GMP
Regulatory framework ensuring consistent pharmaceutical product quality
ISO 37001
International standard for anti-bribery management systems.
Quick Verdict
GMP ensures manufacturing quality and safety in pharma and food via enforced controls, while ISO 37001 builds anti-bribery systems through voluntary certification. Companies adopt GMP for regulatory compliance and ISO 37001 for risk mitigation and trust.
GMP
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP/cGMP)
Key Features
- Mandates preventive controls beyond final product testing
- Requires independent quality unit for batch release
- Integrates science-based Quality Risk Management (QRM)
- Enforces comprehensive documentation and data integrity
- Demands validated processes, equipment, and facilities
ISO 37001
ISO 37001:2025 Anti-bribery management systems
Key Features
- Risk-based bribery risk assessment and controls
- Third-party due diligence and monitoring
- Leadership commitment and anti-bribery policy
- Financial and non-financial controls
- PDCA continual improvement cycle
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
GMP Details
What It Is
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP/cGMP) is a regulatory framework establishing minimum enforceable standards for manufacturing pharmaceuticals, biologics, and related products. Its primary purpose is to ensure products are consistently produced to meet quality, safety, and efficacy criteria through preventive systems of controls, not just end-testing. Scope spans raw materials to distribution, using a risk-based approach via ICH Q9 QRM and ICH Q10 PQS.
Key Components
- **5 Ps pillarsPeople, Premises, Processes, Procedures, Products.
- Core elements: quality management system, documentation (ALCOA++), validation (DQ/IQ/OQ/PQ), personnel training, facility/equipment controls, supplier oversight, CAPA, audits.
- Built on harmonized guidance (FDA 21 CFR 210/211, EU EudraLex Vol 4, WHO GMP); no fixed control count, but comprehensive subparts/chapters.
- Compliance via inspections, no central certification but QP batch release in EU.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for market access; prevents recalls, contamination, liabilities. Drives efficiency, supply reliability, patient protection. Enhances reputation, reduces remediation costs.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, VMP, validation, training, audits. Applies to pharma/biologics firms globally; high complexity for multisite operations. Ongoing inspections enforce adherence.
ISO 37001 Details
What It Is
ISO 37001:2025 is an international certifiable standard for Anti-Bribery Management Systems (ABMS). It provides requirements to prevent, detect, and respond to bribery risks across organizations. The risk-based approach follows the ISO Harmonized Structure (HS) and PDCA cycle, covering direct/indirect bribery by personnel and business associates.
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- Core controls: policy, risk assessment, due diligence, financial/non-financial controls, training, reporting.
- Built on proportionality to bribery risks; optional third-party certification with audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mitigates legal risks (e.g., FCPA, UK Bribery Act) via evidentiary due diligence.
- Builds reputational trust, ESG alignment, operational efficiencies (up to 15% cost reduction).
- Enables market access, stakeholder confidence in high-risk sectors.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, risk assessment, controls, training, audits.
- Scalable for all sizes/sectors; 6-12 months typical; certification via accredited bodies.
Key Differences
| Aspect | GMP | ISO 37001 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Manufacturing quality controls for products | Anti-bribery management system |
| Industry | Pharma, food, cosmetics, devices globally | All sectors worldwide, any organization |
| Nature | Mandatory regulations with enforcement | Voluntary certifiable management standard |
| Testing | Process validation, audits, inspections | Internal audits, certification audits |
| Penalties | Recalls, fines, shutdowns, warning letters | Loss of certification, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about GMP and ISO 37001
GMP FAQ
ISO 37001 FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

Top 10 SOC 2 Audit Pitfalls and Fixes: Real Auditor Red Flags from Type 2 Fieldwork with Evidence Checklists
Discover 10 common SOC 2 Type 2 audit pitfalls like evidence gaps, scope creep, vendor oversights. Get Fail/Pass visuals, client stories, checklists for 95% fir

CIS Controls v8.1 Metrics That Matter: KPIs, KRIs, and Dashboards for Board-Ready Cyber Reporting
Quantify CIS Controls v8.1 success with KPIs, KRIs & dashboards. Learn what to measure, calculations, and executive presentations linking security to business r

CIS Controls v8.1, Operationalized: Top 10 Reasons Compliance Monitoring Software Accelerates Real-World Implementation
Operationalize CIS Controls v8.1 with compliance monitoring software. Turn checklists into dashboards, tickets, and audit-proof workflows. Top 10 reasons it acc
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
PIPL vs NIST 800-171
PIPL vs NIST 800-171: Compare China's GDPR-like privacy law with US CUI security standard. Key differences in compliance, data transfers & controls for multinationals. Master global strategy now!
IEC 62443 vs ISO 28000
Compare IEC 62443 vs ISO 28000: OT cybersecurity zones/SLs vs supply chain resilience. Key differences, benefits & implementation. Secure IACS now!
FDA 21 CFR Part 11 vs ISO 41001
Compare FDA 21 CFR Part 11 vs ISO 41001: electronic records integrity, signatures & validation meet facility mgmt standards. Optimize compliance in regulated ops. Discover now!