ISO 37001:2019 Anti-Bribery Management System

The ISO 37001 standard is the international framework for Anti-Bribery Management Systems (ABMS). Its purpose is to help organizations of any type—public, private, and non-profit—prevent, detect, and effectively respond to incidents of bribery.

Bribery is one of the most widespread forms of corruption worldwide, with serious social, political, and economic consequences. It undermines fair competition, increases transaction costs, erodes public trust in institutions, and damages the credibility of businesses.

By establishing a structured system of policies, procedures, and controls, ISO 37001 certification strengthens a culture of integrity and transparency, offering organizations a strong competitive advantage in an environment where compliance and corporate governance expectations continue to rise.

What Is ISO 37001 Certification?

ISO 37001 certification confirms that an organization has designed, implemented, and operates an Anti-Bribery Management System in accordance with the requirements of the international ISO 37001 standard.

The standard defines specific requirements and provides guidance for the design, implementation, monitoring, and continual improvement of a system aimed at preventing, detecting, and responding to forms of bribery across both the public and private sectors.

Although ISO 37001 focuses specifically on bribery, it does not directly cover other types of financial crime, such as fraud, cartels, or money laundering. However, organizations may expand the scope of their ABMS to address these risks as well, forming a broader compliance framework.

Certification is internationally recognized proof that the organization implements adequate and proportionate anti-bribery measures, strengthening its credibility with customers, partners, investors, and regulatory authorities.

Benefits of Implementing ISO 37001

Implementing and certifying an Anti-Bribery Management System according to ISO 37001 offers tangible benefits for organizations of all sizes and sectors:

Strengthened trust and transparency: Demonstrates that the organization addresses bribery in a systematic and structured way.
Reduced risk and cost: Preventing bribery incidents minimizes legal, financial, and reputational consequences.
Compliance with international and national laws: Supports alignment with anti-corruption legislation and regulations.
Improved corporate governance: Enhances internal controls, oversight mechanisms, and accountability.
Stronger stakeholder relationships: Customers, partners, public bodies, and investors recognize certification as a strong signal of integrity.
Competitive advantage in global markets: Particularly beneficial for export-oriented and multinational organizations facing strict compliance expectations.
Scalability for SMEs: The standard is flexible and can be tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses without excessive bureaucracy.

Key Requirements & Elements of ISO 37001

ISO 37001 sets out a comprehensive framework of policies, procedures, and controls that aim to prevent and manage bribery risks. Core elements include:

Anti-bribery policy: Clear and public commitment to zero tolerance for bribery.
Top management commitment: Active involvement in supporting, resourcing, and monitoring the system.
Risk assessments and due diligence: Systematic evaluation of bribery risks in transactions, projects, partnerships, and third parties (suppliers, agents, consultants).
Procedures for gifts, hospitality, and donations: Clear rules, approval processes, and documentation for acceptable and unacceptable practices.
Controls over financial and non-financial processes: Segregation of duties, payment controls, contracting, and procurement procedures.
Training and awareness: Targeted programs for management, employees, and relevant third parties.
Reporting channels & whistleblowing: Confidential and secure mechanisms for reporting suspicions or incidents.
Incident investigation & corrective actions: Procedures for investigation, documentation, and response, with emphasis on preventing recurrence.
Continual improvement: Regular performance evaluation, internal audits, and management reviews.

ISO 37001 can be integrated with existing management systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001), leveraging common structures and reducing administrative burden.

ISO 37001 Certification Process

The certification process follows a series of well-defined steps, from preparation to ongoing maintenance:

Application & initial assessment: Submission of an application to an accredited certification body such as Q-CERT and collection of key organizational information.
Readiness assessment (gap analysis): Review of the current situation, identification of gaps, and planning of implementation.
System design & implementation: Development of policies, procedures, due diligence mechanisms, reporting channels, and training programs.
Internal audits & management review: Verification that the system is functioning, identification of weaknesses, and corrective actions.
Certification Audit – Stage 1: Review of documentation and readiness.
Certification Audit – Stage 2: In-depth evaluation of implementation, interviews, sampling of processes, contracts, and records.
Issuance of certificate: Granted upon conformity and closure of any nonconformities.
Annual surveillance audits: Periodic assessments to confirm ongoing compliance and system effectiveness.

As an accredited certification body, Q-CERT supports organizations with a clear audit plan, transparency throughout the process, and practical findings that contribute to real system improvement.

ISO 37001 Certification Cost in Greece

The cost of ISO 37001 certification in Greece varies depending on organizational characteristics such as:

Size of the organization (turnover, employees)
Sector and risk profile (e.g., public procurement, international operations)
Number of sites / branches
Existing certified systems that may be integrated (ISO 9001, ISO 27001, etc.)

