How to Get ISO Certification in India
Becoming ISO certified in India is a significant milestone for any organization. It reflects a structured approach to quality, safety, compliance, and continual improvement, while also supporting credibility with customers, regulators, and business partners. For many Indian organizations—especially MSMEs, suppliers to PSUs, and companies participating in government tenders—understanding how to get ISO certification in India is essential not only for compliance, but also for business growth and market access. This guide explains the ISO certification process in India in a clear, authoritative manner, aligned with internationally accepted certification practices.
How to Get ISO Certification in India: What ISO Certification Really Means
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental international organization that develops international standards. ISO itself does not issue certificates. ISO certification in India is granted by independent, third-party certification bodies that assess whether an organization’s management system complies with the requirements of a specific ISO standard. When an organization is ISO certified, it demonstrates that its processes, controls, and management practices conform to internationally recognized standards and are subject to ongoing independent verification.
Why ISO Certification Is Important in the Indian Business Environment
In India, ISO certification is closely linked to business credibility, compliance, and market access. It is widely required or preferred for:
- Government tenders and GeM portal registrations
- Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and EPC contractors
- Large corporate and multinational vendor approvals
- MSME growth, export readiness, and institutional credibility
- Regulatory confidence and risk management
Many Indian tender documents explicitly require ISO certification (such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or ISO 45001) as a mandatory or qualifying condition, especially for infrastructure, manufacturing, service contracts, and supply chain participation.
Which ISO Certification Is Applicable in India?
Before starting the certification process, organizations must identify the correct ISO standard based on their activities and obligations. Commonly used ISO certifications in India include:
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems (widely required for MSMEs and tenders)
- ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Systems (often required by PSUs and infrastructure projects)
- ISO 45001 – Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems (mandatory in many high-risk industries)
- ISO 27001 – Information Security Management Systems (IT, fintech, data-driven organizations)
- ISO 22000 – Food Safety Management Systems
- ISO 22301 – Business Continuity Management Systems
- ISO 37001 – Anti-Bribery Management Systems
Many Indian organizations implement multiple standards through an integrated management system to meet diverse customer and regulatory requirements.
How to Get ISO Certification in India: Step-by-Step Process
Understanding the correct process is essential for obtaining a valid and accepted ISO certificate.
1. Establish the Management System: The organization must first establish a management system that meets the requirements of the selected ISO standard. This includes defining scope, policies, objectives, roles, responsibilities, and controls relevant to actual business operations. The system must be implemented and operational—not merely documented.
2. Maintain Documented Information and Records: ISO standards require organizations to maintain documented information that supports effective implementation. This may include policies, objectives, risk assessments, compliance evaluations, training records, and performance monitoring data. For organizations targeting tenders or PSU contracts, documentation must clearly reflect real processes and applicable scope.
3. Conduct Internal Audit and Management Review: Before applying for certification, the organization must demonstrate internal governance by:
- Conducting internal audits to verify conformity
- Performing a management review to assess performance, risks, and improvement actions
These are mandatory requirements and are closely examined during certification audits.
4. Select an Accredited Certification Body in India: A critical step in how to get ISO certification in India is choosing a properly accredited certification body.Organizations should ensure that the certification body:
- Is accredited by a recognized accreditation body
- Operates in accordance with ISO/IEC 17021-1
- Uses competent auditors with relevant sector experience
Issues certificates accepted by government bodies, PSUs, and large corporates Certificates from non-accredited or unreliable providers are often rejected in tender evaluations.
5. Stage 1 Audit – Readiness Review: The certification process begins with a Stage 1 audit, which reviews documented information, confirms scope, and evaluates readiness for the main certification audit. Any significant gaps must be addressed before proceeding further.
6. Stage 2 Audit – Certification Audit: The Stage 2 audit evaluates implementation and effectiveness of the management system. Auditors assess operational controls, compliance obligations, achievement of objectives, and evidence of monitoring and continual improvement. Nonconformities, if identified, must be corrected through appropriate corrective actions.
7. Certification Decision and Certificate Issuance: After corrective actions are verified, an independent certification decision is made. If conformity is confirmed, the ISO certificate is issued with a defined scope and validity period (typically three years), subject to surveillance audits.
ISO Certification for MSMEs in India
For Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), ISO certification plays a significant role in business growth and credibility. Many MSMEs pursue ISO certification to:
- Qualify for government and PSU tenders
- Improve internal efficiency and consistency
- Enhance trust with customers and financial institutions
- Strengthen export readiness and supply-chain participation
ISO certification also supports MSMEs in demonstrating structured management practices during inspections, audits, and vendor evaluations.
ISO Certification Requirements for Tenders and PSUs in India
Government departments and PSUs often specify ISO certification as part of eligibility or technical qualification criteria. Common requirements include:
- ISO 9001 for quality assurance
- ISO 14001 for environmental compliance
- ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety
In such cases, certificates must be issued by properly accredited certification bodies and should clearly define the scope relevant to the tendered activity. Failure to meet accreditation or scope requirements can lead to disqualification, even if a certificate is held.
How Long Does It Take to Get ISO Certification in India?
The timeline varies based on organization size, complexity, number of sites, and readiness. Smaller organizations may complete certification within a few weeks, while larger or multi-site organizations may require several months.
Cost of ISO Certification in India
There is no fixed cost for ISO certification. Costs depend on audit duration, organization size, scope, and accreditation requirements. Reputable certification bodies calculate fees transparently based on international audit-time rules.
Common Risks When Getting ISO Certification in India
Organizations should be cautious of:
- Non-accredited or misleading certification providers
- “Instant ISO certificates” without audits
- Certificates not accepted in government or PSU tenders
- Lack of surveillance audits after certification
Such practices can lead to rejection, loss of credibility, or certification withdrawal.