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ISO 9001:2026 Revisions: Predicted Changes, Timeline and What to Expect

The next major revision of the world’s most widely used quality management standard is on the way. ISO 9001:2026 is expected to be published in late 2026, building on the current 2015 edition with targeted updates around leadership, climate, and risk management. For organisations holding or pursuing certification through ISO 9001 training courses, understanding what is changing – and what is not – is essential. If you are new to the standard, our guide on what is ISO 9001 provides a helpful starting point.

This article covers the revision timeline, predicted changes, and what businesses should expect from the ISO 9001 update.

Contents

Introduction to ISO 9001:2026

The upcoming revision is set to replace the 2015 edition and is being developed by ISO Technical Committee 176 (ISO/TC 176/SC 2, Working Group 29). The revision follows a 36-month development cycle and aims to keep the standard relevant in a business environment that has changed significantly since 2015. While the update is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, it introduces refinements around quality culture, ethical behaviour, and climate considerations.

When Was ISO 9001 Last Updated?

ISO 9001 was last updated in September 2015, with Amendment 1 (ISO 9001:2015/Amd 1:2024) published in February 2024 to address climate action. The standard is typically reviewed every five to eight years. Previous revisions took place in 1994, 2000, 2008, and 2015.

ISO 9001 Revision 2026 - Timeline and Key Milestones

The revision process follows a structured protocol to ensure global consensus. Key milestones include:

Milestone

Date

Status

Revision announced

July 2023

Complete

Committee Draft 1 (CD1)

April 2024

Complete

Committee Draft 2 (CD2)

2024

Complete

Draft International Standard (DIS)

August 2025

Complete

Final Draft (FDIS)

2026

In progress

Publication of ISO 9001:2026

September – November 2026

Projected

Transition period ends

Approximately 2029

Subject to IAF confirmation

What Are the Changes in ISO 9001:2026?

Based on the Draft International Standard, the key ISO 9001 changes for 2026 include:

  • Climate change integration – The 2024 amendment requiring organisations to consider climate change as a relevant factor in their context (Clause 4.1) has been formally integrated. This ISO 9001 update on climate change confirms that environmental considerations are now embedded in the QMS framework.
  • Quality culture and ethical behaviour – Clause 5.1.1 now explicitly requires top management to promote a quality culture and ethical behaviour, with new guidance on how this can be demonstrated.
  • Strategic alignment of quality policy – The quality policy must take into account the organisation’s context and support its strategic direction.
  • Risk and opportunity restructuring – Clause 6.1 is broken into sub-clauses for clearer distinction between addressing risks and pursuing opportunities.
  • Harmonized Structure alignment – Closer alignment with the latest Harmonized Structure (formerly Annex SL) for better integration with other ISO management system standards.

What Will Stay the Same in ISO 9001:2026?

The revision is evolutionary, not a fundamental overhaul. The core requirements in Clauses 4 to 10 remain largely unchanged, meaning organisations already compliant with ISO 9001:2015 should face a minimal transition burden. The process approach, risk-based thinking, and the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle continue as foundational principles. Notable topics not significantly expanded include AI, digital transformation, and detailed sustainability requirements beyond climate.

ISO 9001 Update vs Previous Revisions

Revision

Nature of Changes

ISO 9001:2000

Major overhaul – introduced the process approach and merged three standards into one

ISO 9001:2008

Minor editorial clarifications only – no new requirements

ISO 9001:2015

Significant – adopted the High Level Structure, introduced risk-based thinking and context of the organisation

ISO 9001:2026

Evolutionary – targeted refinements to leadership, climate, and quality culture with editorial improvements

Compared with the 2015 revision, the 2026 update focuses on editorial improvements and clarifications rather than fundamental new requirements. For a detailed look at the current ISO 9001 requirements, visit our guide.

What Businesses Should Expect Next

Organisations currently certified to ISO 9001:2015 should begin preparing now. Key actions include:

  • Reviewing Clause 4.1 and 4.2 to ensure climate change considerations are addressed in your QMS
  • Assessing leadership practices against the new quality culture and ethical behaviour requirements
  • Planning a transition timeline, with milestones at 6, 12, 24, and 30 months from publication
  • Booking updated training for auditors and quality professionals

The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) will confirm the official transition period after publication, though a three-year window is historically typical. A copy of the current standard, BS EN ISO 9001:2015+A1:2024, or the version with tracked changes, can help you benchmark your current system.

Key Takeaways on ISO 9001:2026

  • Publication is expected between September and November 2026
  • Changes are evolutionary, focusing on quality culture, climate, and editorial improvements
  • Core requirements (Clauses 4-10) remain largely the same
  • A three-year transition period is anticipated (to approximately 2029)
  • Organisations already certified to ISO 9001:2015 should face a straightforward transition

Enrol in an ISO 9001 Training Course

Staying ahead of the upcoming revision starts with the right training. SEQM Training offers CQI and IRCA certified courses including the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Course, ISO 9001 Internal Auditor Course, and ISO 9001 Foundation Course to prepare quality professionals for the transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

The key changes include integration of climate change considerations into Clause 4.1, expanded leadership responsibilities requiring promotion of quality culture and ethical behaviour, strategic alignment of the quality policy, and restructured risk and opportunity clauses.

Major UK certification bodies such as BSI, UKAS-accredited bodies, SGS, DNV, and Intertek will offer transition audits and updates once the revised standard is published. Check with your current certification body for their transition plans.

Official guidance is available through ISO’s website (iso.org) and the ISO/TC 176 committee page. Your national standards body, such as BSI in the UK, will also publish supporting documents once the final standard is released.