The standard is NOT intended to be a proof of the quality of goods or services, and no business or organisation may ever imply that it is. ISO 9000 simply demonstrates that a business can produce a consistent standard of quality.

ISO 9000 certification can be achieved by a company producing the poorest quality products in its marketplace, as long as that company always produces products of that standard.

The fundamental principals of ISO 9000 are:

	Say what you do. i.e. record written procedures.
	Do what you say. i.e. follow your written procedures
	Prove that you have done so. i.e. carry out internal and external audits.

ISO 9000 is not intended to be a theoretical, utopian ideal, but more a common sense and practical formula enabling any businesses to improve its procedures.