What Does the 2023 ISO Survey Tell Us About ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 Certifications?

• The 2023 ISO Survey highlighted fluctuations in certifications for ISO standards, influenced by changes in reporting participation, with significant impacts from China’s absence in the survey.
• Despite decreases in site and certificate numbers for standards like ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, the survey underscores the importance of consistent participation for accurate trend analysis.
• Regional variations in certification trends reflect both changes in reporting and shifts in organizational adoption of ISO standards.

The 2023 ISO Survey of Certifications revealed shifts in the number of valid certificates and sites across various ISO management system standards. This year, the absence of data from China’s accreditation body significantly impacted the reported numbers, particularly for ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, traditionally dominated by China. Despite this, countries like Italy, Korea, and Japan saw increases in certificates, reflecting regional growth in ISO adoption and better reporting by some certification bodies.

The survey, conducted with data from IAF-accredited certification bodies, highlighted overall decreases in certified sites for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001. The drop in numbers compared to 2022 raised questions about reporting consistency and potential shifts in global certification trends. For instance, ISO 9001 certificates in the U.S. and Germany declined, likely due to reduced participation by certification bodies or lower reporting accuracy. Conversely, Italy and Korea saw growth, suggesting a more proactive approach to certification reporting or increased standard adoption.

While the survey’s fluctuating participation limits its ability to provide definitive trends, it underscores the importance of robust, consistent data collection. It also highlights how sector-specific standards, like aerospace certifications incorporating ISO 9001, may not be fully captured in the numbers, possibly skewing broader interpretations. The results reaffirm the need for future surveys to ensure more comprehensive and consistent data for accurate analysis of global certification trends.

These findings remind organizations of the ongoing value of ISO standards in driving quality, sustainability, and safety, even as reporting inconsistencies challenge precise global trend analysis.

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