ISO 9001 sets out the criteria for a quality management system and is the only standard in the family that can be certified (although this is not a requirement). It can be used by any organization, large or small, regardless of its field of activity. Over one million companies and organizations in over 170 countries are certified to ISO 9001.
This standard is based on several quality management principles including a strong customer focus, the motivation and implication of top management, the process approach, and continual improvement. These principles are explained in more detail in ISO’s quality management principles. Using ISO 9001 helps ensure customers get consistent, good-quality products and services, bringing many business benefits.