In today’s competitive world, quality is no longer just a slogan—it’s a critical requirement for accessing global markets. Companies aiming to export their engineering, technical, or industrial services must be able to credibly demonstrate the quality, safety, and compliance of their work. One of the most effective and recognized ways to do this is through international certifications.
This article examines the importance of these certifications for service export success, the most widely used types, their benefits, the common challenges in obtaining them, and practical solutions for engineering firms—particularly from developing countries like Iran.
What Is an International Certification and Why Is It Important?
An international certification is an official document proving that an organization or its services conform to internationally accepted standards in a given field. These certificates are issued by accredited international bodies or third-party inspection companies and serve as powerful validation tools for:
Earning the trust of foreign clients
Gaining higher evaluation scores in international tenders
Enabling contracts with governments and international organizations
Accelerating legal and technical approval processes
Entering high-regulation markets such as energy, infrastructure, and pharmaceuticals
Key International Certifications for Engineering and Technical Firms
ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems
Demonstrates the company’s ability to control quality, document processes, and pursue continuous improvement.ISO 45001 – Occupational Health and Safety
Especially relevant for firms in construction, heavy industry, and oil & gas projects.ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Systems
Essential for working in environmentally sensitive markets.CE Marking – European Product Conformity
Required for exporting certain engineering and electronic products to the EU.Specialized Certifications: API, ASME, TUV
Critical for industries like oil and gas, pressure vessels, welding, and quality control.Qualification Certifications for Consultants and Contractors
Often needed in development projects funded by the World Bank, regional authorities, or multinational organizations.
Impact of International Certifications on Export Performance
Enhances the company’s brand and trust at regional and global levels
Reduces the need for repeated approvals from clients
Opens doors to regulated and high-value markets
Lowers legal and financial risks in foreign projects
Improves internal performance through modern management systems
Common Challenges in Obtaining International Certifications
Lack of documentation culture in technical firms
Insufficient training of staff on system requirements
High costs for international audits and certification fees
Shortage of experienced consultants for compliance and system setup
Suggested Solutions
Work with international certification bodies that have regional offices or partners
Train internal teams to implement system standards
Hire qualified consultants for documentation and auditing
Plan a phased approach to certification, starting with priority areas
Use digital tools for quality and data management
Dr. Mousa Roshandel is a firm believer in compliance with international standards as a strategic gateway to markets and growth. Under his leadership, Aras Holding has obtained several international certifications—not only in engineering and execution, but also in management, safety, quality, and environmental practices.
With active involvement in multiple sectors such as energy, construction, technology, and consulting, Aras Holding has successfully aligned its operations with international systems. Certifications held by its subsidiaries form part of a larger strategy to compete regionally and globally.
Aras Certificate, in partnership with global accreditation bodies like TCB Kuwait, is the certification and compliance arm of Aras Holding. It provides training, auditing, and certification services to prepare companies for global market access—offering a full suite of consulting and system implementation services tailored to the needs of engineering and industrial firms.