Who issues ISO certification?

ISO certification is not issued directly by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) itself. Instead, it is issued by accredited third-party certification bodies that are authorized to assess whether an organization meets the requirements of a particular ISO standard. Here’s how the process works:

Key Players in ISO Certification

  1. Certification Bodies (CBs)
    • Certification bodies are independent organizations that conduct the audits and assessments required for ISO certification. They verify that a company’s management systems, processes, and documentation meet the ISO standard’s requirements.
    • After successful completion of the audit process, the certification body issues the official ISO certificate.
    • Examples of well-known certification bodies include:
      • ASA
  2. Accreditation Bodies
    • Certification bodies themselves need to be accredited by an accreditation body, which ensures they have the necessary competence, integrity, and impartiality to perform ISO certification audits.
    • Accreditation bodies operate on a national or international level, ensuring that certification bodies follow consistent and reliable processes.
    • Examples of accreditation bodies:
      • Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) (Singapore)
      • UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service)
  3. International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
    • ISO itself develops and publishes the standards but does not perform certification or accreditation. ISO standards provide the framework and guidelines for certification bodies to assess compliance, but it is the certification bodies that issue the certificates.

How to Choose a Certification Body

When selecting a certification body, it’s essential to ensure that:

  • The certification body is accredited by a recognized accreditation body (like SAC in Singapore or UKAS).
  • The certification body has expertise in your specific industry or the relevant ISO standard (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 27001, etc.).
  • The certification body is recognized and trusted in the markets where you operate or plan to expand.

To inquire about the certification and obtain a personalized quote, you can contact Advanced System Assurance Pte Ltd at:

  • Address: Unit 09-23, 81 UB One, Ubi Avenue 4, Singapore 408830
  • Phone: +65 6444 1218
  • Email: enquiry@asasg.com