This post examines the International Standards Organisation’s (ISO) survey, which was released in the last quarter of 2014, on the global growth of ISO’s seven most popular standards between 2012 and 2013 and in particular focusing on growth in Ireland.
Figures released from the ISO show an increase of 65,285 in the number of certificates issued in 2013, compared with those issued in 2012. This represents a 4% increase for 2013 which is in line with last year’s figure of 4% demonstrating steady growth across the standards.
A overall summary of the statistics is shown in the table below:
Table 1: Global Distribution of Certificates 2012 & 2013 (Source: ISO, 2014)
|
Standard |
No. of Certs Issued 2013 |
No. of Certs Issued 2012 |
Increase |
Increase (%) |
| ISO 9001 (Quality) |
1,129,446 |
1,096,987 |
32,459 |
3% |
| ISO 14001 (Environmental) |
301,647 |
284,654 |
16,993 |
6% |
| ISO 50001 (Energy) |
4,826 |
2,236 |
2,590 |
116% |
| ISO 27001 (Information Security) |
22,293 |
19,620 |
2,673 |
14% |
| ISO 22000 (Food Safety) |
26,847 |
23,278 |
3,569 |
15% |
| ISO/TS 16949 (Quality Automotive) |
53,723 |
50,071 |
3,652 |
7% |
| ISO 13485 (Quality Medical Devices) |
25,666 |
22,317 |
3,349 |
15% |
| Total |
1,564,448 |
1,499,163 |
65,285 |
4% |
From Table 1 above, it can be seen that the uptake for the seven most popular standards have all increased over the past year
While overall growth is steady at 4%, ISO 14001 and ISO 22001 have seen the only percentage increase between ‘11/’12 and ‘12/’13. Growth across all other standards has slowed.
The greatest increase has again been in the uptake of ISO 50001, with an increase of 116%. This is down in comparison to ’11/’12 which registered growth of 332%. The previous large increase in uptake was due to ISO 50001 being released in June 2011 and may have resulted in companies with existing standards upgrading their systems to comply with the requirements of ISO 50001.
ISO 9001 makes up the majority of the certificates issued with over 72% of the global total awarded in 2013.
Table 2: Distribution of Certificates 2012 & 2013 in Ireland (Source: ISO, 2014)
| Standard | Intro Year |
No. of Certs Issued 2013 |
No. of Certs Issued 2012 |
Change (%) |
| ISO 9001 (Quality) | 1993 |
2,388 |
2,331 |
2.4% |
| ISO 14001 (Environmental) | 1999 |
698 |
417 |
40% |
| ISO 50001 (Energy) | 2011 |
64 |
35 |
45% |
| ISO 27001 (Information Security) | 2006 |
54 |
48 |
11% |
| ISO 22000 (Food Safety) | 2007 |
42 |
49 |
-17% |
| ISO/TS 16949 (Automotive Quality) | 2004 |
20 |
23 |
-15% |
| ISO 13485 (Medical Devices Quality) | 2004 |
148 |
193 |
-30% |
| Total |
3,414 |
3,096 |
10% |
From Table 2, it can be seen that the distribution of ISO 9001 makes up the majority (70%) of the total number of certificates distributed in Ireland.
The largest growth area is seen in ISO 50001 which was also the case in 2012. This is in line with global trends as its recent release has stoked growth.
ISO 14001 saw a big increase in uptake bucking both global (6%) and European (6%) growth trends.
ISO 9001
Ireland
The distribution of ISO 9001 conformance certificates peaked in 2000 and 2001 where 3700 certificates were being issued annually. The uptake of the standard has dropped off since then to more modest levels. Yet 2013 saw a modest increase of 2.4% in certificates issued versus 2012, as 698 certificates were issued. This is slightly below the European average of 3.4% growth.
From all the certificates distributed in 2013 in Ireland, 70% of them were for ISO 9001.
The top three countries in the world for the total number of certificates issued were China, Italy and Germany while the top three for growth in the number of certificates in 2013 were Italy (2012 also), India and USA.
ISO 14001
Ireland
A total of 698 ISO 14001 certificates were distributed in 2013, representing an increase of 40% versus 2012 levels. This represents a huge bounce back from 2012 which registered a 37% decrease in certificates. Even with a proposed introduction for a new ISO 14001 in 2015 demand has been strong.
This growth also represents a buck in both global (6%) and European (6%) growth trends.
The top three countries in the world for the total number of certificates issued were China, Italy and Japan, while the top three for growth in the number of certificates in 2012 were China, Italy and India.
In terms of regional growth, Central & South Asia saw a 34% increase in certifications followed by Africa with 22% and Central/South America & Middle East both registering 21% growth in certifications.
ISO 50001
Ireland
The number of ISO 50001 certificates issued in 2013 was 64 a 45% increase on 2012. This number is quite big considering it is a voluntary standard. The standard was only introduced in June 2011 and many companies with existing EnMS standards in place, such as EN 16001, may be waiting for their existing certification to expire prior to acquiring the new standard.
Regional growth of ISO 50001 has been massive, all registering over 100% growth. In terms of actual numbers of certificates it is still quite low with just over 4800 certificates being issued in 2013 and Europe making up 81% of the regional share. This area does look like it will continue to grow into the near future.
The top three countries in the world for the total number of certificates were Germany, UK and Italy, while the top three for growth in the number of certificates in 2013 were Germany, UK and Italy.
ISO 27001
Ireland
There has been significant growth in the uptake of ISO 27001 since its launch in 2006, where only six certificates were distributed. 2012 saw a large increase and while 2013 has continued the growth trend it is now at more modest levels: 54 certificates being distributed in 2013, an increase of 11% versus 2012 levels.
The top three countries in the world for the total number of certificates were Japan, India and the UK, while the top three for growth in the number of certificates in 2013 were Italy, India and the UK.
Source: ISO Survey 2014
