ISO 37001
International standard for anti-bribery management systems
ISO 37301
International standard for certifiable compliance management systems
Quick Verdict
ISO 37001 targets anti-bribery management for all organizations, emphasizing due diligence and controls to mitigate corruption risks. ISO 37301 provides broader compliance system requirements. Companies adopt them for certification, risk reduction, and stakeholder trust in ethical governance.
ISO 37001
ISO 37001:2025 Anti-Bribery Management Systems
Key Features
- Risk-based anti-bribery management system framework
- Third-party due diligence and monitoring requirements
- Leadership commitment and compliance function mandate
- PDCA cycle for continual improvement and audits
- Integrates with ISO Harmonized Structure standards
ISO 37301
ISO 37301:2021 Compliance management systems requirements
Key Features
- Certifiable CMS requirements replacing guidance-only ISO 19600
- HLS alignment for integration with other ISO standards
- Risk-based planning with compliance obligation registers
- Mandatory whistleblowing channels and anti-retaliation protections
- Leadership commitment fostering compliance culture and continual improvement
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. Scope covers direct/indirect bribery by/for the organization, personnel, and associates. Employs a risk-based, proportionate approach via PDCA cycle and Harmonized Structure (HS).
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- Core controls: policy, risk assessment, due diligence, financial/non-financial controls, training, reporting/investigations.
- Built on leadership accountability, third-party focus, continual improvement.
- Optional third-party certification with audits.
Why Organizations Use It
Mitigates legal risks (FCPA, UK Bribery Act), reduces liability via "reasonable steps" evidence. Drives efficiencies (15% compliance cost cuts), boosts reputation/ESG trust, enables market access. Addresses 95% third-party bribery cases.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, risk assessment, controls design, training, audits. Scalable for all sizes/sectors; 6-12 months typical. Involves leadership commitment, documentation, internal audits; certification via Stage 1/2 audits.
ISO 37301 Details
What It Is
ISO 37301:2021 – Compliance management systems – Requirements with guidance for use is a certifiable international standard specifying requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a Compliance Management System (CMS). It applies to all organization sizes and sectors, using a risk-based approach and Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle aligned with ISO High-Level Structure (HLS).
Key Components
- Core pillars: context analysis, leadership commitment, risk planning, support/resources, operations, performance evaluation, improvement.
- Built on HLS for integration with ISO 9001, 14001, 27001.
- Emphasizes whistleblowing, culture, competence (ISO 37303), measurement (ISO 37302).
- Certifiable via accredited bodies like ANAB.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives regulatory compliance, reduces risks/fines, builds integrity culture.
- Meets investor/ESG demands, enhances reputation.
- Provides third-party assurance, supports UN SDGs.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: initiation, design, implementation, audit, sustain.
- Activities: obligation register, training, KPIs, internal audits.
- Universal applicability; certification involves 3-year cycles.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 37001 | ISO 37301 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Bribery prevention, detection, response | All compliance obligations, risks |
| Industry | All sectors, high-risk like extractives | All sectors, regulated industries |
| Nature | Certifiable anti-bribery standard | Certifiable compliance system standard |
| Testing | Annual certification audits, surveillance | Internal audits, management reviews |
| Penalties | Certification loss, no legal penalties | Certification loss, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 37001 and ISO 37301
ISO 37001 FAQ
ISO 37301 FAQ
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