The difference between ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, and ISO 22000 (in the eyes of entrepreneurs)

The difference between ISO standards

If you are an entrepreneur, you have probably heard of the most popular ISO certifications: 9001, 14001, 45001, 27001 and 22000.

For many, however, the names are hard to remember and seem very technical. The reality is much simpler: each standard covers an essential area of ​​a company's activity.

Think of them as different parts of a system that make your company more organised, safer and more credible in the market.

Below you will find a brief and easy-to-understand explanation of each standard.

ISO 9001 – Quality and organisation in the company

In short, the standard that puts order in the company. It helps you with: clear procedures, responsibilities, reducing mistakes, and customer satisfaction.

It is chosen by companies that:

• want internal organisation,

• participate in tenders,

• want credibility with customers,

• have chaotic processes and a lot of "it goes on like this".

ISO 9001 is the basis. If you don't know where to start, start here.

ISO 14001 – Environmental protection and legal compliance

In short, shows that your company respects the environment and legislation.

It helps you with waste management, consumption, pollution, and environmental risks.

It is chosen by companies from:

• construction, production, transport,

• utilities, installations, public works,

• any company that wants to reduce risks or participate in tenders where it is mandatory.

It is the preferred standard by authorities in public procurement.

ISO 45001 – Occupational Health and Safety

In short, helps you protect your employees and avoid accidents. Helps you with: safety procedures, training, risk assessments, and emergencies.

Companies choose it from:

• construction, logistics, warehousing,

• industry, production, maintenance,

• any field where there are operational risks.

ISO 45001 is increasingly required in large construction contracts.

ISO 27001 – Data protection and information security

In short, protects your company and your customers' information. Helps you with: preventing unauthorised access, cyber attacks, data loss, and document control.

Companies choose it from:

• IT, software, cloud, telecom,

• medical, financial, legal,

• any company that manages sensitive data or works with large institutions/companies.

It is the standard that inspires confidence in companies that work with data.

ISO 22000 – Food Safety

In short, a standard for companies in the food industry. It helps you with contamination, traceability, hygiene, and food process control.

Who chose it:

• restaurants, catering, canteens,

• food warehouses, manufacturers, distributors,

• food stores, transporters.

In many food tenders (schools, hospitals), ISO 22000 is mandatory.

In short, the differences between ISO standards:

Standard	What it covers	In short, for entrepreneurs
ISO 9001	Quality and organisation	"Order in the company, satisfied customers"
ISO 14001	Environment and pollution	"We work cleanly and comply with the law"
ISO 45001	Employee health and safety	"We avoid accidents, we protect people"
ISO 27001	Information security	"We protect data and prevent attacks"
ISO 22000	Food safety	"Safe products, total control over the food chain"

Which one is right for your company?

• if you want organisation → ISO 9001

• if you participate in tenders → ISO 9001 + ISO 14001 + ISO 45001

• if you work with data → ISO 27001

• if you work with food → ISO 22000

Conclusion

Each ISO standard has a different role, but they all have the same goal: to make your company safer, more organised and more credible.

If you want the perfect recommendation for your field, you can tell us what your company does, and we will propose the optimal combination.

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