Step by Step Guide to Get ISO Certificate in India
Nowadays, one word is heard a lot in the business world – ISO Certification. Many people are confused whether it is only for big companies. The reality is that small and medium companies, with the help of a trusted partner like Efiling Company, can also get ISO certificates and increase the credibility of their business. In simple words, ISO is a badge of quality which shows that your business follows proper standards.
1. Decide which ISO standard you want
First of all, you have to decide which ISO certificate you want.
Common standards:
ISO 9001 – Quality Management (most demanded)
ISO 27001 – Information Security (for IT companies)
ISO 14001 – Environmental Management
ISO 22000 – Food Safety
ISO 45001 – Health & Safety
Example: If you run a manufacturing business then ISO 9001 would be best. If you are in the food industry then ISO 22000 is a must.
2. Get approval from management and define scope
ISO certification is not a one day job. Management support is required for this. Define scope – i.e. for whom the certificate will be applied (only one branch or entire India operations?).
3. Do Gap Analysis
Now see how much of a gap is there between your current system and ISO requirements.
If you do not have proper SOPs, records and policies then they will have to be made.
Make a simple gap table: Current system vs Required system.
4. Prepare documentation
The main focus of ISO is documentation + implementation.
You will have to prepare:
Quality Policy / Environmental Policy
Procedures and SOPs
Records (training, complaints, maintenance, audits)
Tip: Keep the documentation practical. Making files just for “show” makes the auditor understand.
5. Implement and Train
After the paperwork, the real work begins – implementation. Train the staff and ensure that every process is being followed properly.
6. Internal Audit & Management Review
An internal audit has to be conducted before the external audit. This is like a mock test in which you have to find the weaknesses of your own system.
After that conduct a short management review meeting in which the entire system is shown to the management.
7: Choose an Accredited Certification Body
Important point: ISO does not issue certificates itself. Certificates are always issued by accredited certification bodies.
Accreditation Check: See if the body is NABCB (India) or IAF (International) accredited. Getting a certificate from a non-accredited body is almost useless.
Reputation & Industry Experience: Choose a body that understands your sector.
Cost & Timeline: Take multiple quotes, compare. Too-cheap deals can be suspicious.
8: The Audit Process
This process is a little serious – auditors will check whether your system follows the standard or not. Audit takes place in two stages:
Stage 1 Audit (Document Review):
The auditor will review your manuals, policies and procedures. If any gaps (non-conformities) are found, you will have to fix them.
Stage 2 Audit (On-Site Audit):
This is a detailed audit. The auditor will visit your office/factory (or do a remote audit), talk to employees, observe processes and check records.
9. Get Your Certificate & Maintain It!
If you successfully clear the Stage 2 audit and fix all the non-conformities, you get the ISO Certificate! Congratulations But the story does not end here.
The Certificate is valid for 3 years.
Every year a surveillance audit is conducted to check whether you are still following the standards.At the end of 3 years there is a recertification audit.
Common Mistakes That Should Be Avoided
Getting ISO just for paperwork – This is an ongoing system, not a one-time thing.
Not choosing an Accredited certification body – Cheap options are never accepted in the market.
Not training the staff – ISO cannot be sustained without the involvement of staff.
Getting an ISO certification is a bit of a process-oriented task, but not impossible at all. If you maintain a systematic approach and follow a little discipline, the process will become smooth. After getting the certificate, the credibility of your business, customer trust and tender eligibility all improve.
If you are seriously planning to get an ISO certification, choose a standard according to your industry and start the documentation today itself.
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