ISO 37001:2016 certification

A STRUCTURED APPROACH TO PREVENTING BRIBERY ACROSS ORGANISATIONS

Corruption undermines trust, fair competition, and sustainable development, while increasing costs, risks, and reputational damage for businesses. Regulations alone are not enough, so organizations must actively prevent it through structured anti corruption risk management and controls.

ISO 37001:2016. what is the anti-bribery management system standard?

ISO 37001:2016 is the international standard specifically developed for Anti Bribery Management Systems. Its purpose is to help organizations establish effective controls to prevent, detect and respond to bribery and corruption risks within their operations.

The standard provides a clear framework that enables organizations to:

  • Reduce the likelihood of bribery and corrupt practices;
  • Respond effectively when risks or incidents arise;
  • Demonstrate compliance with applicable anti-corruption legislation and voluntary ethical commitments.

ISO 37001 is designed to be flexible and applicable to organizations of any size, sector or type of activity, including selected business units or functions. 
Bureau Veritas delivers independent certification services against ISO 37001, supporting organizations in validating the robustness of their anti-bribery management systems.

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ISO 37001:2016. How does the certification process work?

The ISO 37001 certification pathway offered by Bureau Veritas Switzerland follows a structured and transparent approach, consisting of the following stages:

  1. Definition of the certification scope
    To identify organizational boundaries and applicable activities;
  2. Optional preliminary assessment
    Including gap analysis and evaluation of the current level of conformity with ISO 37001 requirements;
  3. Two stage certification audits
    Stage 1 and Stage 2 to confirm system design, implementation and effectiveness, leading to certificate issuance;
  4. Surveillance audits
    Conducted to ensure continued conformity and support continual improvement;
  5. Certification renewal every three years
    Following a full reassessment of the management system.

After each audit, organizations receive a detailed audit report highlighting strengths, non-conformities and opportunities for improvement. 
ISO 37001 also requires ongoing governance elements such as analysis of external and internal context, appointment of a responsible anti bribery role, continuous monitoring activities, internal audits and formal management review.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about iso 37001:2016 for anti-bribery management system

  • What are the benefits of iso 37001 certification?

    ISO 37001 certification enhances an organization’s ability to prevent and manage bribery risks in a systematic and measurable way. In addition to supporting regulatory compliance, the standard promotes a proactive, risk-based approach that strengthens governance, transparency and ethical culture.

    By adopting ISO 37001, organizations can better control corruption related risks and costs over time, while reinforcing stakeholder confidence and long-term business sustainability.

  • Is ISO 37001 compatible with other management system standards?

    Yes. ISO 37001 follows the High-Level Structure (HLS) adopted by major ISO management system standards. This common structure and terminology allow ISO 37001 to be easily integrated with existing systems, supporting more efficient and coordinated organizational governance.