If you are planning to enter the business market, you must learn about ISO and its certification standards. This is because ISO is considered a mandatory certification under the law for businesses in certain industries. So what is ISO? And what are the ISO standards? Let’s find out in the following article.
Introduction to the ISO organization
ISO is the short name for the International Organization for Standardization. As its name suggests, ISO was founded in 1947 with the aim of establishing international standards for trade and industry for global use. ISO’s headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland, with 164 member countries, including Vietnam.
It can be said that ISO and its standards have contributed to promoting global economic development. This non-profit organization facilitates the exchange of goods and services internationally while ensuring safety for consumers.
ISO Standards
The main task of ISO is to research, develop, and publish standards applicable to businesses worldwide. Due to the convenience of ISO standards in international transactions, people have begun to use them for almost all organizations, services, and industries. Currently, ISO has published over 22,000 quality standards, covering a wide range of products, services, technologies, environments, etc.
Of course, ISO standards vary depending on the specific characteristics of each industry. However, in general, they are internationally standardized rules to help businesses create products that meet consumer quality requirements. At the same time, they are also standards for industrial and commercial management to support sustainable operations, including both production and human resources management. Because there are many different sets of standards, businesses and organizations need to clearly identify the ISO standards that are appropriate for their field of certification.
Why is ISO certification necessary?
Compliance with legal regulations
ISO standards are not mandatory for most business sectors, but there are still some industries that are required to have this certification. In Vietnam, the mandatory industries include: construction material production, petroleum, plant protection production, fertilizer production, and finally, motor vehicle inspection centers.
Quality assurance
Since there are specific quality standards for approval, a product, service, or technology that successfully obtains ISO certification means that it fully meets international conditions and standards. ISO certification is like a seal of quality and health safety assurance.
Business opportunities
ISO certification is not only a guarantee of quality but also a tool to enhance the reputation of businesses and organizations. This is because ISO certification is becoming increasingly widespread worldwide. This brings prestige to any business or organization that achieves ISO certification, contributing to building the reputation that we often have to accumulate over a long period of time.
In addition, ISO certification is also highly sought after by large multinational companies, organizations, and government agencies. Therefore, ISO standard certification will help companies and organizations score higher in the eyes of government customers. And of course, it is even more effective if the company or organization intends to expand its business into other international markets.
Conclusion
Through the above article, we have gained a basic understanding of the ISO organization, ISO certification, and the importance of this certification for a business or organization. The benefits that ISO certification brings to businesses and organizations when entering the business market are immense. With its international influence, ISO also serves as a guarantee of quality and safety standards for consumers not only in Vietnam but also globally.