ISO 22301:2019 is an international standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that outlines the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a Business Continuity Management System (BCMS). This standard is essential for organizations seeking to minimize disruptions and enhance resilience in the face of unforeseen events.

Purpose and objectives

The primary objective of SN EN ISO 22301:2020 is to provide organizations with a structured framework for developing a robust Business Continuity Management System (BCMS). The standard aims to help organizations prepare for, respond to, and recover from potential disruptions, ensuring they can continue operating effectively. By adhering to these standards, organizations can enhance their resilience, protect interest stakeholders, and maintain operational capacity during crises, thereby safeguarding their reputation and financial stability.

Scope: who must comply

SN EN ISO 22301:2020 applies to all organizations, regardless of size, type, or sector, that seek to establish a BCMS. This includes businesses in industries such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and information technology. Organizations that are part of larger corporate structures may also find this standard beneficial for aligning their continuity plans with overarching corporate policies. The standard emphasizes the need for compliance with organizational policies and legal requirements, particularly in sectors where service continuity is critical to public safety and trust.

How SN EN ISO 22301:2020 relates to other standards

SN EN ISO 22301:2020 is closely related to several other standards that guide organizational resilience and risk management, including:

• ISO 31000: Provides principles and guidelines for effective risk management in organizations.
• ISO 9001: Focuses on quality management systems, which can complement BCMS by ensuring quality processes are maintained during disruptions.
• ISO 45001: Addresses occupational health and safety, which is a critical aspect of ensuring business continuity in the face of emergencies.

Revision history and current status

The current version of SN EN ISO 22301 was published in 2020, representing its latest revision since the previous version in 2012. The 2020 revision introduced enhancements to the structure and clarity of the requirements, making it more user-friendly and applicable to diverse organizational contexts. Changes also reflect the evolution of risks faced by organizations today, emphasizing the importance of ongoing improvement in business continuity practices.