South African businesses face unique challenges, but ISO standards provide a roadmap for success, assisting organisations to improve processes and meet international standards. These internationally recognised standards provide clear guidelines for best practices, assisting businesses in achieving consistency and sustainability.
Below, we explore the top 10 ISO standards in South Africa, the industries they are ideally used in, and how they can benefit your organisation. For more details, visit WWISE (www.wwise.co.za) or the official ISO website (www.iso.org).
1. ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System
Industry: Universal (Applicable to all industries)
Example: Manufacturing companies, service providers, healthcare organisations, and educational institutions in South Africa.
Benefit: Consistent quality of products or services, leading to increased customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
ISO 9001:2015 sets the benchmark for quality management. It assists organisations in streamlining processes, reducing errors, and improving customer satisfaction. For example, a manufacturing company, a hospital, or a software development firm might use ISO 9001:2015 to ensure consistent quality and meet client expectations.
Why not ask yourself: Could your business benefit from a stronger focus on quality?
2. ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management System
Industry: Construction
Example: Construction companies in South Africa.
Benefit: Reduced workplace accidents and improved employee safety.
Workplace safety is a priority for every organisation. ISO 45001:2018 provides a framework for managing health and safety risks, reducing workplace incidents, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. A construction company, for instance, could use this standard to create safer working conditions for its employees.
Are you doing enough to protect your team?
3. ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System
Industry: Mining
Example: Mining companies operating in South Africa.
Benefit: Reduced environmental impact and improved sustainability.
With growing environmental concerns, ISO 14001:2015 assists organisations in minimising their environmental impact. It guides businesses in managing waste, reducing energy consumption, and complying with environmental laws. A logistics company might adopt this standard to cut carbon emissions and improve sustainability.
How can your business contribute to a greener future?
4. ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Information Security Management System
Industry: Financial Services
Example: South African banks.
Benefit: Enhanced data security and increased client trust.
In an era of cyber threats, ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is critical for protecting sensitive information. It assists organisations in establishing security measures to safeguard data. A financial services provider could use this standard to protect client information and build trust.
Is your data as secure as it should be?
5. ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management System
Industry: Industrial Manufacturing
Example: Large industrial plants.
Benefit: Reduced energy consumption and lower operating costs.
Energy costs are a major concern for many businesses. ISO 50001:2018 provides a framework for improving energy efficiency, reducing costs, and lowering carbon footprints. A manufacturing plant might implement this standard to cut energy usage and save money.
Could your business reduce its energy bills?
6. ISO 55001:2014 Asset Management System
Industry: Public Sector or Utilities
Example: Municipalities managing water or electricity infrastructure.
Benefit: Optimised asset lifespan and reduced maintenance costs.
Effective asset management is key to long-term success. ISO 55001:2014 assists organisations in optimising the use of their assets, extending their lifespan and reducing costs. A mining company, for instance, could use this standard to improve equipment maintenance and productivity.
Are you getting the most out of your assets?
7. ISO 20000-1:2018 IT Service Management System
Industry: IT Service Providers
Example: South African IT service providers.
Benefit: Improved IT service delivery and improve client satisfaction.
For organisations reliant on IT, ISO 20000-1:2018 ensures efficient and reliable IT services. It enables businesses to provide improved IT assistance and align IT services with business goals. A tech startup might adopt this standard to improve customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Is your IT service management meeting your business needs?
8. ISO 22000:2018 Food Safety Management System
Industry: Food Processing
Example: South African food processing companies.
Benefit: Ensured food safety and consumer protection.
In the food industry, safety is non-negotiable. ISO 22000:2018 assists organisations in managing food safety risks and ensure compliance with regulations. A food processing company could use this standard to guarantee the safety of its products and protect consumers.
Are you confident in the safety of your food products?
9. ISO 37001:2025 Anti-Bribery Management System
Industry: Multinational Corporations and Local Businesses
Example: South African subsidiaries of multinational corporations and local enterprises.
Benefit: Reduced risk of bribery and corruption, and improved ethical business practices.
Bribery and corruption can damage reputations and lead to legal non-compliance. ISO 37001:2025 provides a framework for preventing bribery and promoting ethical practices. A multinational corporation or a local business might implement this standard to ensure compliance with anti-corruption laws and foster a culture of integrity.
Is your organisation doing enough to prevent bribery?
10. ISO 22301:2019 Business Continuity Management System
Industry: Financial Institutions
Example: South African insurance companies.
Benefit: Improved resilience and ability to recover from disruptions.
Disruptions can happen at any time. ISO 22301:2019 assists organisations in preparing for and recovering from unexpected events, ensuring business continuity. A retail chain could use this standard to develop a plan for maintaining operations during a crisis.
Is your business ready to handle disruptions?
Final Thoughts
Adopting ISO standards can transform your organisation, improving efficiency, compliance, and customer trust. Whether you are focused on quality, safety, or sustainability, these standards provide a clear path to success. Start your journey today by exploring how WWISE can assist you in implementing these standards effectively.
Which ISO standard will you prioritise for your business?