The Countdown Has Begun: ISO 9001:2026 Is Coming

ISO 9001:2026 is coming. If your organization is certified to ISO 9001:2015 — or planning to get certified — now is the time to understand what the change means for you.

ISO 9001 is one of the world’s most widely recognized quality management system standards, helping organizations improve processes, meet customer expectations and drive continual improvement.

After more than a decade since the publication of ISO 9001:2015, the next major revision is approaching. ISO 9001:2026 is scheduled for publication on 16 September 2026.

 

Why Is ISO 9001 Being Revised?

ISO standards are periodically reviewed to ensure they remain relevant to today’s business environment.

Since ISO 9001:2015 was introduced, businesses have experienced rapid technological development, more complex supply chains, changing customer expectations and new business risks. The revision aims to keep quality management relevant to these challenges while maintaining the core principles of customer focus, leadership, process management, risk-based thinking and continual improvement.

In simple terms, ISO 9001:2026 is an evolution of the existing standard, not a completely new approach to quality management.

 

Already Certified to ISO 9001:2015?

If your organization is currently certified to ISO 9001:2015, you will eventually need to transition to ISO 9001:2026.

There is no need to panic — but there is also no reason to wait.

Organizations can start by:

Understand → Assess → Plan → Implement → Verify → Transition

Review the revised requirements, assess your existing Quality Management System (QMS), identify gaps and determine what processes, documents or controls may need to be updated. The changes can then be implemented and verified through activities such as internal audit and management review before the transition audit.

A three-year transition period is currently expected, subject to final confirmation of the applicable certification and accreditation requirements.

 

Planning to Get ISO 9001 Certified?

The upcoming revision is also relevant to organizations seeking ISO 9001 certification for the first time.

If certification is part of your business plans, discuss your certification timeline and applicable requirements with your certification body. Depending on when the certification audit takes place, the applicable edition of ISO 9001 may differ.

The revision does not necessarily mean you should delay certification. Instead, it is an opportunity to establish a QMS that genuinely supports your business operations — rather than simply preparing documents for an audit.

 

Start Preparing Now

📅 Scheduled publication: 16 September 2026

Once the final standard is published, organizations can review the definitive requirements and plan their next steps.

The message is simple: you don't need to panic, but you shouldn't wait.

Whether you are preparing for the transition or considering ISO 9001 certification for the first time, MY CO2 Certification is ready to help you understand the applicable certification requirements and plan your next step with confidence.