There are dozens of certification schemes. From quality management to information security, from the environment to occupational safety. Which one is relevant to your company?
On this page you will find an overview of the most important standards for which Dutch companies are certified. For each scheme you can briefly read what it is about and for whom it is interesting.
Popular schemes
These standards are most requested by Dutch companies.
ISO 9001 - Quality Management
ISO 9001 is the most widely used standard in the world. More than a million organisations are certified. The standard helps you to consistently deliver what you promise to customers.
For whom: Every type of company - from SME to multinational, from services to production. Many clients and tenders require ISO 9001.
Read the complete guide
ISO 27001 - Information security
ISO 27001 is the international standard for information security. You demonstrate that you systematically protect sensitive information against data leaks, cyber attacks and other risks.
For whom: IT companies, software developers, MSPs, but also organisations that often work with personal data or confidential customer data.
Read the complete guide
NEN 7510 - Information security in healthcare
NEN 7510 is the Dutch standard for information security specifically for the healthcare sector. The standard builds on ISO 27001 but adds healthcare sector-specific requirements for the protection of patient data.
For whom: Healthcare providers, hospitals, general practices, mental health institutions, and IT suppliers who supply the healthcare sector.
Read the complete guide
ISO 14001 - Environmental management
ISO 14001 helps organisations reduce their environmental impact and comply with environmental legislation. The standard requires a systematic approach to environmental aspects: from waste management to energy consumption.
For whom: Production companies, construction companies, logistics service providers, and organisations that attach great importance to sustainability or must meet environmental requirements of clients.
Read the complete guide
ISO 45001 - Occupational safety and health
ISO 45001 is the international standard for healthy and safe working. The standard helps you to manage risks in the workplace and prevent occupational accidents.
For whom: Construction companies, production companies, logistics, and other sectors where physical safety plays a role. Often combined with VCA.
Read the complete guide
ISO 42001 - AI management
ISO 42001 is the international standard for the responsible use of artificial intelligence. The standard helps organisations manage AI risks, act ethically and comply with emerging AI regulations such as the EU AI Act.
For whom: Organisations developing or deploying AI systems - from tech companies to traditional organisations adopting AI.
Read the complete guideOther schemes
In addition to the most popular standards, there are more schemes for which you can certify. Below is a brief overview.
ISO 27701 - Privacy information management
Expansion of ISO 27001 specifically for privacy protection and GDPR compliance. Shows that you process personal data according to the rules.
For whom: Organisations that process a lot of personal data and want to demonstrate that they are GDPR compliant.
ISO 22301 - Business continuity
Business continuity standard. Helps you prepare for and recover from disruptions - from cyberattacks to natural disasters.
For whom: Organisations for which continuity is critical, such as data centers, financial institutions and vital infrastructure.
ISO 50001 - Energy management
Systematic approach to energy management and savings. Helps organisations reduce energy consumption and save costs.
For whom: Energy-intensive companies, production companies, and organisations that want to meet energy saving requirements.
ISO 55001 - Asset management
Standard for managing physical assets throughout their life cycle. From purchase to maintenance to replacement.
For whom: Utilities, infrastructure managers, real estate managers, and organisations with a lot of capital equipment.
ISO 22000 - Food safety
Standard for food safety management systems. Combines HACCP principles with management system requirements.
For whom: Food producers, food processing companies, caterers, and other companies in the food chain.
ISO 20000 - IT service management
Standard for IT services. Demonstrates that you provide IT services in a structured and reliable manner.
For whom: IT service providers, managed service providers, and internal IT departments.
Which scheme suits you?
Are you unsure which standard is relevant to your situation? A few rules of thumb:
| Your question | Relevant standard |
|---|---|
| Customers ask for proof of quality | ISO 9001 |
| You work with sensitive data | ISO 27001 |
| You supply to the healthcare sector | NEN 7510 |
| Sustainability is important | ISO 14001 |
| Safety in the workplace | ISO 45001 |
| You develop or use AI | ISO 42001 |
Many companies combine multiple standards. ISO 9001 + ISO 14001 is a common combination in construction. ISO 27001 + NEN 7510 is often seen among IT suppliers in healthcare.
Need help choosing?
We are happy to help you find the right certifier for your standard. Independently and free of charge.