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QMS Certification Programs

There are a growing number of QMS (Quality Management System) Certifications available, but which one is best for your business? Ultimately, it's all about what your customer wants.

The following is a list of QMS Certification programs that I am aware of. However, as more companies become dissatisfied with ISO, we should expect to see this number grow.

General

ISO 9001 (Quality Management System Standard)
By far the most popular general (generic) quality standard standard is ISO 9001. While ISO does not operate any sort of certification program relating to ISO 9001, there are literally hundreds of ISO 9001 registrars throughout the world. Because there is no common database for all ISO 9001 certifications, it is impossible to determine the exact number issued. However, as of 2017, ISO estimates that there are approximately 1 million certifications world-wide. It is important to note that of this number, approximately 1/3 (350,000) of these certifications are issued to companies located in China. After reaching a high point of approximately 40,000 certifications issued in the USA, this number has now fallen to approximately 25,000.

In the words of Nigel H. Croft (ISO/TC 176/SC 2 Chair), ISO 9001 is an “entry point” quality management system standard.1) And, according to Maria Lazarte (Team Leader - Media and Engagement at ISO), “ISO 9001:2015 is even less prescriptive than its predecessor.”2)

Consequently, ISO 9001 is NOT intended to be a standard for excellence, or even a mid-level standard, but rather a very basic, minimalist, quality management system standard that appeals to the largest possible base (i.e., the lowest common denominator).

Aerospace

AS9100

Food

When it comes to food and agricultural products, quality and safety are much more closely linked than many manufactured items.

FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification)
https://www.fssc22000.com
With over 20,500 certificates issued worldwide (in 154 countries), certification to the FSSC 22000 standard is designed for companies that process or manufacture animal products, perishable plant products, products with a long shelf-life, and food ingredients (e.g., additives, vitamins, bio-cultures, etc). Like many of the ISO standards, the ISO/TS 22000 series is inadequate for meaningful certification. However, FSSC 22000 uses ISO/TS 22000 standards as the “foundation” upon which further requirements were added to create a “robust” standard.


Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards (BRCGS Certification)
https://www.brcgs.com
BRCGS is a leading brand and consumer protection organisation, used by over 28,000 certificated suppliers in more than 130 countries, with certification issued through a global network of accredited certification bodies. BRCGS' Standards guarantee the standardisation of quality, safety and operational criteria and ensure that manufacturers fulfil their legal obligations and provide protection for the end consumer. Certification to BRCGS' Standards is now often a fundamental requirement of leading retailers, manufacturers and food service organisations.


GAFTA (Grain and Feed Trade Association) Certification
GAFTA offers certification in 3 main areas:

  1. Grain and Feed Superintending
  2. Fumigation of Vessels and storage facilities
  3. Laboratory Analysis
1)
Croft, Nigel H. “ISO 9001:2015 and beyond - Preparing for the next 25 years of quality management standards” (dated 28 August 2012). International Organization for Standardization. https://www.iso.org/news/2012/08/Ref1633.html (accessed April 14, 2018).
2)
Lazarte, Maria. “ISO 9001:2015 - Just published!” (dated 23 September 2015). International Organization for Standardization. https://www.iso.org/news/2015/09/Ref2002.html (accessed April 14, 2018).