ISO 22301
Business Continuity Management System
What is ISO 22301?
ISO 22301is an international standard that defines the requirements for a Business Continuity Management System (BCMS). Its purpose is to ensure that an organization can continue to operate in the event of a crisis, failure, or major operational disruption..
The standard helps organizations prepare for various scenarios such as IT system outages, cyberattacks, fires, pandemics, power failures, or the unavailability of key personnel. Instead of simply reacting, ISO 22301 enables proactive prevention and effective response.
Benefits of Implementing ISO 22301:
Implementing ISO 22301 enables organizations to:
- Identify critical processes and resources necessary for operations
- Assess risks associated with loss or disruption of these elements
- Develop and implement Business Continuity Plans (BCP)
- Test emergency procedures and train staff to respond effectively
- Quickly return to normal operations after an incident (Disaster Recovery Plan – DRP)
Who Is ISO 22301 For?
The standard applies to any organization that cannot afford downtime, regardless of its industry or size. It is especially recommended for:
- Financial and IT sectors (24/7 services, critical data handling)
- Sensitive or public service providers (e.g. government offices, hospitals, security agencies)
- Manufacturing companies that need to ensure supply chain continuity
- Logistics and e-commerce businesses where delays mean losing customers
- Organizations delivering projects for EU institutions, international corporations, or the military
ISO 22301 Implementation Stages
Risk and Impact Analysis (BIA - Business Impact Analysis)
- identify critical processes and potential disruption scenarios
Development of Business Continuity Plans (BCP)
- define how the organization will maintain operations during incidents
Building the Business Continuity Management System (BCMS)
- documentation, procedures, and assigned responsibilities
Training and Testing
- implementation of procedures and staff readiness
Internal Audit and Certification
- evaluate system effectiveness and prepare for external certification
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ISO 22301 legally required?
No, but it is often a condition for participating in tenders or securing contracts with large organizations and government institutions.
Can ISO 22301 be combined with other standards?
Yes. It is often integrated with ISO 27001 (information security) or ISO 9001 (quality management).
What is the most difficult part of implementation?
The biggest challenge is realistically planning emergency procedures and testing them in practice.
Request a Quote
Contact details
