ISO 37001
International standard for anti-bribery management systems
ISO 30301
International standard for management systems for records
Quick Verdict
ISO 37001 provides anti-bribery management systems to prevent corruption risks across organizations, while ISO 30301 establishes records management systems for reliable evidence and compliance. Companies adopt them for legal mitigation, governance assurance, and certifiable integrity.
ISO 37001
ISO 37001:2025 Anti-Bribery Management Systems
Key Features
- Risk-based bribery assessment and controls
- Third-party due diligence and monitoring
- Leadership commitment and compliance function
- PDCA continuous improvement cycle
- Internationally certifiable ABMS standard
ISO 30301
ISO 30301:2019 Management systems for records requirements
Key Features
- High-Level Structure for MSS integration
- Normative Annex A operational controls
- Explicit records requirements (Clause 4.1.2)
- Flexible conformity pathways
- Risk-based records planning and objectives
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
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 of any size, sector, or type. The risk-based approach uses the Harmonized Structure (HS) and PDCA cycle for structured governance.
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10 covering 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; includes third-party focus.
- Optional third-party certification with audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mitigates legal risks (e.g., FCPA, UK Bribery Act) via evidentiary due diligence.
- Builds stakeholder trust, enhances reputation, cuts compliance costs up to 15%.
- Enables market access, ESG alignment, operational efficiencies.
- Demonstrates reasonable steps against prosecution.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, risk assessment, controls, training, audits.
- Scalable for SMEs to multinationals; integrates with ISO 9001/27001.
- Certification via Stage 1/2 audits; transition by 2027.
ISO 30301 Details
What It Is
ISO 30301:2019 (Information and documentation — Management systems for records — Requirements) is an international certifiable standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a Management System for Records (MSR). It ensures organizations create and control reliable evidence of business activities, supporting mandate, strategy, and goals. Using the High-Level Structure (HLS) and PDCA cycle, it applies risk-based thinking across any organization.
Key Components
- Clauses 4–10: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement
- **Clause 8 & Annex A (normative)records lifecycle controls (creation, capture, access, retention, disposition)
- Principles: authenticity, reliability, integrity, usability
- Conformity pathways: self-declaration, external confirmation, third-party certification
Why Organizations Use It
- Strengthens compliance, auditability, transparency
- Mitigates risks like evidence loss, noncompliance
- Boosts efficiency, information value realization
- Enhances stakeholder trust, integrates with ISO 9001/27001
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, policy/roles setup, operational design, training, audits. Scalable for any size/sector; certification optional via accredited bodies.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 37001 | ISO 30301 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Anti-bribery management systems only | Records management systems broadly |
| Industry | All sectors, high-risk industries emphasized | All organizations, regulated sectors key |
| Nature | Voluntary certifiable standard | Voluntary certifiable requirements standard |
| Testing | Third-party certification audits, surveillance | Self-declaration or third-party certification |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, certification loss | No legal penalties, conformity failure |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 37001 and ISO 30301
ISO 37001 FAQ
ISO 30301 FAQ
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