Let’s Understand The Impact of ISO 9001 Standard On International Trade First
Nowadays, trading operations (Export and Import) are widespread and take place on a global scale. WTO Trade liberalization makes it possible for all nations to conduct business with one another, which can stimulate the global economy. Where the Impact of ISO 9001 Standard on Export and Import plays a significant role in facilitating International Trade (Import and Export) after the implementation of ISO 9001 Standard and further ISO 9001 Certification.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) aims to build a bridge between the public and private sectors and to reach an agreement on both corporate needs and more general societal requirements. Consequently, the introduction of ISO standards serves, in part, to facilitate and promote trade.
Among these are the ISO 9001 standard – Quality Management System Standard, which was developed with the goal of offering direction in the management of an organization’s activities so that goods are delivered that meet the needs and expectations of customers. Because holding an ISO 9001 certification from an accredited ISO Certification Body (i.e OSS Certification) will provide a company with a competitive edge over its rivals, it can be viewed as a “passport” to enter a new market. Although the ISO 9001 Certification standard has a large and beneficial effect on commerce in most nations and has varying effects between countries with varied economic statuses, the rise in trade flows is variable across economic levels.
Why do Export and Import Companies need ISO 9001 Certification?
An Export and Import company with ISO 9001 Certification, can improve overall organizational business management by adhering to the ISO 9001 standard requirements. which results in, decrease operational expenses, reduce information asymmetries, reduce unpredictability, labour cost, and production costs, and as a result, product prices results. which provides the opportunity for Export and Import Companies to offer the best comitative cost to the buyer with consistent quality products.
What is the other ISO Certification that can be required for Export and Import Company for certification?
The ISO Certification requirements for Export and Import Company depends on the products & services with which the company is dealing for trade. Where ISO 9001 Certification is a general requirement for ISO Certification for an Export and Import Company, but in addition to ISO 9001 Certification, the following ISO Standard can be adopted by the Company.
ISO 22000 Certification
When the Export or Import Company is involved in the Trade of Food products, Machinery & equipment used in Food /food products, packing material, raw food products, etc son on. In this case, the company is required to adopt ISO 22000 -Food Management System (FSMS) Implementation in the organization and ISO 22000 Certification from any reputed ISO certification Body (i.e OSS Certification). so that the ISO Certification for Food Safety can be verified globally .so that the customer crosses the border to verify the Certification and build the confidence of the Export or Import Company the all the necessary controls have been taken by the Company to meet the Food Safety requirement and product supply by the Company is safe for the consumer.
HACCP Certification
HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) – It is Food Safety Principals, as per FDA Food Safety guidelines. There are 07 HACCP principles, such as food Safety Guidelines, generally, the Export and Import organization involve in Food Product supply. Apply the HACCP principles for implementation in the organization for further enhancement of Food Safety. When the Export /Import Company invites the Third-Party Audit Agency (i.e OSS Certification) for verification of HACCP principles compliance implementation. Based on HACCP principles assessments and review of the effectiveness of Implementation of HACCP principles. The Certification Body award the compliance Certification of HACCP to Export / Import Company.
GMP Certification
When the Export or Import Company is involved in the manufacturing and supply of medicinal products / Drugs/supplements, etc. Then there are requirements of some of the customers, that the Export or import company have GPM compliance. where GMP stands for – Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). For Example, GMP Compliance practices of the organization are – Change control, cleaning, complaints, contamination, design control (new products/new processes), health and hygiene, labeling, maintenance, manufacturing planning, materials management, nonconformities, quality defects, pest control, purchasing and supply chain, rework, traceability, validation, verification and qualification. After the implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
To further demonstrate confidence in GMP compliance implementation. The Export / Import Company. Approach to Third-Party Audit Certification Body (i.e OSS Certification) for compliance verification for GMP Certification. Based on the Audit outcome the Export / Import Company was awarded GMP Certification. Subject to demonstrate the effectiveness of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
ISO 14001 Certification
ISO 14001 is an Environmental Management System (EMS). When the Export or Import Company is involved in the supply of products outside the country. Where some country has regulation for ensuring the product is after the end of its life of the product, which do not create pollution in the environment. That is the End of life of the product is safe for disposal or recycled. So that does not create any adverse effect on the environment. In these conditions, the Export or Import Company needs to get ISO 14001 Certification from an accredited Certification Body (i.e OSS Certification). Ensure that the products are manufactured by taking suitable raw materials, which do not have any adverse effect on the environment during the life of the product and after the end of the life of the products.
ISO 13485 Certification
ISO 13485 is – Medical Device – Quality Management System -Requirements for regulatory purposes. When the Export or Import Company involve in designing, developing, manufacturing, installing, and maintaining medical devices as well as providing related services. In this case, the ISO 13485 Certification, is required for any Export and Import Company from ISO Certification Body (i.e OSS Certification)
ISO 22301 Certification
ISO 22301 is Business Continuity Management System (BSMS) – for demonstrating Security and Reliance. In case of any disruption to the Export and Import Company – How the Export or import company has a contingency plan in place, so the supply chain of Export or Import of the Products or services does not get any break.
So, they demonstrate confidence in the Client then it is required to get Implement a proper contingency plan considering all potential disruptions to the company by implementing ISO 22301 – Business Continuity Management System (BSMS) and getting ISO 22301 Certification from a Certification Body (i.e OSS Certification). Where ISO 22301 Certification demonstrates compliance with ISO 22301 and also ensure that all possible contingency plan is in place & effective to handle any disturbance to the organization (Export & Import Company).
ISO 27001 Certification
ISO 27001 Certification is required by an Export and Import Company, when the Buyer asks its Supplier, How the Export /Import Company ensures the data, Information, and Intellectual property provided to its supplier (Export or Import Company) is safe & integrity of confidentiality are maintained by the organization on a continuous basis. In this case, the Information Security Management (ISMS) – ISO 27001 Certification is required for an Export or Import Company to demonstrate Information security Compliance.
What is the ISO Certification process to get ISO Certification for an Export or Import Company?
As per the Management System Certification process, the following steps are applied by the Certification body for ISO Certification (for any ISO Standard).
- Receipt of Application
- Application Review
- Audit Team assignments
- On-site Audit
- Audit Report Preparation and submission for Review
- Certification Decision
- Issue of ISO Certificate
- Surveillance Audit (annual Audit after Certification)
- Re-Certification Audit (within 3 years before Expiry of ISO Certificate)
Effects of ISO 9001 Certification on Trade for Export and Import
- Reduced the Cost of products
- Improves the compatibility of the organization
- Gain customer loyalty
- Improve the product quality consistency
- Reduced the rejections
- Improve the Customer Satisfaction