The Next ISO 9001 Revision

3 September 2025

The wait for clarity is over. The Draft International Standard (DIS) for ISO 9001:2026 has been released, giving us the first concrete look at the next revision of ISO 9001. While the highly anticipated update doesn't represent a radical overhaul, it introduces key refinements focused on quality culture, ethical behavior, and clearer risk management. This article breaks down the confirmed changes, what didn't make the cut, and provides an actionable transition plan.

ISO 9001:2026 Revision – Latest Updates

On 27 August 2025, the ISO working group (WG 29) released the Draft International Standard (DIS) of ISO 9001:2026. This version is circulated to ISO member bodies for a final review and ballot. While the DIS is not publicly available, its content is well-known to participating national bodies and experts.

Based on the DIS content and controlled review and voting process, only minor refinements are expected from this stage onward. The final publication of ISO 9001:2026 is projected for September 2026. Following publication, certified organizations will have a three-year transition period (until approximately September 2029) to migrate to the next version of ISO 9001, a timeline subject to formal confirmation by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).

Timeline of the ISO 9001:2026 Revision

The path to the 2026 revision has been unusually complex, marked by surprising reversals and delays.

What's Changing – and What Isn't?

The DIS reveals a standard that evolves rather than revolutionizes. While the document's length increases, most additions are in the non-mandatory sections (front matter and Annex A) which provide implementation guidance. The core requirements (Clauses 4-10) feature only minor changes, meaning a minimal transition burden for organizations already compliant with ISO 9001:2015.

Key Confirmed Changes in the DIS

1. Integration of Climate Considerations
The 2024 amendment has been formally integrated into Clause 4.1, requiring consideration of climate change as a factor in the organization's context. The requirements have not been expanded.

2. Expansion of Leadership Responsibilities
Clause 5.1.1 now explicitly requires top management to promote and demonstrate a quality culture and ethical behavior. The new 2026 revision includes new guidance on how these can be demonstrated.

3. Tweaks to Quality Policy
The quality policy must now explicitly "take into account the context of the organization and support its strategic direction," strengthening the link between the QMS and business strategy.

4. Clarified Risk and Opportunity Management
The 2026 version of ISO 9001 reorganizes Clause 6.1 into sub-clauses (6.1.1 - 6.1.3) to provide a clearer separation between actions for addressing risks and pursuing opportunities. Annex A features significantly expanded guidance on both concepts.

5. Expansion of Awareness
Clause 7.3 adds a new awareness requirement for employees to understand "quality culture and ethical behaviour."

What Isn't Changing: Expectations vs. Reality

Many anticipated changes from the 2021 user survey have not materialized in the ISO 9001:2026 revision. The DIS shows no significant new requirements for emerging technologies (AI, digital transformation), sustainability beyond climate change, enhanced supply chain resilience, or strengthened service sector requirements. The mandated Annex SL high-level structure has limited radical innovation. The revision primarily maintains the 2015 version's core framework, process approach, and fundamental requirements, focusing on editorial improvements and clarifications rather than the substantive advancements many stakeholders had anticipated.

Implications and Action Plan:  What You Should Do Now

The release of the ISO 9001:2026 DIS confirms this is a small, evolutionary update – not a revolutionary overhaul. This provides clarity for your strategic planning.

If You Are Not Yet Certified

There is no benefit to waiting for the publication of the 2026 revision. The most strategic decision is to implement ISO 9001:2015 today.

If You Are Already Certified

Continue your improvement efforts. Focus on maturing your system, deepening your risk-based thinking, and leveraging your QMS in everyday operations. The upcoming transition will be a manageable process of integration, not a costly system overhaul.

Transition Timeline

Organizations will have a 3-year transition period (estimated until late 2029) to migrate from ISO 9001:2015 to the 2026 version. This provides ample time to understand the new requirements and schedule your transition audit. Both standards remain valid during this window.

Conclusion

The release of the ISO 9001:2026 DIS has provided the long-awaited clarity. The next revision of ISO 9001 is confirmed to be an evolutionary update, refining concepts like leadership, culture, and risk management rather than launching a full-scale overhauls of the standard.

For organizations already certified to ISO 9001:2015, this means you can continue using and improving your QMS. Your current system is not obsolete; it is the strongest possible foundation for the 2026 version. The transition will be a process of integration, not a costly and disruptive rebuild.

For those considering certification, the message is even clearer: there is no advantage to waiting. Delaying your implementation means postponing the significant benefits of a certified QMS – improved efficiency, enhanced customer trust, and a stronger competitive position. The best way to prepare for ISO 9001:2026 is to build a robust, effective system based on ISO 9001:2015 today.

When the new standard is published, your upgrade to ISO 9001:2026 will be effortless. You'll receive a free update to all materials, ensuring a seamless transition with no extra cost or hassle.

Get certified now. Upgrade later for free.