What are the main changes?

In 2000, major changes were put in place and continue to remain important and valid. The current changes are more a clarification of points already in the standard rather than the inclusion of new requirements. Changes have also been made to be consistent with the current ISO 14001 revision (2004) in order to make the combination easier and more efficient.
The main changes are the following:

• Reinforcement of control over outsourced processes that affect product conformity to requirements
• Management representative has to be a member of the certified organisation and not an external individual
• Competence is much more a key issue in the new standard as it specifies that the competence of personnel affecting the performance of conformity to product requirements must be controlled by the organization.
• Additional guidance to explain the different methods on measuring and monitoring customer satisfaction
• Concerning the internal audits, the management of the audited units must ensure that necessary corrections and corrective actions are taken
• Clarification that information systems are included as a part of the company’s infrastructure, and therefore the management system.