How Obtaining ISO Certification Helps When Exporting

Did you know that 95% of the world’s customers live outside the U.S.? If your company isn’t exporting – you’re missing out on a lot of potential business. Exporting is a great way for smaller manufacturers to increase sales, diversify their customer base and embrace new innovations and product developments.

 

Just like you do domestically, you’re going to have competition when you try to expand overseas. This shouldn’t deter Michigan’s manufacturers from exporting, but you should be prepared. A great way to begin planning your exporting process starts at home. Begin research into ISO 9000 and look into ISO certification as soon as possible.

 

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a non-governmental organization that sets the international standards for industrial and commercial businesses and companies. These standards help businesses better comply with all markets, regardless of the country or region. Currently, there are more than 160 participating members of ISO, which presents a wealth of potential untapped markets for small businesses looking to expand. 

 

ISO provides a wide variety of standards, or specific guidelines, for companies and businesses to abide by in order to qualify for certification within a certain area. Although ISO doesn’t offer the actual certifications, they do provide ways to come into contact with local certifiers near your business. To date, one of the best and most utilized certifications available for manufacturers is ISO 9000.

 

ISO 9000—or as it is sometimes referred, 9001, which is the latest update—is specifically designed for quality management. ISO 9000 sets the standards for the ideal management skills and styles to best suit a customer’s requirements, while still maintaining a consistent level of quality. By certifying your manufacturing business for ISO, international markets will be able to recognize your business’ commitment to maintaining the highest level of quality possible. 

 

MMTC recently published a blog entry about the updates. Click here to learn more!

 

For Michigan’s manufacturers, obtaining ISO is critical. These certifications allow a business to build new client bases and open up the opportunity to expand to international markets.

 

MMTC provides training and on-site assistance in developing Quality Management Systems registration and compliance for ISO 9001, ISO/TS 16949, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, and ISO 17025, among others. MMTC provides a cost-effective approach to prepare internal personnel in developing, managing and maintaining a quality system to comply with appropriate standards in preparation for formal registration. Training programs focus on required policies, procedures, and work instructions.