What is ISO?

ISO stands for the International Organization for Standardization, an international body that develops global standards across various sectors. ISO standards are international and recognized in more than 160 countries. These standards are designed to ensure that products, services, and systems are of high quality, safe, and efficient. Examples include ISO 9001 for Quality Management Systems and ISO 14001 for Environmental Management Systems.
ISO certification is globally recognized, so a company certified with ISO 9001 in Indonesia will have its quality acknowledged internationally. This facilitates international trade and builds customer trust globally.

• Scope: Applies globally, recognized by more than 160 member countries.
• Purpose: To improve the quality of products/services, facilitate international trade, and create efficiency and business sustainability.

Main Advantages of ISO:

1. International standards that enable companies to compete in the global market.
2. Ensure consistency and reliability of products or services in international markets.
3. Drives continuous improvement across all areas of business.

What is SNI?

SNI, or Standar Nasional Indonesia (Indonesian National Standard), is the official standard established by the National Standardization Agency (BSN) for use specifically in Indonesia. SNI ensures that products and services circulating in the domestic market meet safety, quality, and health requirements in accordance with national regulations.

Scope: Applies nationally (specific to Indonesia).

Purpose: To protect consumers from unfit products, promote the quality of local industries, and strengthen competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.

Examples of SNI-certified products: Motorcycle helmets, construction steel, bottled drinking water (AMDK), and children’s toys.

Advantages of SNI:

1. A national standard that ensures products and services comply with Indonesia’s needs and regulations.
2. Protects consumers and the environment from products that do not meet standards.
3. Facilitates supervision and quality control in the local market.

Fundamental Differences Between ISO and SNI

The most significant difference between ISO and SNI lies in their scope and application. ISO is an international standard applied in many countries, while SNI is specifically enforced within Indonesia. ISO has a broader scope, covering standards for management systems, technologies, and products, whereas SNI focuses more on the technical specifications of products and services applicable in Indonesia.

Certification Process: ISO certification typically requires a more complex audit conducted by international certification bodies, whereas SNI certification is managed by BSN-accredited laboratories and certification agencies and is adjusted according to national regulations.

Why Should Companies Understand This Difference?

Understanding the difference between ISO and SNI is crucial for determining the right certification strategy according to business needs. For example, companies targeting export markets must adopt ISO so that their products are accepted internationally. Meanwhile, companies focusing on the Indonesian domestic market must ensure their products comply with SNI for legality and consumer trust.

In addition, certain products and services are required to meet SNI as part of government regulations, making this certification a legal prerequisite that must be fulfilled.

Conclusion

Both ISO and SNI play an important role in helping companies improve quality and build customer trust. ISO is an international standard that opens access to global markets, while SNI is a national standard that ensures reliable products and services in Indonesia. Forward-thinking companies will leverage both standards according to their target markets and applicable regulations.

Start with the right step: consult with a trusted certification body to determine the best standard for your needs!
For more information or assistance with ISO certification, please contact us at:

• Call Center: 082288303338
• Email: marketing@isospace.id
• Contact: Kristina Saragi, 081268161778, kristina@isospace.id

Thank you for reading!