ISO 37301
International standard for compliance management systems
SQF
GFSI-benchmarked food safety certification program
Quick Verdict
ISO 37301 provides certifiable compliance management for all industries, embedding risk-based CMS globally. SQF delivers HACCP-based food safety certification for supply chains, ensuring retailer acceptance. Organizations adopt ISO 37301 for broad governance, SQF for food market access and GFSI recognition.
ISO 37301
ISO 37301:2021 Compliance management systems – Requirements
Key Features
- First certifiable standard for compliance management systems
- Follows ISO High-Level Structure for easy integration
- Risk-based planning for obligations and controls
- Mandates leadership commitment and compliance culture
- Requires confidential whistleblowing and anti-retaliation protections
SQF
Safe Quality Food (SQF) Food Safety Code
Key Features
- Modular structure: Module 2 plus sector GMPs
- HACCP-based food safety plan mandatory
- Full-time onsite SQF Practitioner required
- GFSI-benchmarked with annual audits
- Traceability, recall, crisis management plans
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 specifying requirements and guidance for Compliance Management Systems (CMS). It replaces guidance-only ISO 19600, applicable to all organization sizes and sectors. Primary purpose: systematically identify compliance obligations, manage risks, and foster integrity culture using Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) and High-Level Structure (HLS).
Key Components
- Core pillars: context analysis, leadership, risk-based planning, support/resources, operations, performance evaluation, improvement.
- Built on HLS clauses (4-10); no fixed control count, emphasizes proportionate requirements.
- Companion standards (ISO 37302 effectiveness, ISO 37303 competence, ISO 37002 whistleblowing).
- Third-party certification via accredited bodies like ANAB.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives regulatory compliance, risk reduction, ESG alignment (e.g., 2024 climate amendment). Enhances investor trust, reputation; supports UN SDGs. Provides certification for competitive edge and audit defense.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: gap analysis, obligation register, training, audits. Scalable for SMEs/large firms globally. Requires internal audits, management reviews; certification involves initial/surveillance audits over 3-year cycle.
SQF Details
What It Is
Safe Quality Food (SQF) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification program and HACCP-based management system administered by SQFI. It ensures food safety and quality across the supply chain, from farm to fork, via modular codes tailored to sectors like manufacturing and storage.
Key Components
- **Module 2Universal system elements (management commitment, HACCP plan, verification, traceability).
- Sector-specific GMP modules (e.g., Module 11 for processing).
- Over 100 auditable clauses emphasizing PRPs, CAPA, internal audits.
- Built on Codex HACCP principles; certification via third-party audits with scoring (E/G/C/F grades).
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets retailer/brand requirements as a "license to trade".
- Reduces recalls, audit duplication; aligns with FSMA/EU regs.
- Enhances risk management, supplier controls, food safety culture.
- Builds stakeholder trust via public certification directory.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification.
- Requires full-time SQF Practitioner; 6-12 months typical.
- Applies to food manufacturers, storage; global via licensed CBs.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 37301 | SQF |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Compliance obligations across all sectors | Food safety and quality in supply chain |
| Industry | All industries, global, all sizes | Food manufacturing, global, all sizes |
| Nature | Voluntary certifiable management standard | Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked certification |
| Testing | Internal audits, management reviews, certification | Annual audits, unannounced, internal verification |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties | Loss of certification, market access denial |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 37301 and SQF
ISO 37301 FAQ
SQF FAQ
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