ISO 9001 is the world’s most widely used standard for quality management systems. To keep it relevant to today’s business environment, ISO is currently working on the next revision, expected to be published as ISO 9001:2026.
While the final version is not yet released, early drafts and industry feedback give us a good idea of what organizations can expect.
Why Is ISO 9001 Being Updated?
ISO reviews its standards regularly to ensure they match current business needs. Since the last major update in 2015, organizations have faced:
Faster digital transformation
Higher customer expectations
Greater focus on sustainability and risk
More complex supply chains
The upcoming revision aims to reflect these realities while keeping ISO 9001 practical and flexible.
What Changes Are Expected?
Although no major structural changes are expected, several areas are likely to receive more emphasis:
1. Stronger Leadership Involvement
Top management is expected to play a more active role in promoting quality, not just approving documents. Quality should be part of the organization’s culture and strategic direction.
2. Clearer Risk-Based Thinking
Organizations will be encouraged to better identify and manage risks and opportunities, supporting more proactive planning and decision-making.
3. Sustainability Awareness
Quality management will increasingly consider sustainability and long-term business impact, building on the recent climate-related amendment introduced in 2024.
4. Digitalisation and Knowledge Management
The standard is expected to better reflect how organizations use digital tools, data, and knowledge to improve performance and consistency.
5. Improved Guidance
Additional guidance may be included to help organizations understand and apply the requirements more consistently, without adding new mandatory rules.
When Will the New Version Be Published?
Draft version: Released in 2025
Final publication: Expected in late 2026
Transition period: About 3 years after publication
Until then, ISO 9001:2015 remains the current certifiable standard.
What Should Organizations Do Now?
There’s no need to rush, but this is a good time to:
Strengthen leadership engagement in quality matters
Review how risks and opportunities are identified and managed
Consider sustainability and long-term business impacts
Improve use of data, systems, and documented knowledge
Organizations that already follow good management practices will find the transition smooth.
Final Note
The upcoming ISO 9001 revision is expected to be an evolution, not a revolution. It reinforces good practices rather than introducing heavy new requirements. By focusing on leadership, risk, and continuous improvement, organizations can be well prepared for ISO 9001:2026 when it arrives.
