The key figures for ISO certification today
In a world that is increasingly structured by QHSE standards, ISO certification plays a major role. According to the ISO Survey 2023, we count more than 837,000 ISO 9001 certificates active in the world.
In addition, the ISO 14001 standard, dedicated to environmental management, brings together more than 300,000 certifications, while theISO 45001 (health & safety at work) achieved more than 185,000 certificates.
In France, the number of ISO 9001 certificates remains stable: according to AFNOR, in 2022, 21,880 ISO 9001 certificates were active.
With regard to safety, the ISO 45001 standard is growing in France, even if the number is still more modest than in other markets.
These figures demonstrate a strong interest in management systems: quality, environment and safety are essential pillars of sustainable performance.
The reasons for being certified : why it is a QHSE lever ?
Improving quality performance (ISO 9001)
Obtaining ISO 9001 certification means structuring your processes, guaranteeing the quality of products and services, and establishing a culture of continuous improvement. This standard makes it possible to detect inefficiencies, to standardize practices and to establish management by indicators.
Strengthen environmental management (ISO 14001)
The ISO 14001 standard offers a framework for anticipating and reducing environmental impacts. By certifying an SME (Environmental Management System), the company can better manage its resource consumption, waste and emissions, while complying with regulations and strengthening its CSR credibility.
Securing health and safety at work (ISO 45001)
With ISO 45001, the challenge is twofold: to protect employees and to prevent professional risks. The standard structures the health/safety policy, formalizes the processes, and imposes regular audits. By adopting ISO 45001, an organization shows its true commitment to its teams.
A strategic and sustainable approach
Beyond compliance, ISO certification makes it possible to align the QHSE strategy with business objectives. It promotes prevention, reduces accidents, and can become a driver of innovation: audited processes make waste, errors and opportunities for optimization visible.
Concrete benefits for the company
Reduced costs and risks
By better managing your processes (quality, environment, safety), you reduce incidents, non-conformities and corrective actions. This results in concrete savings (fewer stops, less waste, fewer accidents).
Of studies show that ISO-certified businesses tend to register a better return on investment around non-quality costs and incidents.
Better image & credibility
ISO certification is a guarantee of seriousness in the eyes of customers, prospects, partners and investors. It shows that the company operates according to internationally recognized standards. For customers who are sensitive to ESG or CSR issues, having a certified QMS, SME or SMSST can make a difference in tenders.
Access to new markets
Some companies or contractors require ISO certifications in their supply chains. Being certified can therefore open strategic markets (export, major accounts, public procurement). Moreover, in a growing regulatory context (sustainability, safety), certification is becoming a competitive advantage.
Continuous improvement & internal commitment
A certified system results in controlled processes, traceability, and clear indicators. This encourages team engagement (because they participate in a structured approach) and establishes a culture of continuous improvement. The result: less burdensome audits, more effective management reviews, and sustainable performance.
How do I become ISO certified ? The key steps
Initial diagnosis & gap-analysis
The first step is to assess your current practices against the requirements of the standards (9001, 14001, 45001). Identify discrepancies (absent processes, missing documentation, undefined indicators...).
Implementation of the management system
According to the target standard, you must formalize :
- a QMS for quality (ISO 9001)
- an SME for the environment (ISO 14001)
- an SMSST for health/safety (ISO 45001)
This includes defining documented policies, goals, processes, and procedures.
Team training & involvement
Employees must be trained in normative requirements, newly defined procedures, and management via indicators (or KPIs). Management involvement is crucial: without leadership, the system risks remaining a dead letter.
Certification audit & follow-up
Once the system is in place, a certification body carries out an initial audit. After certification, follow-up (surveillance) audits are conducted regularly to ensure that requirements are maintained. You should also plan management reviews And improvements.
Possible challenges and obstacles
Cost & internal resources
The cost of certification can be a barrier: audit, documentation, training, internal resources. You have to budget carefully.
Documentary complexity
Creating and maintaining documents (manuals, procedures, records) can be cumbersome, especially without a structured method.
Resistance to change
Some teams may see certification as a bureaucratic constraint. It is therefore necessary to articulate added value in terms of security, performance and not only compliance.
Maintaining certification
Achieving certification is not an end. It is necessary to prepare for surveillance audits, monitor indicators, adjust processes. The system has to live.
Best practices to maximize the ROI of your certification
Managing with QHSE indicators
Define clear KPIs (for example, incident rates, non-conformities, energy consumption, audit frequency) to measure the impact of your certification. These indicators make it possible to align certification with real performance.
Digitalization & tools
Use QHSE tools (software) allows you to centralize documentation, monitor actions, and automate audits and reviews. This reduces administrative burden and increases data reliability.
Management involvement
Management support is essential. It must carry the vision, approve the objectives and promote regular management review. The commitment of top management is a success factor.
Continuous improvement
Certification is not static. Organizing regular reviews, internal audits, corrective plans, and feedback is essential to get real benefits.
Certifying in a geographical context (France/Europe) : the specificities you need to know
Regulations and CSR
In Europe, regulatory pressure around sustainability, energy, and security is pushing companies to engage in certified approaches. ISO certification can be integrated into CSR, ESG strategies or compliance with European standards.
Influence of certification on suppliers
Many businesses require their suppliers to be ISO certified (9001, 14001, 45001) to ensure quality, safety, and environmental responsibility. This plays a key role in the European supply chain.
Special case of France
According to AFNOR data, the number of ISO 9001 certificates in France is stable, around 21 880 in 2022.
This shows a strong maturity, but also challenges related to certification dynamics in a rapidly changing economic and regulatory context.
Case studies and feedback
- French industrial SMEs: implementation of an ISO 9001 QMS. Result: 15% reduction in non-conformities in 12 months, automation of audits, better customer satisfaction.
- Large industrial site ISO 45001: initial audit + team awareness → reduction of work accidents, increase in management skills.
- Multi-Entity Group (QSE): ISO 9001 + ISO 14001 cross certification. Centralized management, reinforced ESG reporting.
This feedback shows that certification is not a cost, but a lever for operational and cultural transformation. And if you want more feedback, discover our customer cases by clicking just here →
Conclusion: ISO certification as a strategic QHSE driver
Get a certification ISO 9001, ISO 14001 or ISO 45001, means choosing structured management, a culture of prevention and a sustainable commitment.
With over 837,000 ISO 9001 certificates In the world and strong developments in Europe, certification remains a strategic tool.
If done well, it not only reduces risks, but also strengthens credibility, improves performance and opens up new markets.
👉 Get started now in a certification process, it means investing in the resilience of your business.
👉 Do you need HSE support ? Do not hesitate to get help from our experts.
