Why a legal register is essential for businesses – beyond ISO certification

1.   What is a legal register?

A legal register – also referred to as a compliance register or regulatory register – is a structured documentation of all laws, regulations and obligations relevant to a company's operations. It is tailored to the organisation's location, activities and industry sector, and serves to:

·       identify applicable legal requirements;

·       understand their implications; and

·       implement and monitor compliance measures.

2.   Legal registers in the context of ISO certification

Many ISO standards require organisations to demonstrate awareness of, and compliance with, applicable legal obligations. For instance, ISO 27001 states:

"Legal, statutory, regulatory and contractual requirements relevant to information security and the organization's approach to meet these requirements should be identified, documented and kept up to date."

This means that organisations must go beyond awareness – they must actively manage and assess their compliance status. The legal register forms the foundation of this process and is routinely reviewed during certification audits.

In this context, a legal register is more than a static list. It is a dynamic tool enabling:

·       risk identification;

·       systematic compliance evaluation;

·       corrective action; and

·       continuous improvement.

3.   Why it matters even without ISO certification

Compliance with applicable laws and regulations is a fundamental legal obligation for every business – regardless of its size, industry or whether it seeks ISO certification. While ISO standards help structure and formalise compliance efforts, the underlying legal responsibility applies universally. Across the EU, corporate laws impose clear duties on directors and executives to ensure that their organisations operate within legal boundaries.

Non-compliance can result in:

·       fines and penalties;

·       regulatory investigations;

·       disruption to operations;

·       reputational harm; and

·       personal liability for executives.

A legal register helps mitigate these risks by providing structure and clarity. It ensures that no legal obligation is overlooked and that responsibilities for compliance are clearly assigned, documented and traceable.

4.   The real challenge: keeping the register up to date

Creating a legal register is only the first step. The real value lies in maintaining it over time. EU legal frameworks evolve rapidly – especially in areas such as:

·       environmental protection;

·       occupational health and safety;

·       labour law;

·       energy; and

·       cybersecurity / data protection.

An outdated legal register can create a false sense of security. To prevent this, companies should implement defined processes to:

·       monitor regulatory changes;

·       assess their relevance; and

·       regularly update the register.

5.   A strategic instrument for modern governance

Ultimately, a legal register is far more than an ISO checklist item – it is a strategic tool for governance and compliance. Companies that implement and maintain a legal register benefit from:

·       improved control over legal risks;

·       enhanced internal accountability;

·       better audit readiness; and

·       increased stakeholder trust.

6.   Takeaway

In an increasingly regulated European business environment, maintaining a structured and up-to-date legal register is critical – not only for companies seeking ISO (re)certification, where this is often a formal requirement, but also for those simply striving to meet their legal obligations responsibly. The real challenge lies in keeping the register current as laws and regulations evolve. Far from being a mere compliance checkbox, a legal register is a strategic tool that promotes transparency, minimises risk and reinforces accountability throughout the organisation.

At Schoenherr, we are pleased to support you in this process – from the initial development of your legal register to its ongoing maintenance and regular updates.

author: Felix Schneider