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What ISO Certifications Should You Look for When Assessing Suppliers?

  • Writer: AKRUP
    AKRUP
  • Jun 24
  • 3 min read

When choosing a supplier, price and delivery times are no longer the only considerations. In today’s competitive and risk-conscious environment, supplier selection is also about trust, transparency, and assurance. One of the clearest indicators that a supplier takes its responsibilities seriously—whether in quality, security, environment, or ethics—is whether it holds relevant ISO certifications.

Here are the key ISO standards you should look for when evaluating suppliers and why they matter:


1. ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems (QMS)


Why it matters: ISO 9001 is the most widely adopted quality management standard in the world. It demonstrates that the supplier has a structured system in place to consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements.


What to look for: Valid certification, scope of certification (does it cover the services/products you’re buying?), and whether it's audited by an accredited body.


2. ISO 27001 – Information Security Management Systems (ISMS)


Why it matters: If your supplier handles sensitive data or connects to your systems, information security is non-negotiable. ISO 27001 ensures the supplier has identified, assessed, and managed data security risks.


Ideal for: IT service providers, cloud vendors, financial services, and any suppliers with access to your intellectual property or customer data.


3. ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Systems


Why it matters: Environmental responsibility is increasingly important in supply chain decision-making. ISO 14001 certifies that the supplier actively monitors and reduces its environmental impact.


Ideal for: Manufacturers, logistics companies, and suppliers in industries with significant environmental footprints.


4. ISO 45001 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems


Why it matters: 

This certification shows a commitment to employee well-being and safety. It reduces the risk of accidents, improves morale, and can enhance operational efficiency.


Ideal for: Suppliers in high-risk industries like construction, manufacturing, logistics, or warehousing.


5. ISO 22301 – Business Continuity Management


Why it matters: Can the supplier keep operating during a disruption? ISO 22301-certified suppliers have resilience strategies in place to reduce downtime in the event of cyberattacks, natural disasters, or supply shortages.


Ideal for: Critical suppliers that deliver core products or services to your operations.


6. ISO 37001 – Anti-Bribery Management Systems


Why it matters: Ethical sourcing is essential. ISO 37001 shows that a supplier has controls in place to prevent, detect, and respond to bribery and corruption.


Ideal for: Suppliers operating in regions or industries with heightened compliance or ethical risk.


7. ISO 50001 – Energy Management Systems


Why it matters: Rising energy costs and sustainability pressures make energy efficiency a key differentiator. This certification shows that a supplier actively monitors and improves its energy performance.


Ideal for: Energy-intensive industries or environmentally conscious partnerships.


Bonus: Industry-Specific Standards


  • IATF 16949: Automotive quality (ISO 9001-based)

  • ISO 13485: Medical device quality

  • TISAX: Automotive information security (based on ISO 27001)

  • ISO 42001: For AI management (emerging relevance in tech and data supply chains)


    Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Look at the Badge


    While certifications are a strong indicator of maturity and reliability, don’t stop at checking for a certificate. Ask for:

    • The scope of certification

    • The latest audit report

    • Who the certifying body is (ensure it's accredited)

    • Whether the supplier has had any non-conformities or corrective actions


    By incorporating ISO certifications into your supplier assessment process, you're not just ticking a compliance box—you’re building a more resilient, secure, and ethical supply chain.


    Need help building your own ISO-compliant management systems? Get in touch—we’ll guide you through any part of the process.


 
 
 

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