015, revised and released by the ISO in 2015. Although some time has passed, this version is still valid, with no official updates.
ISO 45001 certification
ISO 45001 is for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. It focuses on employee health and safety, showing that a company meets relevant standards in areas like employee welfare, protection, and safety measures. This certification is common in high-risk industries such as construction, manufacturing, and mining.
In practice, government procurement and major business brands often require ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certifications when auditing suppliers. Just like some of our clients engaging in government procurement projects, requiring our factories to have these 3 certifications.
List other 7 ISO certifications.
Beside the 3 mentioned above, there is actually a long list of ISO certifications, such as:
ISO 13485
It shows that a supplier meets international standards for medical device quality management. For example, the EU requires imported medical devices to be produced by manufacturers with ISO 13485 certification, issued by an EU-recognized certification body. The CE certificate for medical devices is built on the ISO 13485 quality system.
ISO 22716
This can be said an entry-level qualification for cosmetics manufacturers.
ISO 8124
Requirements for the mechanical and physical properties of toys to ensure they are safe for children to use. Not every country requires this certification, but in Australia and New Zealand, children’s toys must pass the AS/NZS ISO 8124 certification to be sold. This version of the ISO 8124 standard has been adjusted to fit the specific needs of both countries.
ISO 27001
An Information Security Management System certification that ensures an organization’s information assets are adequately protected.
ISO 22000
A Food Safety Management System certification, applicable to all companies in the food chain, from “farm to table.”
ISO 21469
Specifies hygiene requirements for lubricants that might come into contact with food during production and processing, ensuring they do not contaminate the food.
ISO 50001
An Energy Management System certification aimed at helping companies systematically optimize energy use, reduce costs, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. It’s commonly used in energy-intensive industries like manufacturing, petrochemicals, and transportation.
What to look out for with ISO certificates?
As a purchaser, you need to check a few key details on the supplier’s ISO certificate:
Is the certification body internationally recognized?
You can verify this by visiting the IAF (International Accreditation Forum) or ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation) websites. These 2 organizations provide lists of accredited certification bodies. If the 3rd-party certification body that issued the ISO certificate is listed there, it means their certificate is recognized internationally.
Or, you can visit the national accreditation body’s website. For example, to check Chinese suppliers, go to CNAS (China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment). For UK suppliers, visit UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service). Both CNAS and UKAS are members of IAF and ILAC, so their certifications align with international standards and are widely recognized.
Is the ISO certification still valid?
ISO certificates are typically valid for 3 years, though in some cases, they may last up to 5 years. After the initial audit, an annual review is required each year. If the supplier fails to get the annual report for ISO on time, the validity cannot be guaranteed.
Final thoughts
Nowadays, a lot of companies are ISO certified. While it costs a bit upfront, it’s worth it since it acts like a passport for products to enter the global market. As of February 2024, over 1M companies in China are ISO certified—44% with ISO 9001, 23% with ISO 14001, and 21% with ISO 45001.
However, just because a supplier has an ISO certificate doesn’t guarantee good quality. Many suppliers, big and small, get certified to boost their profile or meet client demands. It’s not that expensive either; small businesses can get ISO 9001 for just a few hundred dollars in China. Having this certification has almost become the norm.
So, It’s nice that your supplier has ISO certifications, but not a must unless your client specifically requires it or it’s for government procurement. What really matters is to audit suppliers and inspect product quality before shipping from China.
Chat with us if you need help with sourcing in China. We are JingSourcing, a leading sourcing company that has served over 4,000 happy clients worldwide, including government sourcing projects and major brands that require ISO certifications. Most importantly, we can help you find reliable Chinese suppliers at affordable prices and control your product quality.
