How to prepare for ISO 9001:2026
ISO 9001 has been revised
ISO 9001:2026 was published on 16 September 2026 and replaces ISO 9001:2015 as the latest version of the global standard for quality management. If you are already ISO 9001 certified, you will need to address the changes and clarifications introduced by the revised version and incorporate them into your existing quality management system. If you are not yet certified, you can read more about the ISO 9001 certification process here.
What has changed in ISO 9001:2026?
ISO 9001 has not undergone any fundamental changes. The structure remains familiar, but a number of requirements have been clarified and modernised.
The key changes include:
- Greater focus on quality culture and ethical behaviour. Leadership has a clearer role in promoting a culture in which quality and ethical behaviour are embedded in the organisation’s way of working.
- Clearer distinction between risks and opportunities. Organisations are required to address more explicitly both the risks that could prevent the achievement of intended results and the opportunities that could support improvement and development.
- Climate considerations are integrated into the standard. The climate-related changes introduced in ISO 9001:2015 Amendment 1:2024 are now an integral part of ISO 9001:2026.
- Clearer alignment with the organisation’s strategic direction. The quality management system must be aligned with the organisation’s context, objectives and intended results.
- A significantly expanded Annex A. The annex provides more guidance on the structure, terminology and the intention behind the requirements.
- Better harmonisation with other ISO standards. ISO 9001:2026 continues to follow ISO’s common Harmonized Structure, allowing the standard to continue to be integrated with standards such as ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 27001.
More than a million organizations in 180 countries around the world are certified to the ISO 9001 standard, and even more use it without being certified. This makes the quality management standard the world's most widely used standard, and now it is time for a review.
Transition period for all ISO 9001:2015 certified
If you already have a well-functioning quality management system in place based on ISO 9001:2015, you have a strong foundation to build on. The revision is primarily about making quality management more relevant in a world shaped by rapid change, new technologies, complex supply chains, and evolving expectations from customers and other stakeholders.
For most organizations, this means adjusting and further developing the existing management system, rather than building a new one from scratch.
How to prepare for ISO 9001:2026
Here are some practical steps you can take:
Get an overview of the changes
Start by understanding what has actually changed and what has not. This makes it much easier to prioritise your efforts and avoid spending resources on areas that are already working well.
Sign up for our ISO 9001:2026 email list for the latest updates →
- Take a training course:
Introduction course in ISO 9001:2026 →
Quality culture training course → - Conduct a GAP analysis
A GAP analysis is an effective tool for identifying where you need to adjust or update your quality management system. It provides a clear starting point for an action plan and makes the transition more focused. - Talk to your auditor
The timing of your transition to ISO 9001:2026 will depend, among other things, on your current certification cycle. We recommend discussing the transition with your Bureau Veritas contact or auditor so that it can be planned and aligned naturally with your upcoming audits. You can always reach out to us for a no-obligation discussion about your options, key considerations, and the best transition strategy.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about ISO 9001:2026
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When was ISO 9001:2026 published?
ISO 9001:2026 was officially published on 16 September 2026. It is the sixth edition of ISO 9001 and replaces ISO 9001:2015.
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Will our current ISO 9001:2015 certificate become invalid?
No. Certificates issued under ISO 9001:2015 do not become invalid simply because ISO 9001:2026 has been published. Certified organizations must transition to the new version during the transition period.
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What are the biggest changes in ISO 9001:2026?
The most significant changes include a clearer focus on quality culture and ethical behaviour, a clearer distinction between risks and opportunities, strengthened change management, the integration of climate-related considerations, and a significantly expanded Annex A providing guidance on the requirements.
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Do we need to rebuild our quality management system from scratch?
No. ISO 9001:2026 builds on the familiar structure and fundamental principles of ISO 9001:2015. For most organizations, the transition will involve identifying gaps, adjusting specific processes and requirements, and ensuring that the changes are implemented and documented.
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How long is the transition period?
A three-year transition period is expected. The binding international rules for transitioning existing ISO 9001 certificates will be established within the accreditation system. Bureau Veritas will update the information as soon as the final deadlines and transition rules have been confirmed.
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How do we get started?
Start by getting an overview of the changes and then assess your existing quality management system against ISO 9001:2026. Bureau Veritas can support you with knowledge and updates, training courses, a GAP analysis, and planning your certification transition.