Everything a business owner needs to know before getting ISO certified.
What is ISO certification and who issues it?+
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) develops and publishes international standards — but ISO itself does not issue certificates. Certification is carried out by independent third-party certification bodies accredited by NABCB (National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies) under QCI, which is an IAF (International Accreditation Forum) member. This means an IAF-accredited certificate from India is recognised globally. Taxocount partners only with IAF-accredited bodies.
Which ISO certification is best for a manufacturing business in India?+
For a manufacturing business, the most commonly required certifications are: ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management) — required for most tenders and vendor registrations. ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management) — for eco-sensitive markets and government contracts. ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety) — for factory safety compliance. Many manufacturing businesses get all three as an IMS (Integrated Management System) bundle, which costs 30–40% less than getting them separately.
How long does ISO certification take in India?+
ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 typically take 15–25 working days from start to certificate — for a small to medium-sized business that is reasonably well-organised. ISO 27001 takes 25–35 days due to more complex documentation requirements. The IMS bundle (9001+14001+45001) takes 30–40 days. Timeline depends on your existing process maturity and how quickly your team implements the changes. Taxocount prepares you efficiently to minimise this timeline.
Is ISO certification mandatory by law in India?+
ISO certification is generally not mandated by law — but it is de facto mandatory in many commercial situations: government tenders often require ISO 9001 as an eligibility criterion, export contracts frequently require ISO certification, large corporations require it for vendor empanelment. Certain ISO standards map onto legal requirements — ISO 22000 aligns with FSSAI, ISO 13485 aligns with CDSCO Medical Device Rules, and ISO 45001 supports compliance with the Factories Act.
How much does ISO certification cost in India?+
ISO certification cost depends on the standard, your business size, and the number of employees. For a small business (up to 25 employees), ISO 9001 certification typically costs ₹20,000–₹50,000 total — including consultation, documentation, and audit fees. Larger businesses cost more. The IMS bundle is 30–40% more cost-effective than getting three certifications separately. Taxocount provides a transparent, all-inclusive quote before any work begins — no hidden charges.
How long is an ISO certificate valid?+
An ISO certificate is valid for 3 years from the date of issue. However, certification bodies conduct surveillance audits every year (Year 1 and Year 2 after certification) to verify that you are maintaining the management system. After 3 years, a full recertification audit is conducted to renew the certificate. Taxocount manages the annual surveillance audit preparation and recertification process for all our clients.
Can an MSME or small business get ISO certification?+
Yes, absolutely. ISO certification is available for businesses of any size — from sole proprietorships to large corporations. In fact, many small businesses get ISO 9001 specifically to qualify for government tenders or to build credibility with corporate clients. MSME-registered businesses may also be eligible for government subsidies that reimburse up to 75% of the certification cost under various state and central government schemes. Taxocount guides MSME clients through the subsidy application process as well.
What is the difference between an IAF-accredited and non-accredited ISO certificate?+
An IAF-accredited ISO certificate is issued by a certification body that has been independently assessed and approved by NABCB/QCI under the IAF multilateral agreement. This means the certificate is recognised internationally — in Europe, the US, the Middle East, and all IAF member countries. A non-accredited certificate is issued without any such oversight and may not be accepted by clients, governments, or international buyers. Taxocount works exclusively with IAF-accredited bodies to ensure your certificate has full legal and commercial validity.
Does Taxocount help after the certificate is issued?+
Yes. Taxocount provides ongoing support after certification: we help you maintain your management system, prepare for annual surveillance audits, update documentation when your processes change, and handle any non-conformities raised by the certification body. We also remind you when recertification is due (every 3 years) and manage the full recertification process. Think of us as your long-term ISO compliance partner, not just a one-time service provider.