Do compliance and quality certifications go hand in hand? Yes.
Just as a company’s compliance department ensures compliance with laws and internal rules, the quality department ensures regulatory compliance in an increasingly demanding business environment.
And just as a Code of Conduct and an anti-corruption policy indicate both to internal staff and the market how a company intends to execute its business objectives, quality certifications issued by ABNT (Brazilian Association of Technical Standards) and INMETRO (National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology), for example, play a fundamental role in the safety, reliability, and competitiveness of products on the market.
Beyond being prerequisites for numerous bids and contracts, these certifications confirm that companies adhere to nationally and internationally recognized standards, reducing regulatory risks and strengthening their reputation in the sector, serving as instruments of trust for consumers, investors, and regulators.
Similarly, a company publicly recognized for its compliance efforts (such as Pró Ética, issued by CGU, or the Mais Integridade Seal, from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply – MAPA) has a qualified reputation.
However, obtaining and maintaining these certifications requires an ongoing commitment to good compliance and quality management practices.
ABNT technical standards and INMETRO certifications establish minimum requirements for the manufacture, sale, and use of products in various industries, including automotive, electronics, chemicals, and consumer goods.
Companies that do not comply with these requirements may face regulatory sanctions, such as product seizures, fines, and trade restrictions. In addition, lack of certification can expose organizations to lawsuits and reputational damage, directly impacting their market position.
Similarly, companies with robust and certified compliance programs follow rules and guidelines, such as those of ISO 37301, for example. And if they fail to comply with any aspect, they suffer consequences, such as being prevented from contracting with the public administration, not having access to financing lines, and even losing private contracts.
On the other hand, certified companies demonstrate a commitment to compliance, which strengthens the trust of customers, investors, and regulatory agencies.
And the similarities between the two worlds — compliance and regulatory — go further.
Despite their importance, companies face challenges in obtaining these certifications, either due to the complexity of the technical requirements or the costs involved in the process. Among the main obstacles are:
- adapting to standards: companies need to review processes, implement internal controls, and invest in technology to meet regulatory requirements and the dynamics of a compliance program;
- training the team: certification requires employees to be aligned with good practices in governance, compliance, quality, and safety;
- continuous monitoring: compliance with standards does not end with obtaining seals or certifications; periodic audits are necessary to maintain active certification.
However, the benefits indeed outweigh the challenges. Certified companies gain credibility in the market, competitive advantages, greater access to new markets and business opportunities, reduce the risk of litigation, and improve their internal processes, resulting in greater operational efficiency and product quality.
Another point of convergence between the worlds: achieving and maintaining certification requires more than just complying with a list of requirements — it involves changing the way the company views its own processes. It means making quality part of the internal culture, as a shared value and not just a goal to be achieved.
When teams are trained to identify risks, prevent failures, suggest improvements, report non-compliance, and genuinely do the right thing, the organization begins to operate in a more conscious, efficient, and responsible manner. This benefits not only consumers and employees, but the entire production chain and society.
For both compliance and regulatory quality, having an advisor or consultant can be a strategic advantage, especially for the execution of the following steps:
- mapping the regulatory requirements applicable to the sector;
- adapting internal processes to the requirements of certifications and best compliance practices in the corporate world;
- managing regulatory risks to avoid penalties and market restrictions;
- training and empowering staff to ensure ongoing compliance;
- monitoring audits and implementing corrective action plans.
Companies that take a proactive approach to compliance and quality not only ensure their compliance but also gain a competitive edge in the market.