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IMPORTANT UPDATE: the new international requirements standard for Business Continuity Management, ISO 22301

When can I get the new international requirements standard for Business Continuity Management, ISO 22301? 
We estimate that the new International Requirements Standard for Business Continuity Management Systems will be published between the beginning of April and the beginning of June. Unfortunately we can not confirm any details until very close to the launch and the dates are subject to change. We will be updating you as soon as we get more information.

This is based on the most recent International Standards Technical Committee meeting (week of 7th November 2011). It was agreed that the current version of ISO 22301 would go to the final draft international standard stage (FDIS). Read more about the International Standards development process here.

What will to the transition period be for certification from BS 25999-2 to ISO 22301?
Transition periods for certification are be defined by UKAS. These are typically 12-18 months, but can be up to 3 years.  We will update you on this nearer to the launch.

How similar are ISO 22301 and BS 25999-2 going to be? 
ISO 22301 is based on BCM best practice, as is BS 25999. This means the documents are likely to be similar but take into account the changes in BCM best practice over the last 4 years (since BS 25999-2 was published). There will definitely not be a one-to-one conversion between ISO 22301 and BS 25999. 

Will BS 25999-2 be withdrawn when ISO 22301 is published? 
It is the norm that British Standards that cover the same subject matter as an international standard (ISO) that the British Standard (in this case BS 25999-2) is withdrawn. For further details, please see this brief webinar.

Will there be an ISO equivalent of BS 25999-1?
Yes, this is ISO 22313. This should be available in late 2012.

Get an email alert when ISO 22031 is published, register your interest: http://www.bsigroup.com/en/sectorsandservices/Forms/ISO-22301