The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) performs an annual survey of the management system standards certifications given in each country for the current year. Now in its 20th edition, the survey confirms the number of certificates issued for specific ISO management standards (such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001).

The latest edition (2013) reveals a healthy growth across the board for all certifications at the end of 2012. It reveals a worldwide total of 1,504,213 certificates issued in 191 countries.

Given this record increase in certificates issued, the survey highlights the market relevance of ISO management systems in the global economy. All seven ISO management system standards showed an increase over 2011.

Overall, the Asia region remains on top in this year’s survey. Stimulated by continued economic growth and major industrial and manufacturing production, China has remained in the top ten countries for six out of the seven standards covered in this survey.