ISO 28000 Certification is an internationally recognized standard that helps organizations establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve a Supply Chain Security Management System (SCSMS). The standard focuses on identifying, assessing, and controlling security risks across supply chain operations, including logistics, transportation, warehousing, sourcing, and distribution.
In an environment where supply chains are exposed to theft, tampering, terrorism, cyber threats, and operational disruptions, ISO 28000 provides a structured framework to protect goods, information, and infrastructure while ensuring continuity of operations.
What Is ISO 28000 Certification?
ISO 28000 is a security-focused management system standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It specifies requirements for managing security risks related to supply chain activities, from raw material sourcing to final delivery.
Unlike general risk or quality standards, ISO 28000 specifically addresses intentional security threats such as sabotage, theft, smuggling, and unauthorized access, as well as vulnerabilities that could disrupt supply chain integrity.
The standard is applicable to any organization involved in the supply chain, regardless of size or sector.
Purpose and Scope of ISO 28000
The primary purpose of ISO 28000 is to help organizations anticipate, prevent, and respond to supply chain security threats in a systematic and auditable manner.
The scope of ISO 28000 typically includes:
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Physical security of goods, facilities, and transport
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Personnel security and access controls
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Cargo integrity and tamper prevention
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Information and documentation security
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Security incident preparedness and response
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Coordination with suppliers, contractors, and logistics partners
Organizations define the scope based on their role in the supply chain and the risks they face, which is then assessed during certification audits.
Why ISO 28000 Certification Is Important
Growing Supply Chain Security Risks
Modern supply chains are complex and interconnected, making them vulnerable to theft, diversion, counterfeiting, and deliberate disruption. ISO 28000 enables organizations to proactively identify vulnerabilities and implement controls before incidents occur.
Business Continuity and Risk Reduction
Security incidents can lead to shipment delays, financial losses, legal exposure, and reputational damage. ISO 28000 embeds security risk management into operational planning, reducing dependency on ad-hoc responses and individual decision-making.
Regulatory and Trade Compliance
Many customs authorities and trade programs expect organizations to demonstrate structured supply chain security controls. ISO 28000 supports alignment with international trade security expectations and enhances audit readiness.
Client and Partner Confidence
Certification provides third-party validation that supply chain security risks are managed through a recognized international framework, strengthening trust with customers, logistics partners, insurers, and regulators.
Key Requirements of ISO 28000 Supply Chain Security Management System
Security Policy and Leadership Commitment
Top management must define a supply chain security policy aligned with organizational objectives. The policy establishes accountability, resource allocation, and commitment to continual improvement.
Security Risk Assessment
Organizations are required to identify security threats, vulnerabilities, and potential impacts across supply chain activities. Risk assessments must be documented, reviewed periodically, and used to determine appropriate controls.
Operational Security Controls
ISO 28000 requires the implementation of controls to mitigate identified risks. These may include access restrictions, cargo sealing procedures, monitoring systems, secure routing, and contractor controls.
Personnel and Asset Security
Controls must address employee access, training, and awareness, ensuring personnel understand their role in maintaining supply chain security. Assets, including facilities and vehicles, must be protected against unauthorized access.
Incident Management and Emergency Preparedness
Organizations must establish procedures for responding to security incidents, including communication protocols, investigation, corrective actions, and recovery planning.
Monitoring, Audits, and Management Review
Performance monitoring, internal audits, and management reviews are required to ensure the security management system remains effective and responsive to evolving risks.
ISO 28000 Certification Process
The ISO 28000 certification process generally involves:
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Initial Gap Assessment – Review of current security practices against ISO 28000 requirements
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System Design and Documentation – Development of policies, risk assessments, and security procedures
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Implementation and Training – Applying controls and building staff awareness
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Internal Audit – Evaluating system effectiveness and closing gaps
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Certification Audit – Conducted by an accredited certification body
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Ongoing Surveillance – Periodic audits to ensure sustained compliance
Certification is typically valid for three years, subject to successful surveillance audits.
Who Should Seek ISO 28000 Certification?
