ISO 37301 vs ISO 31000
ISO 37301
Certifiable international standard for compliance management systems
ISO 31000
International standard for risk management guidelines
Quick Verdict
ISO 37301 provides certifiable CMS requirements for compliance obligations across all organizations, while ISO 31000 offers non-certifiable guidelines for enterprise risk management. Companies adopt 37301 for audited assurance and 31000 for flexible, integrated risk practices.
ISO 37301
ISO 37301:2021 Compliance management systems – Requirements
Key Features
- Certifiable requirements replacing guidance-only ISO 19600
- High-Level Structure enables IMS integration
- Risk-based approach to obligations and controls
- Leadership commitment builds compliance culture
- Mandatory whistleblowing protections and investigations
ISO 31000
ISO 31000:2018 Risk management — Guidelines
Key Features
- Eight principles guiding effective risk management
- Framework emphasizing leadership and integration
- Iterative six-step risk management process
- Non-certifiable guidelines for all organizations
- Focus on human cultural factors and continual improvement
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 37301 Details
What It Is
ISO 37301:2021 is a certifiable international standard titled Compliance management systems – Requirements with guidance for use. It specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an effective CMS, applicable to all organization sizes and sectors. It uses a risk-based, PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) methodology aligned with the ISO High-Level Structure (HLS).
Key Components
- **Leadership and commitmentTop management accountability, compliance policy, culture.
- **PlanningRisk assessment, objectives, compliance obligations.
- **SupportResources, competence (per ISO 37303), awareness, whistleblowing.
- **OperationControls, third-party management, investigations.
- **Performance evaluationMonitoring, audits, management reviews (per ISO 37302).
- **ImprovementCorrective actions, continual enhancement. Follows HLS with certifiable requirements via accredited bodies.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives regulatory compliance, risk reduction, ethical culture amid ESG pressures. Provides third-party certification for stakeholder trust, investor confidence, reputational protection. Enables IMS integration, supports UN SDGs, mitigates fines/litigation.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: context analysis, obligation register, controls, training, audits. Scalable for SMEs/enterprises; 3-year certification cycle. Involves leadership buy-in, platforms for registers/KPIs; prepares via gap analysis, ANAB-accredited auditors. (178 words)
ISO 31000 Details
What It Is
ISO 31000:2018, Risk management — Guidelines is an international standard providing non-certifiable guidance for enterprise-wide risk management. Its primary purpose is to help organizations manage uncertainty affecting objectives through principles, framework, and process. The risk-based approach defines risk as "the effect of uncertainty on objectives," encompassing both threats and opportunities.
Key Components
- **Three pillars8 principles (e.g., integrated, customized, dynamic), framework (leadership, integration, design, implementation, evaluation, improvement), and 6-step process (communication, scope/context/criteria, assessment, treatment, monitoring/review, recording/reporting).
- No fixed controls; flexible, principles-based.
- Built on PDCA cycle; not certifiable.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances decision-making, resilience, value creation/protection.
- Supports governance, strategy; builds stakeholder trust.
- Applicable to any size/sector; aligns with regulations like ISO 27001.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: leadership alignment, gap analysis, pilot, rollout, monitoring.
- Involves policy, training, tools (e.g., GRC platforms).
- Universal applicability; internal audits for assurance, no external certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 37301 | ISO 31000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Compliance obligations, risks, CMS requirements | All risks affecting objectives, enterprise-wide |
| Industry | All sectors, sizes, global applicability | All sectors, sizes, global applicability |
| Nature | Certifiable requirements standard | Non-certifiable guidelines only |
| Testing | Accredited certification audits, surveillance | Internal audits, management reviews, no certification |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties | No penalties, voluntary adoption |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 37301 and ISO 31000
ISO 37301 FAQ
ISO 31000 FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
SOC 2 for Fintech Startups: First 5 Steps to Compliance with Confidentiality Criterion Infographic
First 5 steps to SOC 2 compliance with Confidentiality for fintech SaaS. Infographic maps controls to risks like encryption & TPRM. Integrates GLBA/PCI DSS over
ISO 27701 Standalone Certification in 2025: Debunking Myths and Navigating the New Reality
Debunk myths on ISO 27701 standalone certification post-2025. Clarify viability, accreditation bodies, ISO 27001 audit differences & procurement benefits. Guide
Beyond the Checkbox: Why Maturity Assessments are the Secret to Sustainable Compliance
Discover why maturity assessments beat binary compliance checks by uncovering hidden gaps and enabling continuous improvement for sustainable success. Read now!
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.
Explore More Comparisons
See how ISO 37301 and ISO 31000 compare against other standards