Quality Policy

Clause 4.2.1 of ISO 9001:2008 QMS standard includes documented statement of quality policy as part of the organization's QMS documentation. Clause 5.3 of ISO 9001:2008 QMS standard mentions requirements for quality policy. It is the responsibility of the top management of the organization to ensure framing of quality policy of the organization.

What is in a quality policy?

Quality policy is a QMS documentation that provides a commitment to comply with requirements and continually improve the effectiveness of the quality management system and also to have a framework for establishing and reviewing quality policy. ISO 9000:2005 standard defines quality policy as overall intentions and direction of an organization related to quality that is formally expressed by the top management of the organization.

What are the requirements related to quality policy in ISO 9001:2008 QMS standard?

As per requirements mentioned in clause 5.3 of ISO 9001:2008 QMS standard the top management of the organization must ensure that:
(i) - the quality policy is appropriate to the purpose of the organization
(ii)- a commitment to comply with requirements of the quality management system is included in the quality policy
(iii)- a commitment to continually improve the effectiveness of the quality management system is included in the quality policy
(iv)- a framework for establishing quality objectives is provided in the quality policy
(v) - a framework for reviewing quality objectives is provided in the quality policy
(vi)- the quality policy is communicated within the organization
(vii)- the quality policy is understood within the organization
(viii)- the quality policy is reviewed for continuing suitability

The requirements as mentioned in (i) to (v) above are useful in developing or framing a quality policy.

First Sample 'Quality Policy'

"Our organization is committed to enhance customer satisfaction by achieving our organization's quality objectives through the effective application, review and continual improvement of our quality management system."

Second Sample 'Quality Policy'

"We, the employees of ABC Organization, are committed to meet customer requirements as well as applicable legal requirements by achieving our quality objectives through the application, review and continual improvement of our management systems."

With best wishes,

Keshav Ram Singhal