What is ISO 37001:2025?
ISO 37001:2025 provides a framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining and improving an Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS). This standard is designed to help organizations prevent, detect and respond to bribery risks and ensure ethical business practices across operations. Implementing ISO 37001 demonstrates a commitment to transparency, compliance and integrity, reducing financial, legal and reputational risks. It applies to organizations of all sizes, sectors and geographic locations, including private, public and non-profit entities.
To begin your ISO 37001 certification journey or schedule an audit, contact our team at support@pacificcert.com.
Quick Summary
“ISO 37001:2025 helps organizations prevent, detect, and address bribery risks with structured policies, controls, and audits. Certification reduces legal and reputational risks, builds trust with regulators and partners, and strengthens governance. Applicable across industries, it proves commitment to transparency, compliance, and ethical business practices.”
Purpose of ISO 37001:2025
The purpose of ISO 37001:2025 is to help organizations establish a systematic approach to prevent, detect and respond to bribery. It provides guidelines to implement policies, procedures, controls and monitoring mechanisms that mitigate bribery risks and strengthen governance. ISO 37001 enables organizations to protect employees, executives, business partners and stakeholders by promoting a culture of integrity and ethical behaviour. It also helps organizations comply with international anti-bribery regulations, improve internal processes and build trust with customers, investors and regulatory bodies.
Scope and Applicability of ISO 37001:2025
ISO 37001:2025 applies to organizations of all sizes, types and sectors that are exposed to bribery risks in their operations, including manufacturing, services, government, finance and supply chains. The standard covers bribery involving employees, business partners, third parties and public officials, providing a structured approach to risk assessment, policy implementation, due diligence and monitoring. ISO 37001:2025 is applicable to standalone anti-bribery systems or integrated management systems such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, and ISO 50001. Its scope includes all operational levels, from senior management to staff responsible for procurement, sales and financial transactions, ensuring comprehensive risk mitigation.
ISO 37001:2016 to ISO 37001:2025 transition to the new version
The ISO 37001 latest standard was last updated in February 2025, Organizations certified under ISO 37001:2016 will have a two-year transition period from the publication date of ISO 37001:2025 to update their Anti-Bribery Management Systems and transfer certification. During this period, both versions will remain valid, but after the deadline, only certificates aligned with ISO 37001:2025 will be recognized.
Key Definitions
- Bribery: Offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting an undue advantage to influence a decision or action.
- Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS): A framework of policies, procedures and controls to prevent and detect bribery.
- Due Diligence: Process to evaluate bribery risks associated with employees, partners and business transactions.
- Compliance Monitoring: Ongoing assessment of policies and controls to detect and address bribery risks.
Clause-wise Structure of ISO 37001:2025
| Clause | Title | Description |
| 1 | Scope | Defines the applicability and purpose of the ABMS. |
| 2 | Normative References | Lists standards and regulatory guidelines relevant to anti-bribery practices. |
| 3 | Terms and Definitions | Clarifies key terminology to ensure consistent understanding. |
| 4 | Context of the Organization | Guides assessment of internal and external factors affecting bribery risk. |
| 5 | Leadership | Establishes management responsibility and ethical commitment. |
| 6 | Planning | Addresses risk identification, mitigation measures and compliance objectives. |
| 7 | Support | Outlines resources, awareness, communication and documentation requirements. |
| 8 | Operation | Covers processes for bribery risk assessment, due diligence and internal controls. |
| 9 | Performance Evaluation | Details internal audits, monitoring and management reviews. |
| 10 | Improvement | Focuses on corrective actions, continuous improvement and incident response. |
What are the ISO 37001:2025 requirements?
To implement ISO 37001:2025 successfully, organizations must understand the foundational requirements that form the backbone of an effective Anti-Bribery Management System. These requirements ensure that policies, processes and controls are robust, transparent and capable of addressing bribery risks across all operations. They also guide organizations in establishing a culture of ethical behaviour and accountability. Below are some of the key ISO 37001:2025 requirements:
- Develop and implement an anti-bribery policy aligned with organizational objectives.
- Conduct a thorough bribery risk assessment across operations, business partners and transactions.
- Establish due diligence procedures for employees, third parties and new business relationships.
- Provide ongoing anti-bribery training and awareness programs for employees and relevant stakeholders.
- Implement financial and non-financial controls to prevent and detect bribery.
- Establish a confidential reporting mechanism and whistleblower protection system.
- Monitor compliance through audits, inspections and performance evaluations.
- Take corrective actions in response to detected incidents or non-conformities.
- Maintain documented evidence of compliance for audit and regulatory purposes.
What are the benefits of ISO 37001:2025?
Implementing ISO 37001:2025 provides organizations with measurable advantages in ethical operations and risk management. Awareness of the benefits helps motivate leadership and staff to actively engage in the anti-bribery management system. Below are some of the key benefits:
- Promotes transparency and integrity across all organizational levels.
- Identifies and mitigates bribery risks, preventing legal and reputational damage.