A precise quotation requires direct communication with the certification body and submission of basic organizational details.

Implementation & Best Practices

Successful ISO 37001 implementation is not only a matter of documentation—it is primarily a matter of culture, leadership, and consistency. Best practices include:

Strong leadership commitment: Top management must actively support the anti-bribery policy and lead by example.
Role-specific training: Tailored programs for departments such as sales, procurement, management, and legal.
Integration with internal policies: Alignment with the code of conduct, procurement policy, HR policies, etc.
Regular monitoring and controls: Continuous tracking of key indicators, review of high-risk transactions, and ongoing third-party due diligence.
Clear reporting procedures: Easily accessible and protected whistleblowing channels.
Stakeholder involvement: Informing key partners, suppliers, and intermediaries about system requirements and unacceptable practices.

Collaboration with consultants or internal compliance teams can accelerate implementation, provided the system remains practical and adapted to the organization’s realities—not theoretical.

Audits & Maintaining Certification

ISO 37001 certification is valid for three years, subject to ongoing compliance. Key elements include:

Annual surveillance audits: Verification by the certification body (e.g., Q-CERT) that the system continues to operate effectively.
Risk review and updates: Regular revision of bribery risk assessments and related controls.
Management of nonconformities: Identification, documentation, and timely corrective actions.
Re-certification audit: A full system reassessment every three years to renew the certificate.

Proper audit preparation (updated records, clear roles, documented evidence) reduces stress and supports meaningful system improvement.

ISO 37001 and Corporate Governance

ISO 37001 is not merely a compliance tool—it is a core element of modern corporate governance. Its adoption enhances transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct across all levels of an organization.

For boards and shareholders, a certified Anti-Bribery Management System demonstrates that management takes corruption risks seriously and incorporates them into the broader risk management and ESG framework.

It also strengthens relationships with investors, banks, public bodies, and international partners that increasingly require documented integrity practices.

ISO 37001 in Greece & Choosing a Certification Body

In Greece, demand for ISO 37001 certification is growing, particularly in sectors interacting with the public sector, infrastructure projects, healthcare, energy, and financial services.

Selecting the right certification body is critical for the credibility and added value of the certificate. The body should be accredited, employ auditors with strong expertise in compliance, governance, and anti-corruption, and tailor the audit program to the organization’s specific risks.

Q-CERT, as an accredited management systems certification body, provides ISO 37001 certification services with emphasis on:

practical and clear findings,
transparent communication,
and flexible audit planning in Greece and abroad.

Conclusion & Next Steps

ISO 37001 certification is a strategic step for organizations seeking to safeguard their operations against bribery, enhance their corporate reputation, and meet growing transparency and compliance expectations.

Through a structured Anti-Bribery Management System, the organization establishes clear policies, control mechanisms, and reporting channels that reduce risk, protect leadership, and strengthen a culture of integrity.

If you are considering implementing or certifying ISO 37001, the next step is to contact Q-CERT, request a tailored proposal, and organize your preparation and audit plan.
Fill in the certification application form or reach out to our team to discuss your organization’s needs.

Typically, certification requires 3–6 months, depending on the size, complexity, and readiness of the organization. Q-CERT can help you develop a realistic timeline and prepare effectively for the audit.

No. ISO 37001 can be implemented as a standalone system. However, it integrates easily with other management systems such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, or ISO 27001 by leveraging common processes and reducing duplication of work.

Yes. The standard is designed to apply to organizations of all sizes. For SMEs, simpler and proportionate procedures can be adopted without compromising the effectiveness of the system.

If nonconformities are found, Q-CERT provides a detailed report outlining the findings and areas for improvement. The organization must implement corrective actions, and once these are evaluated, the certificate can be issued or maintained as normal.

Generally, ISO 37001 certification is not mandatory. However, in many international partnerships, tenders, or contractual agreements, it is requested as evidence of transparency and a robust compliance framework.

The certificate is valid for three years, provided that annual surveillance audits are successfully completed and the system continues to operate effectively.

Why Q-CERT

Q-CERT employs specialized auditors with strong expertise in compliance, corporate governance, and risk management, providing certification that is both reliable and practically oriented. We combine international know-how with a deep understanding of the Greek market, offering flexible solutions tailored to the needs of both SMEs and large organizations.

Contact Q-CERT to request a personalized proposal and learn how we can support your organization on its ISO 37001 certification journey.

Audit Information & Expectations	Application Form
F-2108	F-2503, Annex L