The ISO 9001 revision is on track. The Draft International Standard (DIS) has been published, with starting 12 weeks for voting and feedback. The updated standard is expected to be published in the second half of 2026, likely around October or November.
Modifications to the draft version
The 2026 revision incorporates specific updates, many of which enhance the alignment of ISO 9001 with the harmonized structure utilized by other ISO management system standards.
Key modifications detailed in the draft include:
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Section 5.1, “Leadership and commitment,” has been amended to emphasize the promotion of a quality culture and ethical behavior. Enhanced guidance is provided on demonstrating these principles.
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Clause 6.1 now features a distinct separation of risk and opportunity management, delineated by new subclauses (6.1.1–6.1.3) and expanded explanatory guidance.
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The climate change amendments introduced in 2024 (previously in clauses 4.1 and 4.2) have been fully integrated into the standard.
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Several clauses within sections 4 to 10 have been amended to clarify existing requirements. Additionally, supplementary notes have been added or revised to improve understanding.
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Furthermore, Annex A has been significantly expanded to offer enhanced and more detailed guidance aligned with clauses 4 through 10 of the standard.
As always, revisions may occur following the stakeholder hearing of the draft update version. However, the content of the DIS version suggests that only moderate changes for companies are anticipated.
Transition Timeline
Organizations are granted a three-year transition period, projected to conclude in late 2029, to facilitate migration from ISO 9001:2015 to the 2026 revision. This extended timeframe allows for a comprehensive understanding of the updated requirements and strategic planning of the transition audit. Both the existing and revised standards will remain in effect throughout this transition.