- Helps meet national and international anti-bribery laws and regulations.
- Builds trust with investors, clients and business partners.
- Provides structured procedures for monitoring, reporting and controlling bribery risks.
- Demonstrates a commitment to ethical practices during audits or inspections.
- Aligns with international anti-bribery standards and best practices.
- Strengthens internal controls and decision-making processes.
ISO 37001:2025 certification demand is growing worldwide as organizations face stricter anti-bribery regulations and stakeholder expectations. Industries such as finance, construction, energy, healthcare and government increasingly require formal anti-bribery systems. Key trends include integrating ABMS with digital monitoring tools, enhancing whistleblower protections and linking ISO 37001 with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 27001 to create an integrated management system. Organizations that adopt ISO 37001 demonstrate strong governance, reduce risk exposure and strengthen trust with investors, partners and customers.
Process for ISO 37001:2025 implementation
The following process provides a structured pathway for organizations to implement and achieve ISO 37001 compliance. A clear understanding of each step helps organizations reduce errors, improve effectiveness and maintain ongoing adherence to the standard.
- Conduct a gap assessment of existing anti-bribery policies and procedures.
- Develop or update an anti-bribery management framework aligned with ISO 37001 requirements.
- Perform a risk assessment covering employees, suppliers, partners and transactions.
- Implement controls, due diligence and monitoring mechanisms.
- Provide training and awareness programs for employees and stakeholders.
- Conduct internal audits to verify compliance with policies and controls.
- Initiate corrective actions to address detected risks or incidents.
- Engage a certification body for Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits.
- Obtain ISO 37001 certification upon successful verification.
- Maintain ongoing monitoring and surveillance to ensure continuous compliance and improvement.
What Is the iso 37001:2025 Certification Timeline?
The timeline for ISO 37001:2025 implementation and certification depends on organizational complexity, size and readiness. Small organizations with existing compliance frameworks may achieve certification in 3–4 months, whereas larger organizations with multiple departments, business partners and complex operations may require 6–12 months. This timeline covers gap analysis, risk assessment, policy and control implementation, employee training, internal audits, corrective actions and preparation for Stage 1 and Stage 2 certification audits. Adequate planning ensures smooth execution and minimizes delays during certification.
What Is the ISO 37001 Certification Cost?
The ISO 37001 Certification costs vary based on the size of the organization, the scope of operations and the complexity of the Anti-Bribery Management System. Costs typically include internal preparation, risk assessments, training programs, implementation of controls, documentation and third-party audit fees. Larger organizations with international operations or multiple business units may incur higher costs due to the increased scope of audits and due diligence processes. Despite these costs, the investment provides long-term benefits by reducing bribery risk, avoiding legal penalties, enhancing stakeholder trust and improving operational integrity.
How Pacific Certifications Can Help?
Pacific Certifications supports organizations in successfully implementing ISO 37001:
- Conduct gap assessments to evaluate current anti-bribery policies and procedures.
- Assist with framework development, controls and, risk assessment mechanisms.
- Provide employee training and awareness programs to ensure understanding and compliance.
- Support internal audits and pre-certification readiness.
- Guide organizations through third-party certification audits and ongoing monitoring.
Contact support@pacificcert.com to schedule your ISO 37001 certification audit.
Training and Courses
To support effective implementation and understanding of ISO 37001:2025, Pacific Certifications offers accredited training programs designed for employees, management and auditors. These programs provide practical knowledge of anti-bribery management systems, risk assessment, compliance procedures and monitoring techniques:
- Lead Auditor Training: Equips professionals to conduct internal and external audits of anti-bribery management systems, ensuring compliance with ISO 37001 requirements.
- Lead Implementer Training: Designed for individuals responsible for planning, implementing and maintaining ISO 37001 within the organization.
- Internal Auditor Training: Prepares internal auditors to assess ABMS effectiveness, identify non-conformities and support corrective actions.
For guidance or to schedule a training session, contact support@pacificcert.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which organizations should implement ISO 37001?
Any organization seeking to prevent bribery, strengthen governance and comply with anti-corruption regulations can implement ISO 37001. This includes private companies, public institutions, non-profits and multinational corporations.
Is ISO 37001:2025 mandatory?
No, ISO 37001 is a voluntary standard. However, implementation demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical practices and can support compliance with national and international anti-bribery laws.
How long does certification take?
Certification typically takes 3–12 months, depending on the size of the organization, complexity of operations and readiness of existing compliance frameworks.
Can small businesses implement ISO 37001?
Yes. ISO 37001 is scalable and can be implemented by organizations of any size. Smaller businesses may require fewer resources but still benefit from risk reduction and improved governance.
Does ISO 37001 cover third-party relationships?
Yes. The standard requires organizations to perform due diligence and monitor third parties, including suppliers, partners and contractors, to reduce bribery risks.
Ready to get ISO 37001:2025 certified?
Contact Pacific Certifications to begin your certification journey today!
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