ISO 28000 certification is relevant for:
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Logistics and freight forwarding companies
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Shipping and transportation providers
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Warehousing and distribution centers
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Manufacturers with complex supply chains
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Importers, exporters, and trading companies
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Port operators and infrastructure providers
Any organization seeking structured control over supply chain security risks can benefit from ISO 28000.
Benefits of ISO 28000 Certification
ISO 28000 helps organizations reduce security-related disruptions, improve resilience, strengthen trade compliance, and enhance credibility with clients and partners. Over time, it supports stable operations, lower incident-related costs, and improved supply chain transparency.
Improved Supply Chain Security and Risk Control
ISO 28000 certification enables organizations to systematically identify and control supply chain security risks such as theft, cargo tampering, unauthorized access, smuggling, and deliberate disruption. By applying a risk-based supply chain security management system, organizations reduce exposure to security incidents that can cause financial losses, shipment delays, and reputational damage.
Reduced Disruptions and Stronger Business Continuity
Organizations certified to ISO 28000 are better prepared to prevent, detect, and respond to supply chain security incidents. The standard requires documented incident response procedures, escalation controls, and recovery planning, which significantly reduces downtime and operational disruption during security events.
Enhanced Compliance With Trade and Regulatory Requirements
ISO 28000 certification supports compliance with international trade security expectations and customs requirements by demonstrating structured control over supply chain security risks. This is particularly valuable for organizations involved in import, export, logistics, and cross-border transportation, where regulatory scrutiny and audit expectations continue to increase.
Increased Customer, Partner, and Insurer Confidence
ISO 28000 certification provides independent verification that supply chain security risks are managed through a recognized international standard. This improves credibility with customers, logistics partners, insurers, and regulators, and strengthens qualification for contracts where supply chain security certification is a prerequisite.
Lower Financial and Insurance-Related Exposure
By reducing the likelihood of theft, loss, and security breaches, ISO 28000 certification can help organizations lower indirect costs associated with claims, penalties, and insurance premiums. Insurers and financial stakeholders often view certified supply chain security management systems as a risk-mitigation advantage.
Better Control Over Suppliers and Logistics Partners
ISO 28000 requires organizations to evaluate and monitor security risks across suppliers, contractors, and logistics partners. This improves visibility and accountability across the supply chain, reducing dependency on undocumented third-party practices and strengthening end-to-end security governance.
Competitive Advantage in Security-Sensitive Markets
ISO 28000 certification differentiates organizations in industries where supply chain security is a critical selection factor, including logistics, manufacturing, infrastructure, and international trade. Certification signals maturity, preparedness, and long-term reliability to procurement teams and enterprise clients.
Why Choose Global Quality Services for ISO 28000 Certification?
Global Quality Services provides a practical, risk-based approach to ISO 28000 certification. The focus is on developing a supply chain security management system that reflects real operational risks rather than theoretical controls. Through structured risk assessments, tailored security procedures, internal audits, and certification readiness support, Global Quality Services helps organizations achieve ISO 28000 certification while building a system that improves resilience, compliance, and operational confidence.
FAQs – ISO 28000 Certification (In-Depth)
1. What types of security threats does ISO 28000 address?
ISO 28000 addresses intentional and operational security threats, including theft, cargo tampering, sabotage, unauthorized access, smuggling, and supply chain disruption. The standard requires organizations to identify threats specific to their operations and implement proportionate controls.
2. Is ISO 28000 only applicable to logistics companies?
No. ISO 28000 applies to any organization involved in the supply chain, including manufacturers, traders, warehouse operators, and service providers. The scope is defined based on the organization’s role and risk exposure.
3. How does ISO 28000 differ from ISO 9001 or ISO 14001?
ISO 28000 focuses specifically on supply chain security risks, whereas ISO 9001 addresses quality management and ISO 14001 addresses environmental management. ISO 28000 complements these standards by addressing intentional security threats rather than process quality or environmental impact.
4. What do auditors focus on during an ISO 28000 audit?
Auditors evaluate how security risks are identified, assessed, and controlled across the supply chain. They review risk assessments, incident response procedures, access controls, monitoring practices, and management oversight to verify system effectiveness.
5. Can ISO 28000 be integrated with other ISO management systems?
Yes. ISO 28000 can be integrated with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, allowing organizations to manage security, quality, environmental, and occupational risks within a unified management system structure.