ISO 26000 vs ISO 28000
ISO 26000
International guidance for social responsibility integration
ISO 28000
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.
ISO 26000
ISO 26000:2010 Guidance on social responsibility
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
ISO 28000
ISO 28000:2022 Security management systems — Requirements
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 principles: accountability, transparency, ethical behavior, respect for stakeholder interests, rule of law, international norms, human rights.
- Seven core subjects: organizational 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.
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
| Aspect | ISO 26000 | ISO 28000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Social responsibility core subjects, principles | Supply chain security risks, resilience |
| Industry | All organizations, all sectors globally | Supply chain, logistics, manufacturing worldwide |
| Nature | Non-certifiable guidance standard | Certifiable management system standard |
| Testing | Self-assessment, stakeholder reporting | Internal/external audits, certification audits |
| Penalties | No formal penalties, reputational risk | Loss of certification, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 26000 and ISO 28000
ISO 26000 FAQ
ISO 28000 FAQ
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