What is the primary objective of **ISO 37001**?

**ISO 37001 specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS) to prevent, detect, and respond to bribery.** It enables organizations to demonstrate reasonable, proportionate measures addressing bribery risks across public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, including direct/indirect bribery by personnel and business associates. The standard follows the Harmonized Structure (Clauses 4–10, PDCA cycle) but does not guarantee bribery will never occur.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **ISO 37001**?

**ISO 37001 applies voluntarily to any organization regardless of size, type, or sector.** It is not legally mandatory but is professionally required for high-risk entities like multinationals in extractives, construction, or public procurement facing FCPA/UK Bribery Act exposure. Certification signals due diligence to regulators, investors, and partners, with 99% of firms now conducting third-party due diligence at onboarding.

Does **ISO 37001** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**ISO 37001 certification requires external audits by accredited third-party bodies, typically in two stages: Stage 1 (documentation) and Stage 2 (effectiveness).** Certification is issued for 3 years, with annual surveillance audits (12–24 months) and recertification. While optional, it amplifies evidentiary value, potentially reducing liability in investigations.

How often should an assessment for **ISO 37001** be performed?

**Bribery risk assessments under ISO 37001 must be performed periodically and when significant changes occur, such as new markets or M&A.** Internal audits occur at planned intervals (risk-based, often annually for high-risk areas); 56% of firms conduct periodic third-party reviews independent of contracts. Management reviews evaluate ABMS effectiveness at least annually.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **ISO 37001**?

**Non-conformance with ISO 37001 leads to audit findings, corrective actions, or certification suspension/revocation.** Operationally, it exposes organizations to bribery prosecution (e.g., FCPA fines), reputational damage, and lost contracts; up to 95% of cases involve third parties. Mature ABMS can reduce compliance costs by 15% and liability.

An **ISO 37001** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, ISO 37001 aligns with the Harmonized Structure, enabling seamless integration with other ISO management systems.** Its PDCA architecture (Clauses 4–10) maps to standards sharing high-level structure, reducing duplication in audits and reviews while focusing solely on bribery (not fraud or money laundering).

What is the first step to begin implementing **ISO 37001**?

**The first step is determining organizational context (Clause 4), including internal/external issues, interested parties, scope, and initial bribery risk assessment.** This risk-based foundation informs leadership commitment (Clause 5), policy development, and proportionate controls, ensuring ABMS design matches exposure.

What is the primary objective of **SQF**?

**The primary objective of SQF is to provide a rigorous, HACCP-based food safety and quality management system that assures consistent production of safe food across the supply chain.** Administered by the SQF Institute (SQFI), it combines **Module 2** (universal system elements like management commitment, HACCP plans, verification, and traceability) with sector-specific Good Practices modules (e.g., **Module 11** for food manufacturing GMPs). This GFSI-benchmarked framework ensures organizations "say what you do, do what you say, and prove it" through documented controls, implementation, and records, minimizing hazards from farm to fork.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **SQF**?

**No organization is legally required to comply with SQF, as it is a voluntary GFSI-benchmarked certification program.** Professionally, it is mandated by retailers, brand owners, and foodservice providers for suppliers in food manufacturing, storage, distribution, packaging, primary production, and related sectors. Over 14,000 sites in 40+ countries pursue it as a "license to trade," particularly via **Food Sector Categories (FSCs)** pairing **Module 2** with applicable GMP modules.

Does **SQF** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**Yes, SQF requires external audits by SQFI-licensed Certification Bodies (CBs) accredited to ISO/IEC 17065 for third-party certification.** Annual certification audits (initial, surveillance, recertification) scope products, processes, and modules; unannounced audits occur periodically (e.g., every 3 years). Nonconformities are graded (minor=1pt, major=5pts, critical=50pts) with scores determining grades (E:96-100, F:<70); CB technical review issues 12-month certificates listed in SQFI's public directory.

How often should an assessment for **SQF** be performed?

**SQF requires annual external certification audits with internal audits performed at planned frequencies covering all elements.** **Management review** occurs at least annually (with monthly SQF Practitioner updates), while verification/monitoring (2.5.2) and validation (2.5.1) are ongoing. Crisis/recall plans must be tested annually; Edition 9 mandates sustained records for surveillance and unannounced audits every 3 years.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **SQF**?

**Non-compliance with SQF results in graded nonconformities, potential certification denial/suspension, and commercial exclusion from buyer supply chains.** Critical nonconformities (e.g., uncontrolled hazards) trigger immediate failure; majors/minors require CAPA closure (often within 30 days). Failed audits mean re-audits, fees, and lost GFSI recognition, blocking retailer access and increasing duplicative audits/recall risks.

An **SQF** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, SQF maps to other GFSI-benchmarked frameworks through shared HACCP principles and management system elements.** Its **Module 2** aligns with preventive controls in regulatory regimes like FDA FSMA; the **Quality Code** layers onto existing GFSI/HACCP/ISO 22000 programs. SQFI emphasizes compatibility for reduced duplication, with universal elements (e.g., CAPA, internal audits) facilitating integration.

What is the first step to begin implementing **SQF**?

**The first step to implement SQF is to register the site in the SQFI assessment database and designate a full-time, on-site SQF Practitioner.** Per **Part A** of the Code, select applicable modules (e.g., **Module 2** + sector GMP), then conduct a gap analysis. The Practitioner—HACCP-trained and competent—leads documentation of the food safety policy, HACCP plan, and PRPs.

