International ISO certificates have sparked a lot of controversy among specialists who classify them as the latest means of misleading the consumer, stressing that placing their logo on the product is considered a legal violation that requires punishment and a fine, and among those who consider it a basic requirement for all establishments and factories, as it leads them to implement a comprehensive quality system and achieve a competitive advantage in the market. Saudi.

Recently, the arms race for the ISO certificate between Saudi establishments and companies has increased significantly, as newspapers periodically witness various advertisements and news about these companies’ achievement of excellence and global competitiveness, through obtaining the ISO certificate, while some companies have decorated their products, offices, and businesses with the logos and signs of this international certificate. .

It does not mean product quality

Specialists explained that some establishments took advantage of the consumer’s lack of knowledge of the meaning of this certificate and its implications, and what the company did to obtain it, as the surprise was sparked by Engineer Ibrahim Al-Khalif, a member of the Executive Council of the Consumer Protection Association, by saying that ISO does not mean the quality of the product or service, but rather it is concerned with The facility’s internal management system. Al-Khalif confirmed in an interview with Al-Arabiya.net that placing the ISO mark on the company’s products is considered a clear legal violation and commercial fraud that requires punishment and a fine.

Al-Khalif stated that consumer culture is still limited, as he believes that the product that carries the ISO certificate is of the highest quality, and what is required is a media campaign to educate the consumer about the truth of this certificate, pointing out that some companies deliberately decorate their products with the logo of this certificate with the aim of attracting the consumer, who is now looking for someone to guarantee him. An appropriate level of quality and safety in the food, medicine or services consumed.

A global phenomenon

For his part, quality specialist, Engineer Abdullah Al-Harbi, said that it is unfair to spread talk about misleading ISO, as there are many establishments that made the required effort and sought development and obtained the certificate with the motive of achieving competitive advantage.

Does the  ISO mark mean  that the product is good?

ISO 9000 is a family of global basic standards, which includes a set of standards within the quality management system. ISO 9000 standards are issued and maintained by the International Organization for Standardization. It is managed by the competent “Accreditation and Certification Authority” in the various countries. The rules followed are updated according to internationally agreed upon requirements in accordance with technological development and the development of knowledge and experience. They are guidelines for application in institutions and companies for the purpose of improving quality.

Any company or institution is independently certified and certified to be compatible with ISO standards and is announced as having “obtained the ISO certificate” or is considered “registered in ISO.” It is worth mentioning that certification of the ISO standard does not necessarily mean guaranteeing the quality of products and services  . The final certification for any company or institution, but rather certifies that the production, commercial and inspection processes are being applied in accordance with a sound quality system .