Standards Comparison

    ISO 14064

    Voluntary
    2018

    International standard for GHG quantification, reporting, verification

    VS

    ISO 13485

    Mandatory
    2016

    International standard for medical device quality management systems

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 14064 provides GHG quantification and verification for all organizations seeking climate credibility, while ISO 13485 mandates rigorous QMS for medical device safety and regulatory compliance. Companies adopt them for stakeholder trust, market access, and risk mitigation.

    Greenhouse Gas Accounting

    ISO 14064

    ISO 14064 Greenhouse gases quantification and verification

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

    Key Features

    • Three-part modular framework for inventories, projects, assurance
    • Five core principles: relevance, completeness, consistency, transparency, accuracy
    • Defines Scope 1-3 boundaries and consolidation approaches
    • Risk-based validation/verification with materiality assessment
    • Aligns with GHG Protocol for global comparability
    Quality Management

    ISO 13485

    ISO 13485:2016 Medical devices Quality management systems

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Risk-based QMS process controls
    • Design development and validation requirements
    • Medical device file traceability
    • Supplier evaluation and outsourcing controls
    • Post-market complaint handling CAPA

    Detailed Analysis

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

    ISO 14064 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 14064 is an international standard family (Parts 1:2018, 2:2019, 3:2019) for greenhouse gas (GHG) quantification, reporting, and verification. It provides a modular framework for organizations to develop credible GHG inventories, project reductions, and independent assurance using principles of relevance, completeness, consistency, transparency, and accuracy.

    Key Components

    • **Part 1Organizational inventories with Scope 1-3 boundaries.
    • **Part 2Project-level baselines, additionality, monitoring.
    • **Part 3Risk-based validation/verification processes. Built on GHG Protocol alignment; no fixed controls but principle-driven requirements; voluntary third-party assurance model.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Supports regulatory compliance (e.g., CSRD, SB-253), investor trust, carbon markets access, and decarbonization strategy. Mitigates greenwashing risks, enables benchmarking, and drives efficiency via data insights.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased approach: governance, boundary setting, data collection, verification. Applies to all sizes/industries globally; 6-12 months typical; external verification enhances credibility.

    ISO 13485 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 13485:2016, titled Medical devices — Quality management systems — Requirements for regulatory purposes, is an international certification standard for QMS in medical device organizations. It ensures consistent delivery of safe devices meeting customer and regulatory requirements across the lifecycle, using a risk-based process approach.

    Key Components

    • Clauses 4–8 cover QMS/documentation, management responsibility, resources, product realization, measurement/improvement.
    • Emphasizes validation, traceability, risk management (per ISO 14971), supplier controls, post-market surveillance.
    • Requires quality manual, medical device files, documented procedures/records.
    • Third-party certification via audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Enables market access (EU MDR, FDA QMSR alignment 2026), reduces risks/recalls.
    • Builds stakeholder trust, supply chain assurance.
    • Drives operational excellence, cost savings via CAPA, audits.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, process design, validation, audits (6–36 months).
    • Applies to manufacturers/suppliers globally; certification by accredited bodies.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 14064
    GHG emissions quantification, reporting, verification
    ISO 13485
    Medical device QMS, lifecycle safety, compliance

    Industry

    ISO 14064
    All organizations, global GHG reporting
    ISO 13485
    Medical devices, healthcare supply chain

    Nature

    ISO 14064
    Voluntary international standard family
    ISO 13485
    Regulatory-purpose QMS certification standard

    Testing

    ISO 14064
    Third-party validation/verification optional
    ISO 13485
    Mandatory audits, process validation, CAPA

    Penalties

    ISO 14064
    Loss of credibility, no legal penalties
    ISO 13485
    Regulatory enforcement, market access denial

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 14064 and ISO 13485

    ISO 14064 FAQ

    ISO 13485 FAQ

    You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

    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.

    100+ Standards & Regulations
    AI-Powered Insights
    Collaborative Assessments
    Actionable Recommendations

    Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages