What is the Cost of ISO Certification in UAE: Cost Breakdown for ISO 9001, 14001 and more
ISO certifications are increasingly important for businesses in the UAE, whether for improving internal quality, meeting regulatory requirements, or participating in government and private tenders. However, most companies struggle with one key question: How much does ISO Certification cost in the UAE?
The cost varies, but the pricing logic remains the same across all major standards such as:
- ISO 9001 (Quality Management System)
- ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System)
- ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety Management System)
- HACCP (Food Safety Risk Control System)
- Halal Certification (Compliance with Islamic Standards UAE.S 2055)
Instead of listing different costs for each standard, the best approach is to understand one unified cost structure that applies to all.
How the Cost Structure Works (Same for All Standards)
1. Consultancy & Implementation Cost
This covers:
- Gap Analysis
- Policy & Procedure Documentation
- Forms, Records & SOP Development
- Employee Training
- System Implementation Guidance
- Internal Audit and Audit Preparation
2. Certification Body Audit Cost
This is the fee paid to an accredited certification body (EIAC / IAS / UKAS / GAC etc.) that conducts the audit and issues the certificate.
Important: Certification bodies do not provide consultancy. Consultancy firms prepare your organization and guide implementation.
Factors That Influence Cost (Applies to All Standards)
| Factor | Description | Effect on Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Company Size | Number of employees & departments | More employees = More documents + More audit time |
| Nature of Work | Manufacturing & food handling require deeper controls | More controls = Higher consultancy time |
| Number of Locations | More branches to audit | Higher audit duration |
| Accreditation Requirement | International accreditation costs more | Higher cost but global acceptance |
| Urgency | Fast-track certification | Additional hours = Slightly higher cost |
Unified Cost Table (Applies to ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, HACCP & Halal)
| Business Size & Type | Consultancy Cost (Qdot) | Certification Body Cost (Accredited) | Estimated Total Cost | Typical Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro Company (1–10 Employees) | AED 2,500 – 5,000 | AED 2,000 – 6,000 | AED 4,500 – 11,000 | 1–3 Weeks |
| Small Company (10–25 Employees) | AED 4,500 – 9,000 | AED 3,000 – 8,500 | AED 7,500 – 17,500 | 3–6 Weeks |
| Medium Organization (25–75 Employees) | AED 8,500 – 15,000 | AED 5,000 – 12,500 | AED 13,500 – 27,500 | 1–2 Months |
| Large / Industrial / Multi-Site | Starting from AED 15,000 | Starting from AED 12,000 | AED 27,000+ | 2–4 Months |
✅ This same table applies to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, HACCP & Halal Certification.
Only the documentation depth and audit duration change.
Cost Advantage: Implementing Multiple Standards Together (IMS)
When companies need more than one certification, implementing them together reduces cost by 20%–45% because:
- Documentation overlaps
- Training sessions overlap
- Audit days reduce
Example:
ISO 9001 + ISO 14001 + ISO 45001 = One Integrated Management System (IMS) instead of three separate systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Q1. Is the certification fee the same for all ISO standards?
Yes. The pricing structure is the same, but the time and effort vary depending on your industry and operations.
Q2. Why do accredited bodies cost more than non-accredited ones?
Accredited certificates are globally accepted, especially in tenders and international business. Non-accredited certificates are cheaper but limited in acceptance.
Q3. How long does ISO Certification take in the UAE?
Small companies can be certified in 1–3 weeks, while medium to large companies usually take 1–2 months depending on readiness.
Q4. Can we reduce cost by doing multiple certifications together?
Yes. Implementing ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 as an Integrated Management System can reduce cost by up to 45%.
