What’s Changing?

The ISO 9001 standard, recognized globally as the cornerstone of quality management systems (QMS), is undergoing a significant revision. Originally expected in December 2025, the revised ISO 9001 is now set for publication in September 2026, followed by a three-year transition window ending in September 2029.

Key anticipated changes include:

• Ethics and Leadership Integrity – Increased emphasis on leadership accountability, ethical decision-making, and transparency to strengthen stakeholder trust.
• Customer Experience – A broader view of the customer journey beyond satisfaction metrics.
• Sustainability and Climate Change – Greater integration of environmental responsibility and climate-related goals.
• Digitalization and Emerging Technologies – Encouraging the use of AI, automation, and digital tools to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Enhanced Risk Management – Addressing emerging risks like cybersecurity, supply chain fragility, and societal disruptions.
• Harmonized Structure – Maintaining alignment with other standards (e.g., ISO 14001, ISO 45001) while clarifying terminology and concepts.

Why It Matters

ISO 9001:2026 is not just a compliance update, it’s a reflection of the evolving landscape of global business. The inclusion of sustainability, ethics, and technology helps future-proof organizations and align quality objectives with broader strategic goals.

For certified companies, the update provides a new opportunity to assess their current systems, identify gaps, and strengthen leadership accountability. Organizations that embrace these changes early will be better positioned to remain competitive and resilient in the years ahead.

Timeline and What’s Next

• February–March 2025: Final Committee Draft (FCD) expected — this near-final version will give organizations the clearest preview of the new requirements.
• June 2025: Draft International Standard (DIS) made available for public review and comment.
• Q1 2026: Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) expected — typically reflects the final language that will be published.
• September 2026: ISO 9001:2026 officially published.
• October 2026 – September 2029: Transition period — organizations may begin auditing to the new version, with certification bodies gradually shifting requirements.
• September 2029: Final deadline — all ISO 9001:2015 certificates will become invalid; organizations must be certified to ISO 9001:2026.

Final Thoughts

The path to ISO 9001:2026 starts now. Use this period to engage your leadership, evaluate your quality management systems, and view the standard not as a checkbox, but as a strategic advantage. Contact Brett Pollock (Brett.Pollock@iapmoscb.org) to future proof your business.

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Q&A: Preparing for ISO 9001:2026 with SCB

Q: What makes the ISO 9001:2026 update significant?
A: ISO 9001:2026 marks a major evolution of the world’s most recognized quality management standard. The update reflects today’s business realities by integrating leadership ethics, customer experience, sustainability, and digital transformation to ensure certified organizations stay competitive and resilient.

Q: How will these changes affect existing ISO 9001:2015 certifications?
A: Organizations currently certified to ISO 9001:2015 will have a three-year transition window, from publication in September 2026 until September 2029, to upgrade their certification. Both versions will remain valid during this period, allowing time for a smooth transition.

Q: How can SCB help organizations prepare for ISO 9001:2026?
A: As an ANAB-accredited certification body, SCB guides clients through each step of the transition, from gap analysis to recertification audits. SCB auditors provide insight into new requirements, helping organizations identify improvements early and avoid last-minute compliance challenges.

Q: What steps should companies take now to get ready?
A: Start with a QMS gap analysis to assess how your current system supports ethics, sustainability, and digital tools. Train teams on upcoming changes, follow updates from ISO and SCB, and plan audit schedules ahead of the 2026 release to ensure a seamless transition.

Q: Why partner with SCB for ISO 9001 certification?
A: SCB combines global accreditation with the personalized support of a trusted IAPMO organization. With many years of experience serving regulated industries, SCB provides responsive service, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of what quality and compliance mean for manufacturers and service providers worldwide.