Standards Comparison

    ISO 26000

    Voluntary
    2010

    International guidance for social responsibility integration

    VS

    ISO 28000

    Voluntary
    2022

    International standard for supply chain security management systems.

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 26000 offers non-certifiable guidance on social responsibility principles for all organizations, while ISO 28000 provides certifiable requirements for supply chain security management. Companies adopt 26000 for holistic SR integration and 28000 for resilient, auditable security.

    Social Responsibility

    ISO 26000

    ISO 26000:2010 Guidance on social responsibility

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

    Key Features

    • Explicitly non-certifiable guidance standard
    • Seven principles underpinning SR behavior
    • Seven interconnected core subjects
    • Multi-stakeholder consensus from 500+ experts
    • Universal applicability to all organizations
    Supply Chain Security

    ISO 28000

    ISO 28000:2022 Security management systems — Requirements

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

    Key Features

    • Risk-based supply chain security management framework
    • PDCA cycle with continual improvement requirements
    • Integration via ISO High Level Structure
    • Supplier and third-party risk governance
    • Certification with internal/external audits

    Detailed Analysis

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

    ISO 26000 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 26000:2010 is a non-certifiable international guidance standard providing a framework for social responsibility (SR). Its primary purpose is to help organizations integrate SR into governance, strategy, and operations across all sectors, sizes, and locations. It uses a principles-based, stakeholder-engaged approach emphasizing context-specific prioritization of impacts.

    Key Components

    • Seven **core principlesaccountability, transparency, ethical behavior, respect for stakeholder interests, rule of law, international norms, human rights.
    • Seven **core subjectsorganizational governance, human rights, labor practices, environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, community involvement.
    • No auditable requirements; focuses on holistic integration rather than certification.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Enhances sustainability commitment, risk management, and stakeholder trust.
    • Aligns with SDGs, OECD, GRI for credible reporting.
    • Builds resilience, reduces reputational risks, improves operational efficiency.
    • Provides competitive edge through transparent SR communication.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased approach: materiality assessment, stakeholder engagement, policy integration, training, reporting.
    • Integrates with ISO 14001/45001 systems.
    • Applicable universally; no certification, uses self-assessment and external assurance.

    ISO 28000 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 28000:2022 is an international management system standard titled Security and resilience — Security management systems — Requirements. It provides a risk-based framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a security management system (SMS) focused on supply chain protection against threats like theft, sabotage, and disruptions.

    Key Components

    • Core clauses follow PDCA cycle and ISO High Level Structure (context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement).
    • Emphasizes risk assessment, controls (physical, personnel, procedural), incident response, and supplier governance.
    • No fixed controls; scalable to organization size.
    • Supports third-party certification via accredited bodies per ISO 28003.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Reduces incidents, insurance costs, and disruptions.
    • Meets contractual/regulatory demands (e.g., C-TPAT equivalents).
    • Enhances resilience, market access, and stakeholder trust.
    • Integrates with ISO 27001, ISO 22301 for efficiency.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased approach: scoping, gap analysis, risk assessment, deployment, audits.
    • Applicable to all sizes/industries in logistics, manufacturing, etc.
    • Involves training, supplier engagement, KPIs; certification optional but common.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 26000
    Social responsibility core subjects, principles
    ISO 28000
    Supply chain security risks, resilience

    Industry

    ISO 26000
    All organizations, all sectors globally
    ISO 28000
    Supply chain, logistics, manufacturing worldwide

    Nature

    ISO 26000
    Non-certifiable guidance standard
    ISO 28000
    Certifiable management system standard

    Testing

    ISO 26000
    Self-assessment, stakeholder reporting
    ISO 28000
    Internal/external audits, certification audits

    Penalties

    ISO 26000
    No formal penalties, reputational risk
    ISO 28000
    Loss of certification, no legal penalties

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 26000 and ISO 28000

    ISO 26000 FAQ

    ISO 28000 FAQ

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