ISO 9001 is an international standard for quality management systems (QMS). It sets out the criteria for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an effective QMS within an organization. ISO 9001 is one of the most widely recognized and adopted quality management standards globally.

Key principles and components of ISO 9001 include:

1. Customer Focus: The standard emphasizes meeting customer requirements and striving to exceed customer expectations.
2. Leadership: Strong leadership and commitment from top management are essential for the successful implementation of a QMS.
3. Involvement of People: Involving employees at all levels in the organization is crucial for achieving quality objectives.
4. Process Approach: ISO 9001 encourages organizations to view their activities as interconnected processes that contribute to the achievement of quality objectives.
5. Systematic Approach to Management: The standard promotes a systematic and structured approach to managing processes and resources.
6. Continual Improvement: Organizations are expected to continually monitor and improve their processes, products, and services.
7. Evidence-Based Decision Making: Decisions should be based on data and evidence to ensure effective quality management.
8. Relationship Management: Building and maintaining positive relationships with suppliers and other interested parties are emphasized.

ISO 9001 certification is often pursued by organizations to demonstrate their commitment to quality and to gain a competitive advantage. When an organization is ISO 9001 certified, it means that an independent certification body has evaluated its QMS and found it to be in compliance with the ISO 9001 standard.