The world’s most widely used quality management standard, ISO 9001, is undergoing a review and a new version is expected to be published in 2026. As one of the final steps in this review, the final draft has been published, which allows us to see what the final changes might be.
Key proposed changes
The updated standard largely follows the same structure as the current version, ISO 9001:2015, with various changes throughout the clauses it contains.
The proposed changes include a greater emphasis on quality culture and ethical behaviour, looking to make quality an organisational habit rather than just being a procedural exercise. A specific requirement is included for leadership to promote quality culture and ethical behaviour in Clause 5 as well as ethical behaviours and quality culture being in awareness requirements in 7.3.
Although it was included as amendments a couple of years ago, it is worth noting the integration of climate change considerations are now added into the context and planning clauses.
The draft also more clearly separates risks from opportunities, giving each its own sub-clause in 6.1.2 and 6.1.3. We have seen opportunities being overlooked sometimes, so having it in separate clause means this can’t happen anymore and organisations will need to give attention to opportunities, as well as threats.
There are also some more explicit requirements around planning of changes, including communication, review and effectiveness when changes are introduced.
What happens next?
The FDIS was released on 14th May, following which the national standards bodies are given 8 weeks to cast a final vote on whether the standard should be approved for publication. At this stage, the vote isn’t about making technical changes, but more about whether editorial changes are required.
We’re not expecting any substantive changes before the updated version is releases, with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) currently having September 2026 as the expected release date for ISO 9001:2026.
Are other standards changing?
ISO Standards undergo regular review. ISO 14001 was reviewed and republished earlier this year (ISO 14001:2026) and ISO 45001:2018 is currently undergoing review and a publication is expected in 2027.
What steps to take now
It is expected there will be a transition period of three years, which fits with the three-year recertification cycle, so no need to panic!
We will be keeping you up to date with progress on publication of the final version of the standard, and an ISO 9001:2026 Key Changes Awareness training course is now available to book – we will take you through all the key proposed changes, helping you and your organisation fully prepare and transition to the new standard with confidence.
