ISO 20400-2017 PDF
Name in English:
St ISO 20400-2017
Name in Russian:
Ст ISO 20400-2017
Original standard ISO 20400-2017 in PDF full version. Additional info + preview on request
Full title and description
ISO 20400:2017 — Sustainable procurement — Guidance. An international guidance standard that helps organisations of any size or sector integrate sustainability (environmental, social and economic) into procurement policies, processes and decision-making across the full procurement lifecycle.
Abstract
ISO 20400:2017 provides practical guidance for embedding sustainability considerations into procurement activities. It complements ISO 26000 (social responsibility) and is intended for stakeholders involved in or affected by procurement decisions, including purchasers, suppliers, senior management and policy makers. The standard is guidance-only (not a certifiable management-system requirement) and covers fundamentals, policy and strategy, organisation of procurement functions, and integrating sustainability into procurement processes.
General information
- Status: Published (International Standard; confirmed after review).
- Publication date: 19 April 2017 (published during April 2017); confirmed following systematic review on 5 April 2023.
- Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
- ICS / categories: 03.100.10; 13.020.20.
- Edition / version: Edition 1 (2017).
- Number of pages: 52.
Scope
Guidance for integrating sustainability into procurement activities across the entire procurement lifecycle — from specification and supplier selection through contract management and end-of-life — applicable to public and private organisations of any size, sector or geographic location. The standard focuses on aligning procurement with organisational sustainability objectives and managing sustainability-related risks and opportunities in supply chains.
Key topics and requirements
- Fundamentals and principles of sustainable procurement (definitions, core subjects, drivers).
- Linking procurement policy and strategy to organisational sustainability objectives and to ISO 26000.
- Organising the procurement function—roles, responsibilities, competence and governance for sustainability.
- Integrating sustainability into the procurement process: needs analysis, specifications, tendering, supplier selection, contracting and contract management.
- Due diligence, risk management and prioritisation of sustainability issues (environmental, social, economic).
- Supplier engagement, performance monitoring and continuous improvement of sustainable procurement practices.
- Guidance-only approach: recommends practices and considerations rather than prescriptive, certifiable requirements.
Typical use and users
Used by procurement managers and teams, sustainability/ESG leads, compliance and legal staff, supply-chain professionals, senior executives setting procurement strategy, public-sector buyers, and consultants supporting sustainable sourcing. Also useful for suppliers seeking to understand buyer expectations and for organisations establishing or improving sustainable procurement practices and policies.
Related standards
Closely linked to ISO 26000 (Guidance on social responsibility). Often used alongside ISO 14001 (environmental management), ISO 9001 (quality management) and other sector or risk-related standards (for example anti‑bribery, health & safety and relevant product life-cycle standards). It also aligns with international sustainability frameworks and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Keywords
sustainable procurement, responsible sourcing, supply chain, procurement policy, due diligence, ESG, life cycle, supplier selection, contract management, ISO 20400, ISO 26000
FAQ
Q: What is this standard?
A: ISO 20400:2017 is an international guidance standard titled "Sustainable procurement — Guidance" that provides recommendations for integrating sustainability into procurement activities.
Q: What does it cover?
A: It covers the fundamentals of sustainable procurement, how to embed sustainability into procurement policy and strategy, organising procurement functions, integrating sustainability across the procurement process (specifications, tendering, supplier selection, contracting and contract management), and topics such as due diligence and supplier engagement.
Q: Who typically uses it?
A: Procurement professionals, sustainability/ESG teams, senior management, public buyers, compliance officers, suppliers and consultants working on sustainable sourcing and supply-chain risk management.
Q: Is it current or superseded?
A: It is the first edition published in April 2017 (publication activity in April 2017) and was confirmed as the current edition following a systematic review on 5 April 2023. It remains current as of that confirmation date.
Q: Is it part of a series?
A: ISO 20400 is a standalone guidance standard but intentionally complements and links to other ISO guidance and management standards (notably ISO 26000). It was developed by the ISO technical work under project/committee activity (ISO/PC 277) and is used alongside related management and sector standards.
Q: What are the key keywords?
A: Sustainable procurement, responsible sourcing, supply chain sustainability, life cycle, due diligence, ESG, procurement policy, supplier engagement.