Standards Comparison

    ISO 55001

    Voluntary
    2014

    International standard for asset management systems

    VS

    REACH

    Mandatory
    2007

    EU regulation for chemicals registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction.

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 55001 provides voluntary asset management certification for global infrastructure firms optimizing lifecycle value, while REACH mandates chemical registration and risk controls for EU manufacturers ensuring health and environmental safety. Organizations adopt ISO 55001 for governance excellence; REACH for legal market access.

    Asset Management

    ISO 55001

    ISO 55001:2024 Asset management — Management systems — Requirements

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

    Key Features

    • Mandates Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP)
    • Requires formal asset decision-making framework
    • Follows Annex SL structure and PDCA cycle
    • Emphasizes leadership commitment and integration
    • Balances risks, opportunities, performance, and costs
    Chemical Safety

    REACH

    Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH)

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    18-24 months

    Key Features

    • Industry-led registration above 1 tonne/year per substance
    • SVHC Candidate List triggers communication and notifications
    • Annex XIV authorisation for very high concern substances
    • Annex XVII EU-wide restrictions and bans
    • Supply-chain SDS and exposure scenario obligations

    Detailed Analysis

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

    ISO 55001 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 55001:2024 — Asset management — Management systems — Requirements is an international certification standard specifying requirements for an Asset Management System (AMS). It enables organizations to realize value from assets across lifecycles, using a risk-based, PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach aligned with Annex SL structure.

    Key Components

    • Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
    • 72 "shall" requirements, centered on Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) and new decision-making framework.
    • Built on ISO 55000 principles; supports certification via audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Drives cost optimization, risk reduction, performance balancing in asset-intensive sectors.
    • Meets regulatory, contractual demands; builds stakeholder trust.
    • Enables integration with ISO 9001/14001; competitive edge via certification.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, SAMP development, process integration, training.
    • Applies to utilities, infrastructure, manufacturing; scalable by size.
    • Involves audits for certification; 12-24 months typical.

    REACH Details

    What It Is

    REACH (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006) is a directly applicable EU regulation governing the registration, evaluation, authorisation, and restriction of chemicals. Its primary purpose is to ensure a high level of protection for human health and the environment from chemical risks, while promoting innovation and alternatives to animal testing. It employs a responsibility-shift approach, placing the burden on industry to generate and submit safety data.

    Key Components

    • Four pillars: Registration (>1 tonne/year), Evaluation (dossier checks, substance scrutiny), Authorisation (SVHCs on Annex XIV), Restriction (Annex XVII bans/limits).
    • 17 technical annexes detailing data requirements, SDS rules, and lists.
    • Built on risk-based assessments (CSA/CSR) and supply-chain communication.
    • No certification; compliance via ECHA submissions and national enforcement.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory for EU market access; avoids fines, seizures, market bans.
    • Manages risks, ensures supply-chain transparency, drives substitution.
    • Builds stakeholder trust, supports ESG, enhances competitiveness.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: inventory substances, prepare IUCLID dossiers, monitor annexes, integrate SDS/comms. Applies to manufacturers/importers/downstream users across industries in EU/EEA. Continuous audits, no central certification.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 55001
    Asset Management Systems lifecycle governance
    REACH
    Chemical substances registration and risk control

    Industry

    ISO 55001
    Asset-intensive sectors globally (utilities, infrastructure)
    REACH
    Chemicals and product manufacturers in EU/EEA

    Nature

    ISO 55001
    Voluntary ISO certification standard
    REACH
    Mandatory EU regulation with enforcement

    Testing

    ISO 55001
    Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits
    REACH
    Dossier submissions, substance evaluations by ECHA

    Penalties

    ISO 55001
    Loss of certification, no legal fines
    REACH
    Fines, product seizures, market bans by Member States

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 55001 and REACH

    ISO 55001 FAQ

    REACH FAQ

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