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Tobias Lurk
Global Product Line Manager, Compatible Standards, TÜV SÜD
Why the ISO 9001 revision is happening
The currently valid version of ISO 9001 for quality management systems (QMS) dates back to 2015. The ISO regularly reviews its standards to ensure they remain up to date and aligned with legal requirements, changing external conditions and the needs of industry. Another objective is to improve compatibility between standards. After more than ten years, a revision was due.
Here, you can learn about the background to the ISO 9001 update, the next steps and what organisations should already start preparing for.
Key points at a glance
- The current version of the standard is ISO 9001:2015.
- The revised standard is expected to come into force in September 2026 under the name ISO 9001:2026.
- The ISO/FDIS 9001 is currently available.
- The central change is alignment with the Harmonised Structure (HS).
- Organisations should familiarise themselves with the draft of the new standard early on.
Changes introduced by ISO 9001:2026
ISO 9001:2015 was the first standard to be published under the then-new High Level Structure. The revised version of the quality management standard has been adapted to the current Harmonised Structure.
Otherwise, no fundamental changes are expected compared to the ISO 9001:2015 requirements. As things stand, the ISO 9001:2026 changes are primarily editorial in nature; the wording has been clarified and standardised. For example, the term ‘steered’ has been replaced by ‘controlled’.
Overall, the future ISO 9001 standard should not present major obstacles for certified companies when it comes to implementation.
The most important new features
New (but familiar) structure
ISO 9001:2026 will follow the Harmonised Structure (HS), introduced with ISO/IEC 27001. This ensures a consistent structure and easier integration with other management systems.
Climate change included in the standard text
In early 2024, the ISO required organisations to consider climate change within their management systems through directly applicable amendments (AMD 1:2024-02).
The new ISO 9001: 2026 revision explicitly incorporates climate change into the standard text. It is important that:
The new ISO 9001: 2026 revision explicitly incorporates climate change into the standard text. It is important that:
- Climate change is integrated into the management system from the outset.
- Its relevance to the organisation is assessed.
- The needs of interested parties are taken into account.
Opportunities and risks in separate sections
Until now, organisations have focused too heavily on risks when implementing measures to manage opportunities and risks. Opportunities have often been under-represented. The standard-setter has therefore separated the two and now addresses opportunities (Section 6.1.3) separately from risks (6.1.2).
Quality culture and ethics
In section 7.3 “Awareness”, a new requirement addresses the organisation’s quality culture and ethical behaviour. Top management must now promote both quality culture and ethical conduct (section 5.1.1). Organisations must also ensure that all individuals working under their control are aware of the quality culture.
Stronger link between QM and organisational strategy
Senior management is required to develop a quality policy that takes the organisation’s context into account. A new requirement is that this policy should also support the organisation’s strategic direction.
Informative annexes partially removed
Informative Annex A, ‘Explanation of structure, terminology and concepts’, has been substantially revised. Annex B (Other ISO/TC 176 International Standards on quality management and quality management systems) has been deleted without replacement.
Timeline and transition periods
- Working Draft (December 2023 – February 2024)
- Committee Draft 1 (March 2024 – December 2024)
- Committee Draft 2 (January 2025 – June 2025)
- Draft International Standard (July 2025 – March 2026)
- Final Draft International Standard (April 2026 – June 2026)
- International Standard (July 2026 – August 2026, publication expected October 2026)
Frequently asked questions about the ISO 9001 revision
Which is the current ISO 9001?
The currently valid standard is ISO 9001:2015. However, the International Organization for Standardization is working on a revision that is expected to appear in its final form in September 2026.
When will the new ISO 9001 be published?
The revision process is ongoing, and the Final Draft Interational Standard is now available. The final version is expected for October 2026 as ISO 9001:2026.
Why is the publication of the new ISO 9001 planned for 2026?
Although considered a “minor” revision, delays occurred. The responsible committee had issued a Committee Draft for comments, but due to extensive stakeholder feedback and the high need for discussion, the draft was returned to the Technical Committee and Working Group. The Draft International Standard is now available for review.
What changes in ISO 9001:2026?
ISO 9001:2026 introduces mainly structural updates. The standard aligns with the Harmonised Structure, includes climate change directly in the requirements, separates opportunities and risks, and strengthens expectations around quality culture and ethical behaviour. Most adjustments are editorial, and there are no fundamental changes compared with the ISO 9001:2015 requirements.
How does the revision affect existing ISO 9001 certificates?
For the time being, the revision has no direct impact on existing ISO 9001 certificates – these remain valid.
There will be a transition period, which is typically three years from the date of publication. During this period, organisations must migrate to the new version of the standard.
There will be a transition period, which is typically three years from the date of publication. During this period, organisations must migrate to the new version of the standard.
Do organisations need to switch immediately once ISO 9001:2026 is published?
No, a three-year transition period begins on the date of publication of the new ISO 9001 standard. During this period, organisations must adapt their quality management systems and undergo a certification audit.
The transition is usually carried out during the recertification audit, although it can also take place as part of a surveillance audit.
The transition is usually carried out during the recertification audit, although it can also take place as part of a surveillance audit.
Importance of the ISO 9001 revision for organisations
ISO 9001 is the most widely used international management system standard and is often described as the “mother of all standards”. In many sectors, certification is required for market participation.
Certified organisations will eventually need to transition to the new version to maintain a valid certificate. Although the final version is not yet available, organisations should stay informed about its development. Once published, it will be crucial to quickly review the ISO 9001:2026 changes and incorporate them into the QMS.
How to prepare for ISO 9001:2026
As soon as the final text is published, organisations should analyse the new requirements and implement any necessary adjustments. These changes must then be communicated throughout the organisation. For example, a gap analysis can be used to identify areas requiring attention. Proactive planning ensures that systems can be updated in good time.
Can ISO 9001 be integrated with other management systems?
Yes. ISO 9001 quality management systems integrate well with other systems, including:
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Talk to our experts - Request our services for your ISO 9001 needs.Well-prepared for ISO 9001:2026
The new version of ISO 9001 is on its way, and the finish line is approaching. The expected modifications focus mainly on structure. Once the final version is published, likely in September 2026, organisations should promptly familiarise themselves with the changes and implement them within their QMS. Significant challenges are not anticipated.
