Standards Comparison

    EPA

    Mandatory
    1970

    U.S. federal regulations for air, water, waste protection

    VS

    ISO 37001

    Voluntary
    2025

    International standard for anti-bribery management systems.

    Quick Verdict

    EPA enforces mandatory environmental standards for pollution control across US industries via permits and inspections, while ISO 37001 offers voluntary certification for global anti-bribery systems. Companies adopt EPA for legal compliance; ISO 37001 for risk mitigation and credibility.

    Environmental Protection

    EPA

    EPA Standards (40 CFR Title 40)

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    18-24 months

    Key Features

    • Multi-layered systems: statutes, 40 CFR, permits, enforcement
    • Technology- and health-based performance standards blend
    • Evidence-driven compliance via monitoring and data governance
    • Federal-state implementation with national baselines
    • Dynamic rulemaking through Federal Register dockets
    Anti-Bribery/Compliance

    ISO 37001

    ISO 37001: Anti-Bribery Management Systems

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Risk-based bribery risk assessments
    • Third-party due diligence requirements
    • Leadership commitment and policy
    • Financial and non-financial controls
    • Continual improvement via PDCA

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    EPA Details

    What It Is

    EPA Standards (40 CFR Title 40) are a family of legally binding U.S. federal environmental regulations implementing major statutes like Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). They form regulatory frameworks for air, water, and waste management, using risk-based and technology-based approaches to protect health and environment.

    Key Components

    • Statutory authority, codified rules, numeric/narrative limits, permitting, monitoring/reporting, enforcement.
    • Core elements: NAAQS/MACT/NSPS (air), effluent guidelines/NPDES (water), TSDF standards/Subparts AA/BB/CC (waste).
    • Built on health-protection endpoints, technology performance, and evidence regimes; no single certification, but permit compliance.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Mandated for regulated entities to avoid penalties, shutdowns, liabilities. Drives risk reduction, operational efficiency, ESG alignment, access to grants/markets. Builds stakeholder trust via transparency tools like ECHO/ICIS.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, controls design, monitoring deployment, audits. Applies to industries like manufacturing/energy across U.S.; state-delegated with federal oversight. Requires ongoing audits, e-reporting, no central certification.

    ISO 37001 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 37001 is the international standard for Anti-Bribery Management Systems (ABMS), a certifiable framework for preventing, detecting, and responding to bribery. It applies to all organization types and sizes, focusing on direct/indirect bribery by personnel and business associates. Built on the ISO Harmonized Structure (HS) and PDCA cycle, it emphasizes risk-based, proportionate measures.

    Key Components

    • Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, and improvement.
    • Core controls: anti-bribery policy, risk assessment, due diligence, financial/non-financial controls, training, reporting, audits.
    • Annex A provides implementation guidance; certification via accredited bodies with 3-year cycles and surveillance audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mitigates legal risks (e.g., FCPA, UK Bribery Act) via evidentiary "reasonable steps".
    • Builds reputational trust, stakeholder confidence, and ESG alignment.
    • Delivers efficiencies (up to 15% compliance cost reduction) and cultural shifts.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased approach: gap analysis, risk assessment, control design, training, monitoring. Scalable for SMEs to multinationals; certification optional but recommended. (178 words)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    EPA
    Environmental pollution control (air, water, waste)
    ISO 37001
    Anti-bribery management system (prevention, detection)

    Industry

    EPA
    All industrial sectors, US-focused, any size
    ISO 37001
    All sectors worldwide, any size/type

    Nature

    EPA
    Mandatory US federal regulations enforced by EPA
    ISO 37001
    Voluntary international certification standard

    Testing

    EPA
    Self-monitoring, EPA inspections, DMR reporting
    ISO 37001
    Internal audits, certification body surveillance audits

    Penalties

    EPA
    Civil/criminal fines, injunctions, facility shutdowns
    ISO 37001
    Loss of certification, no direct legal penalties

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about EPA and ISO 37001

    EPA FAQ

    ISO 37001 FAQ

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