Standards Comparison

    UL Certification

    Voluntary
    1894

    Third-party certification for product safety standards compliance

    VS

    ISO 37001

    Voluntary
    2025

    International standard for anti-bribery management systems

    Quick Verdict

    UL Certification verifies product safety through testing and marks for market access, while ISO 37001 builds anti-bribery management systems for compliance culture. Companies adopt UL for retailer trust and liability reduction; ISO 37001 for risk mitigation and ethical governance.

    Product Safety

    UL Certification

    UL Certification Marks and Services

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Develops own consensus safety standards for testing
    • Distinguishes Listed, Recognized, Classified marks by scope
    • Requires ongoing factory follow-up inspections for compliance
    • Enhanced/Smart marks with QR codes and attributes
    • Covers safety, EMC, cybersecurity, sustainability across industries
    Anti-Bribery/Compliance

    ISO 37001

    ISO 37001 Anti-bribery management systems

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Risk-based bribery assessment and controls
    • Third-party due diligence requirements
    • Leadership commitment and compliance function
    • Financial and non-financial controls
    • PDCA cycle for continual improvement

    Detailed Analysis

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

    UL Certification Details

    What It Is

    UL Certification is a third-party conformity assessment system by UL Solutions, encompassing product testing, certification marks, and surveillance services. It verifies compliance with UL-authored consensus standards for safety, performance, and emerging risks like cybersecurity. The risk-based approach evaluates construction, performance, and markings via lab testing and audits.

    Key Components

    • **Mark typesUL Listed (end-use products), Recognized (components), Classified (limited scope), Verified (specific claims).
    • Core elements: standards selection, representative sampling, factory inspections, follow-up services.
    • Attributes: safety, energy, security, health effects; Enhanced/Smart marks with QR traceability.
    • Built on NRTL accreditation by OSHA for U.S./Canada.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Provides market access, retailer acceptance, liability reduction despite being voluntary. Enhances trust, supports ESG claims, differentiates via brand recognition over ETL/CSA equivalents. Manages risks in supply chains and high-hazard products.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased lifecycle: gap analysis, design compliance, prototype testing, factory readiness, certification, ongoing surveillance. Applies to all sizes across industries like electronics, energy, buildings. Requires audits, change control; timelines 6-12 months.

    ISO 37001 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 37001 is the international certifiable standard for Anti-Bribery Management Systems (ABMS). Published in 2016 and revised in 2025, it specifies requirements to prevent, detect, and respond to bribery risks. Scope includes direct/indirect bribery by/for organizations, personnel, and business associates across sectors. It uses a risk-based, proportionate approach following the ISO Harmonized Structure and PDCA cycle.

    Key Components

    • Clauses 4–10: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
    • Core elements: anti-bribery policy, risk assessment, due diligence, training, financial/non-financial controls, reporting/investigations.
    • Annex A guidance for implementation.
    • Optional third-party certification with Stage 1/2 audits and surveillance.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mitigates legal risks under FCPA/UK Bribery Act; evidentiary defense in prosecutions.
    • Enhances reputation, stakeholder trust, ESG alignment.
    • Delivers efficiencies (15% compliance cost reduction), market access.
    • Addresses third-party risks (95% of cases).

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, risk assessment, controls, training, audits.
    • Scalable for all sizes/sectors globally.
    • 6–12 months typical to certification.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    UL Certification
    Product safety, performance, marks across industries
    ISO 37001
    Anti-bribery management system, bribery prevention

    Industry

    UL Certification
    All industries, global with regional marks
    ISO 37001
    All sectors, global anti-corruption focus

    Nature

    UL Certification
    Voluntary third-party product certification
    ISO 37001
    Voluntary certifiable management system standard

    Testing

    UL Certification
    Lab testing, factory inspections, follow-up audits
    ISO 37001
    Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits

    Penalties

    UL Certification
    Loss of certification, mark withdrawal
    ISO 37001
    No direct penalties, potential legal mitigation evidence

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about UL Certification and ISO 37001

    UL Certification FAQ

    ISO 37001 FAQ

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