ISO 37001 vs SQF

Standards Comparison

ISO 37001

Voluntary

2025

International standard for anti-bribery management systems

SQF

Voluntary

2023

GFSI-recognized certification standard for food safety

Quick Verdict

ISO 37001 certifies anti-bribery systems across industries to mitigate corruption risks, while SQF ensures food safety via HACCP in supply chains. Companies adopt ISO 37001 for legal defense and ethics; SQF for retailer access and recall prevention.

Anti-Bribery/Compliance

ISO 37001

ISO 37001:2025 Anti-bribery management systems

Cost

€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Risk-based anti-bribery management system framework
Mandates third-party due diligence and monitoring
Requires leadership and governing body commitment
PDCA cycle with operational controls and audits
Internationally certifiable for legal mitigation

Agile Scaling

SQF

Safe Quality Food (SQF) Code Edition 9

Cost

€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Modular structure: Module 2 plus sector GMP modules
HACCP-based Food Safety Plan with validation
GFSI-benchmarked global certification recognition
Mandatory full-time SQF Practitioner role
Traceability, recall, and crisis management requirements

Detailed Analysis

A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

ISO 37001 Details

What It Is

ISO 37001:2025 Anti-bribery management systems is an international certifiable standard for establishing, implementing, and improving an Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS). It applies to all organizations, focusing on preventing, detecting, and responding to bribery risks through a risk-based PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach, covering direct/indirect bribery by personnel and third parties.

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.
Built on ISO Harmonized Structure for integration with other standards.
Third-party certification with audits.

Why Organizations Use It

Mitigates legal risks (e.g., FCPA, UK Bribery Act), reduces liability via evidence of "reasonable steps". Drives efficiencies (15% compliance cost cuts), reputational trust, ESG alignment, and market access.

Implementation Overview

Phased: gap analysis, risk assessment, controls design, training, audits. Scalable for SMEs/multinationals; 6-12 months typical. Certification optional but enhances credibility via accredited bodies.

SQF Details

What It Is

Safe Quality Food (SQF) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification program and HACCP-based management system standard administered by SQFI. It assures food safety (and optionally quality) across supply chains via modular, risk-based controls.

Key Components

**Modular architectureUniversal Module 2 (system elements) paired with sector modules (e.g., Module 11 GMPs for manufacturing).
Covers management commitment, HACCP Food Safety Plan, PRPs, verification/validation, traceability, food defense, allergens, training.
Built on Codex/NACMCF HACCP; graded annual audits (E/G/C/F scores).

Why Organizations Use It

Enables retailer approval and global market access.
Aligns with regulations (FSMA, EU); reduces recalls, audits.
Builds food safety culture, supplier resilience, continuous improvement.

Implementation Overview

Phased: gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification.
Applies to manufacturing, storage, all sizes via Food Sector Categories.
Requires SQF Practitioner; surveillance/unannounced audits.

Key Differences

Aspect	ISO 37001	SQF
Scope	Anti-bribery management systems only	Food safety and quality management
Industry	All sectors worldwide, any size	Food supply chain, manufacturing focus
Nature	Voluntary certifiable standard	GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme
Testing	Annual certification audits, internal reviews	Annual audits, unannounced, HACCP validation
Penalties	Certification loss, no legal penalties	Certification loss, market access denial

Scope

ISO 37001

Anti-bribery management systems only

SQF

Food safety and quality management

Industry

ISO 37001

All sectors worldwide, any size

SQF

Food supply chain, manufacturing focus

Nature

ISO 37001

Voluntary certifiable standard

SQF

GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme

Testing

ISO 37001

Annual certification audits, internal reviews

SQF

Annual audits, unannounced, HACCP validation

Penalties

ISO 37001

Certification loss, no legal penalties

SQF

Certification loss, market access denial

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ISO 37001 and SQF

ISO 37001 FAQ

SQF FAQ

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ISO 37001

SQF

Quick Verdict

ISO 37001

Key Features

SQF

Key Features

Detailed Analysis

ISO 37001 Details

What It Is

Key Components

Why Organizations Use It

Implementation Overview

SQF Details

What It Is

Key Components

Why Organizations Use It

Implementation Overview

Key Differences

Scope

Industry

Nature

Testing

Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

ISO 37001 FAQ

What is the primary objective of ISO 37001?

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with ISO 37001?

Does ISO 37001 require an external audit or third-party certification?

How often should an assessment for ISO 37001 be performed?

What are the consequences of non-compliance with ISO 37001?

An ISO 37001 be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing ISO 37001?

SQF FAQ

What is the primary objective of SQF?

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with SQF?

Does SQF require an external audit or third-party certification?

How often should an assessment for SQF be performed?

What are the consequences of non-compliance with SQF?

An SQF be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing SQF?

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HITRUST CSF MyCSF Platform Mastery: Infograph of Evidence Tagging Workflows and Top 5 Maturity Tier Acceleration Takeaways

Beyond Reactive: Transforming Compliance into Real-Time Threat Prevention

Beyond the Boardroom: 5 Ways Modern Compliance Software Elevates Every Department

Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM

Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages

GMP vs C-TPAT

APPI vs GMP

ISO 14064 vs CMMI