Revision of ISO 9001 – Quality Management System

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is expected to release a new version of ISO 9001 during fall 2026, likely in October/November. This will replace the existing ISO 9001:2015 version. Being a cornerstone for quality assurance across industries, this revision is important and followed by many stakeholders.

The DIS stage (Draft International Standard) was reached end of August 2025, when the document was released and made available for national member bodies for ballot and comments. Disposition of the comments received will happen during the first months of 2026.

Draft revised ISO 9001 – What changes can be expected?

The overall extent of changes seems moderate and are less extensive than the changes experienced when upgrading to the 2015-edition. 
Among the main changes outlined in the draft are:

  • “Promoting quality culture and ethical behaviour” is added as a new entry in Chapter 5.1 “Leadership and commitment”,  with new guidance on how such promotion can be demonstrated. Quality culture and ethical behaviour is also referenced in two other clauses.
  • Clearer separation of the determination of risk and opportunity in Clause 6.1 has been introduced, with new subclauses (6.1.1 – 6.1.3) and expanded guidance.
  • The new Clause 10.1 “Continual improvement” is a consolidation of 10.1 and 10.3 from the 2015-edition. In addition, there is “connected guidance” which also refers to emerging technologies, digitalization and reliable data as essential for changing and improving ways of working (for information, machines and processes).
  • The climate change amendments from 2024 (in Clause 4.1 and 4.2) are now integrated.
  • Some amendments to requirements in Clauses 4 to 10.  In addition, some notes are added or amended for some clauses to better explain the current requirements.

Additionally, Annex A has generally been significantly expanded to provide improved and more detailed guidance aligned with Clauses 4 to 10 of the standard.

As always, there may be changes following the stakeholder hearing and comments received to the DIS.

Transition rules and timeline

The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) is expected to develop mandatory documents for the transition of certificates to the new standard. These are expected to be available in due time before publication of the new ISO 9001:2026 standard. The transition period is typically 2 or 3 years.

Preparing for implementation

We recommend you start preparing for the transition as early as possible and plan properly to incorporate needed changes into your management system.
Recommended steps for the transition:

  • Get to know the changes of the revised standard as soon as possible, bearing in mind that the transition time may be shorter than the usual three-year timeline.
  • Ensure that relevant personnel in your organization are trained and understand the changes and clarifications.
  • Identify gaps which need to be addressed to meet the new requirements and other clarifications and establish an implementation plan.
  • Implement actions and update your management system to meet the new requirements.

How we can support

Once you start preparing to transition to the new version of ISO 9001, DNV can support your journey.

We will be able to support you with:

  • Webinars to get an overview of the main changes and the transition process.
  • Training where you learn more about the revisions and changes and how to tackle key areas to continually improve and build a high performing management system.
  • Transition audit to move your certification in line with the new version of the standard.
  • We can support you every step of the way.