ISO 31000
International guidelines for enterprise risk management
ISO 28000
International standard for supply chain security management systems.
Quick Verdict
ISO 31000 provides voluntary risk management guidelines for all organizations, while ISO 28000 is a certifiable standard for supply chain security. Companies adopt 31000 for enterprise resilience; 28000 for auditable logistics protection and compliance.
ISO 31000
ISO 31000:2018 Risk management — Guidelines
Key Features
- Non-certifiable guidelines for any organization
- Eight principles emphasizing integration and leadership
- Framework embedding risk into governance operations
- Iterative six-step risk management process
- Defines risk as uncertainty effect on objectives
ISO 28000
ISO 28000:2022 Security management systems Requirements
Key Features
- Risk-based PDCA cycle for security management
- Supply chain interdependencies and third-party controls
- Top management leadership and policy commitment
- Operational security plans and incident response
- Performance evaluation via audits and reviews
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 31000 Details
What It Is
ISO 31000:2018, Risk management — Guidelines is an international standard providing non-certifiable guidance for systematic risk management. Its primary purpose is to help organizations manage uncertainty affecting objectives, applicable to any size, sector, or type. It uses a principles-based, iterative approach focused on creating and protecting value.
Key Components
- **Three pillarsEight principles (e.g., integrated, customized, dynamic), framework (leadership, integration, design, implementation, evaluation, improvement), and process (communication, scope/context/criteria, assessment, treatment, monitoring/review, recording/reporting).
- No fixed controls; flexible, PDCA-aligned structure.
- Non-certifiable; relies on internal governance and audits.
Why Organizations Use It
Enhances decision-making, resilience, and value creation; supports compliance in regulated sectors; builds stakeholder trust; reduces losses and captures opportunities without mandatory certification burdens.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: leadership commitment, gap analysis, pilot process, integration, monitoring. Suited for all organizations; involves policy, training, tools like risk registers. No external certification required.
ISO 28000 Details
What It Is
ISO 28000:2022 is an international standard specifying requirements for a security management system (SMS) focused on supply chain security. It provides a risk-based framework using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle to manage security risks like theft, sabotage, and disruptions.
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and improvement.
- Emphasizes risk assessment aligned with ISO 31000, operational controls, and security plans.
- Built on harmonized ISO structure for integration with standards like ISO 22301 and ISO 27001.
- Optional third-party certification via ISO 28003 guidelines.
Why Organizations Use It
- Reduces supply chain risks and ensures continuity.
- Meets contractual, regulatory, and partner requirements.
- Enhances resilience, insurance terms, and market access.
- Builds stakeholder trust through auditable governance.
Implementation Overview
- Phased approach: gap analysis, risk assessment, controls deployment, training, audits.
- Applicable to all sizes/industries; scalable for logistics, manufacturing.
- Involves internal audits, management reviews; certification via Stage 1/2 audits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 31000 | ISO 28000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Enterprise-wide risk management guidelines | Supply chain security management system |
| Industry | All industries, any organization size | Logistics, manufacturing, supply chain sectors |
| Nature | Non-certifiable guidelines | Certifiable management system standard |
| Testing | Internal reviews, no formal certification | Internal audits, external certification audits |
| Penalties | No legal penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 31000 and ISO 28000
ISO 31000 FAQ
ISO 28000 FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

Asset-Backed Issuers and SEC Cybersecurity Rules: Applicability, Disclosures, and Compliance Roadmap
How SEC cybersecurity rules apply to asset-backed issuers (ABS): Form 10-D disclosures, ABS-EE risk management, Inline XBRL tagging, exemptions. Roadmap for tru

From Reactive Gatekeeper to Proactive Strategist: How Compliance Software Reshapes the Compliance Professional's Day
Discover how compliance software automates monitoring, delivers real-time insights, and transforms compliance pros from reactive gatekeepers to proactive strate

You Guide on how to Start Implementing NIST CSF in Your Organization
Master NIST CSF implementation in your organization with this detailed guide. Learn core functions, key steps, best practices, and tips for cybersecurity succes
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
BREEAM vs ISO 14064
Compare BREEAM vs ISO 14064: BREEAM's holistic building certs (energy, health ratings) vs ISO 14064's GHG accounting (Scopes 1-3 verification). Optimize ESG strategy—discover key diffs now!
ISA 95 vs BREEAM
Discover ISA 95 vs BREEAM: Compare manufacturing integration (ISA-95) with building sustainability certification. Unlock synergies for efficient, resilient factories. Boost compliance & ROI now!
WCAG vs COBIT
Discover WCAG vs COBIT: Compare web accessibility guidelines with IT governance frameworks. Unlock compliance strategies, key differences & implementation tips for enterprise success.