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ISO 37301:2021

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ISO 37301:2021 – Compliance Management System (CMS)

1. Definition

ISO 37301:2021 specifies the requirements and provides guidance for establishing, developing, implementing, evaluating, maintaining, and improving an effective Compliance Management System (CMS).
It enables organizations to adhere to applicable laws, regulations, standards, and ethical obligations.

ISO 37301 replaces ISO 19600:2014, transforming the former guidance document into a certifiable management system standard.

2. Purpose and Scope

The standard aims to:

  • Ensure systematic compliance with internal and external requirements.

  • Foster a compliance culture and ethical behavior.

  • Integrate compliance with strategic and operational objectives.

  • Protect organizations from legal, financial, and reputational damage.

Applicable to any organization, regardless of size or industry, that seeks to establish a compliance framework or enhance existing governance systems.

3. Core Elements

  • Leadership and Governance – Establishing a compliance policy and assigning responsibility to top management.

  • Risk Assessment – Identifying and managing compliance obligations.

  • Training and Awareness – Building employee knowledge and engagement.

  • Operational Controls – Integrating compliance into daily activities.

  • Performance Evaluation and Improvement – Monitoring, auditing, and corrective action.

4. Integration with Other Standards

ISO 37301 aligns closely with:

  • ISO 37001:2016 – Anti-Bribery

  • ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management

  • ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health and Safety

  • ISO 31000:2018 – Risk Management

It serves as the central governance standard for compliance and ethics across management systems.

5. Benefits

  • Provides evidence of due diligence and accountability.

  • Strengthens organizational integrity and ethical leadership.

  • Reduces regulatory fines and compliance risks.

  • Improves stakeholder confidence and investor trust.

  • Enables integration into a broader Corporate Governance Framework.

6. Conclusion

ISO 37301:2021 establishes a certifiable and scalable framework for managing legal and ethical compliance, ensuring organizations operate responsibly, transparently, and lawfully.