Introduction to ISO 37001 Certification
In today’s business world, transparency and ethical practices are crucial for sustainable growth. Bribery and corruption not only damage reputation but also create serious legal and financial risks. To help organizations build trust, the ISO 37001 Certification provides a globally recognized framework to implement an Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS).
QACS, a trusted ISO certification body, assists businesses in achieving ISO 37001 Certification with ease. Our expert auditors and consultants ensure your organization is compliant with the international anti-bribery standard and is protected against risks of unethical practices.
What is ISO 37001 Certification?
ISO 37001 is the international standard for anti-bribery management systems. It helps organizations establish, implement, and maintain controls to prevent, detect, and respond to bribery. This certification applies to businesses of all sizes and industries, ensuring integrity and accountability at every level.
By achieving ISO 37001 Certification, organizations demonstrate their commitment to ethical business practices, compliance with laws, and prevention of corruption
Benefits of ISO 37001 Certification
Achieving ISO 37001 Certification provides organizations with a structured framework to combat bribery and corruption. It not only safeguards businesses against risks but also builds long-term credibility in the eyes of stakeholders, clients, and regulators. Below are the key benefits explained in detail:
Risk Reduction
Global Recognition
Legal Compliance
Enhanced Reputation
Improved Governance
Documentation Support – Develop policies, procedures, and controls aligned with ISO 37001
- Core documents: Anti-Bribery Policy, ABMS manual, roles & responsibilities (including ABMS Compliance Function), risk assessment methodology, due diligence procedure, investigations & disciplinary procedure, corrective action procedure, internal audit procedure, management review procedure.
- Control procedures: Gifts & hospitality, donations/sponsorships, facilitation payments prohibition, conflicts of interest, procurement & contracting controls, financial approvals/segregation of duties, third-party onboarding and monitoring.
- Templates & registers: Risk assessment forms, due-diligence checklists, declarations, gifts & hospitality register, conflicts register, incident report form, training logs, KPI dashboard.
- Outcome: A complete, audit-ready documentation set aligned with ISO 37001 Certification requirements.
Implementation – Integrate anti-bribery practices into daily operations
Leadership & culture – Approve and communicate the ABMS, appoint the ABMS compliance lead, embed tone-from-the-top.
Training & awareness– Role-based training for employees and high-risk third parties; keep attendance records and effectiveness checks.
Risk-based controls – Perform and document bribery risk assessments; implement approvals/thresholds, contract clauses, agent/intermediary.
Systems & reporting –Activate confidential whistleblowing channels, case management, and escalation workflows.
Operationalization – Update SOPs, configure ERPs/workflows for approvals, maintain registers, and run pilot tests.
Internal Audit – Conduct pre-certification checks
- Audit planning: Define scope, criteria, methods, sampling, and audit team independence.
- Fieldwork: Interview process owners, test transactions, review records, and verify the operation of controls and the effectiveness of the ABMS.
- Findings & actions: Classify nonconformities (major/minor) and observations; perform root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
- Management review: Top management evaluates performance, KPIs, incidents, complaints, resource needs, and approves improvements—evidence required for ISO 37001 Certification.
Certification Audit – Official assessment by QACS auditors
- Stage 1 (Readiness review): Evaluate documented information, scope, legal/contractual obligations, risk assessment, internal audit & management review completion; confirm readiness for Stage 2 and finalize the audit plan.
- Stage 2 (On-site/hybrid audit): Process walkthroughs, employee interviews, third-party sampling, transaction testing, and effectiveness checks across the ABMS.
- Reporting & decision: Receive an audit report. If any nonconformities exist, implement corrections/corrective actions and submit evidence. An independent certification decision is then made.
- Certificate issuance: QACS issues the ISO 37001 Certification for the approved scope, along with guidelines for correct certificate/mark usage.
The ISO 37001 Certification Process with QACS
Kick-off & scoping – Define certification scope (entities, locations, processes, third parties) and understand your bribery risk profile.
Evidence review– Examine current policies, contracts, procurement/finance controls, HR onboarding, gifts & hospitality investigations, and third-party due diligence.
Clause mapping – Compare your system to the ISO 37001 requirements (context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement).
Systems & reporting –Activate confidential whistleblowing channels, case management, and escalation workflows.
Deliverables – Gap report rating each requirement , a prioritized remediation plan, and an initial bribery risk register.
Ongoing Surveillance
Maintain compliance through periodic audits
Surveillance audits
QACS performs periodic surveillance to confirm the ABMS continues to meet the ISO 37001 standard and remains effective as your business changes.
Continuous improvement
Track KPIs (hotline usage, training completion, due-diligence status, exceptions in gifts register, investigation closure times), update risk assessments, and enhance controls.
Change management
Reassess risks during mergers, new geographies, new intermediaries, or process/system changes.
Recertification cycle
Before the certificate cycle ends, undergo a comprehensive recertification audit to renew your ISO 37001 Certification.
Why Choose QACS for ISO 37001 Certification?
At QACS, we specialize in guiding businesses through the ISO 37001 Certification process with a practical and efficient approach.
- Experienced auditors and consultants in ISO standards.
- Tailored guidance to fit your organization’s structure and industry.
- Complete support from documentation to final certification.
- Competitive pricing with world-class service quality.
Proven track record of delivering certifications across various industries.
Industries That Benefit from ISO 37001 Certification
We provide ISO 37001 Certification services for:
Get ISO 37001 Certified with QACS
Achieving ISO 37001 Certification is not just about compliance – it’s about building trust and credibility in today’s competitive market. Partner with QACS to ensure a smooth certification journey backed by expert guidance and professional support.
Contact Us today to start your path towards ISO 37001 Certification and create a corruption-free business environment.
