- Specific QMS-related terms may be included directly in the standard, reducing reliance on ISO 9000
Your action: review internal definitions once the DIS is published.
November 14, 2025
Stay informed on the upcoming ISO 9001 changes and prepare your quality management system (QMS) for future transition.
The upcoming ISO 9001 revision, expected in 2026, is progressing to the Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) phase.
While the standard has not yet been published, early indications suggest that the new version will build upon the 2015 version, maintaining the Annex SL-based structure, while incorporating editorial improvements, subtle shifts in emphasis and modern business considerations, such as quality culture and ethical conduct.
What is ISO 9001:2026?
ISO 9001:2026 is the next revision of the ISO 9001 standard. It is expected to build upon the 2015 version, maintaining the Annex SL-based structure, while incorporating editorial improvements, subtle shifts in emphasis and modern business considerations, such as quality culture and ethical conduct.
At this stage, only early internal drafts have been developed. The eventual DIS, once issued, will be open for public review and may be revised further before publication.
ISO 9001 transition timeline
| Phase | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Current Standard | ISO 9001:2015 |
| Draft International Standard (DIS) | Published August 2025 |
| Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) | Likely mid-2026 |
| New Standard Published | Targeted for Q3 or Q4 2026 |
| Transition Deadline | Expected 3-year period (to late 2029) |
Start your ISO 9001:2026 transition planning early to avoid disruption and maintain certification.
- Minor refinements are expected
- Climate change considerations remain included from previous amendments
Your action: confirm that your current management system and business context analysis includes environmental influences.
- New emphasis on promoting quality culture, continual improvement and ethical behavior (though not formally defined)
- Quality policy may be expected to reflect strategic direction and external context
Your action: begin reviewing quality culture practices and top-level messaging.
- Risks and opportunities may be restructured into separate clearer sub-clauses
- Additional clarity anticipated in guidance notes (Annex A)
Your action: revisit how risks and opportunities are distinguished and addressed in planning.
- Text restructuring is likely, with few substantive requirement changes
- New awareness requirements may include understanding quality culture and ethics
Your action: prepare to refresh awareness training if needed.
- Minimal changes anticipated, though terminology and clause layout may be updated
Your action: ensure traceability to updated clause references in future documentation.
- Mostly consistent with the 2015 version
- Expectations for detection of quality trends and performance outcomes remain relevant
Your action: confirm audit objectives and review criteria to reflect new clause framing.
- Additional guidance on continual improvement incorporated, especially as linked to Clause 5 leadership expectations
Your action: consider documenting how leadership influences improvement cycles.
ISO 9001 transition checklist
To ensure you are on track for ISO 9001:2026:
- Stay up to date with ISO committee developments
- Conduct a readiness review against current ISO 9001:2015 practices
- Start internal conversations around quality culture and ethics
- Train senior leaders on proposed new expectations
- Work with us to monitor when the DIS and FDIS are formally issued
Why ISO 9001:2026 matters
Even with moderate changes, the revision process is an opportunity to:
- Realign your QMS with strategic goals
- Refresh stakeholder engagement
- Integrate modern values like ethical practice and quality culture
- Ensure continued certification and audit readiness
How we support your ISO 9001 transition
As a global certification body with deep QMS expertise, we provide:
- Gap assessments and readiness audits
- ISO 9001:2026 transition training
- Full transition and certification support once ISO 9001:2026 is officially released
- Integrated management systems (IMS) support for ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and more
To start your ISO 9001:2026 journey, contact us today.
Disclaimer
The information presented on this page is intended to provide general guidance on the ISO 9001:2026 Draft International Standard (DIS) and the anticipated transition requirements. While SGS strives to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, final requirements may change following publication of the Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) or the official ISO 9001:2026 release.
Organizations are encouraged to consult with SGS for the most up-to-date information.
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).
238 TRR Tower, 19th-21st Floor, Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Road,
Chong Nonsi, Yannawa, 10120,
Bangkok, Thailand