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ISO 9001
In brief
ISO 9001 is the internationally widespread standard for quality management systems. It defines how an organization plans, controls, reviews and improves its processes so that products and services reliably meet customer requirements. For IT service providers such as ITAD providers, a certification shows that processes such as pickup, erasure and refurbishment are documented and regularly reviewed.
What ISO 9001 requires
The standard does not prescribe product quality but a system. It follows the uniform structure of the ISO management system standards and builds on principles such as customer focus, leadership, process approach, evidence-based decision-making and continual improvement. Further principles are the engagement of employees and relationship management.
| Step | Contents |
|---|---|
| Initial certification | Audit by an accredited certification body |
| surveillance audits | Annual review in the following years |
| Recertification | Renewed full audit after three years |
For a long time the ISO 9001:2015 version applied, supplemented in 2024 with notes on climate change. A revised version had been announced for September 2026, with a transition period of three years (as of 10/2026). What an accredited body is, is explained in the entry Accreditation.
ISO 9001 together with other standards
Many companies combine ISO 9001 with ISO 14001 for environmental management, ISO 45001 for occupational safety and ISO/IEC 27001 for information security. Thanks to the common structure, they can be brought together in an integrated management system.
Second IT is certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO/IEC 27001. More on Data secrecy and certified processes.
Frequently asked questions about ISO 9001
What does an ISO 9001 certification mean?
It confirms that a company has introduced a quality management system according to the standard and has it reviewed regularly by an independent body.
How long is an ISO 9001 certificate valid?
Usually three years, with annual surveillance audits. A recertification follows.
Does ISO 9001 guarantee a particular level of data security?
No. ISO 9001 concerns the quality of processes. For information security, ISO/IEC 27001 is the appropriate standard.
Is ISO 9001 a standard for product quality?
No. The standard does not prescribe product quality but a system. It defines how an organization plans, controls, reviews and improves its processes. This is intended to ensure that products and services reliably meet customer requirements.
Can ISO 9001 be combined with ISO 14001 and ISO/IEC 27001?
Yes. All ISO management system standards follow a common structure. That is why ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO/IEC 27001 can be brought together in an integrated management system. This saves duplicate work in documentation and audits.
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