Standards Comparison

    ISO 37001

    Voluntary
    2025

    International standard for anti-bribery management systems

    VS

    ISO 30301

    Voluntary
    2019

    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.

    Anti-Bribery/Compliance

    ISO 37001

    ISO 37001:2025 Anti-Bribery Management Systems

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

    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
    Records Management

    ISO 30301

    ISO 30301:2019 Management systems for records requirements

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

    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

    Scope

    ISO 37001
    Anti-bribery management systems only
    ISO 30301
    Records management systems broadly

    Industry

    ISO 37001
    All sectors, high-risk industries emphasized
    ISO 30301
    All organizations, regulated sectors key

    Nature

    ISO 37001
    Voluntary certifiable standard
    ISO 30301
    Voluntary certifiable requirements standard

    Testing

    ISO 37001
    Third-party certification audits, surveillance
    ISO 30301
    Self-declaration or third-party certification

    Penalties

    ISO 37001
    No legal penalties, certification loss
    ISO 30301
    No legal penalties, conformity failure

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 37001 and ISO 30301

    ISO 37001 FAQ

    ISO 30301 FAQ

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