ISO 9001:2026 – A Modern Update to Quality Management Standards

Introduction

ISO 9001 is a widely accepted international standard that outlines requirements for quality management systems (QMS), enabling organisations to deliver products and services that meet customer expectations and legal obligations. The version in use today, ISO 9001:2015, is undergoing revision, with the updated ISO 9001:2026 scheduled for release in September 2026. This new edition is designed to tackle current issues, including the rise of digital technologies and the growing emphasis on sustainable practices.

Anticipated Changes in ISO 9001:2026

While the exact details of ISO 9001:2026 remain under wraps until its official release, insights from professionals suggest the following updates:

• Technology Integration: The standard may address the surge in digitalisation by offering guidance on using AI and data analytics to improve quality management, aligning with trends in Industry 4.0.
• Ethics and Integrity: A stronger spotlight on ethical behaviour and honest interactions with stakeholders is expected, reflecting broader calls for corporate accountability.
• Holistic Customer Experience: The definition of customer satisfaction could be expanded to cover the entire journey a customer takes with an organisation, moving beyond basic quality measures.
• Quality Assurance Emphasis: The revision might reinforce the importance of quality assurance, potentially encouraging more businesses to seek ISO 9001 certification.
• Service-Specific Enhancements: Adjustments or clarifications for service-oriented organisations are likely, with some suggesting a distinct standard for services might emerge.
• Standard Alignment: ISO 9001:2026 could adopt a harmonised structure to better integrate with other management system standards, simplifying use for organisations with multiple certifications.
• Risk and Opportunity Management: More thorough advice on handling risks and opportunities is anticipated, possibly treating them as separate areas with clearer definitions.
• Sustainability Elements: The standard might incorporate principles of environmental and social responsibility in line with global sustainability goals and recent ISO commitments, such as its climate change resolution.

Reasons Behind the Updates

These proposed changes mirror shifts in the business world, where technology, customer priorities, and sustainability are increasingly vital. For instance, integrating AI responds to its growing role in quality oversight while emphasising ethics meets demands for responsible business conduct. A broader view of customer experience reflects the modern focus on comprehensive engagement, and sustainability aligns with worldwide efforts to address environmental concerns, as highlighted by the ISO’s London Declaration.

Progress and Timeline for ISO 9001:2026

The development of ISO 9001:2026 began in 2023 after the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) decided in July to proceed with an update—despite a 2021 resolution initially favouring the retention of the 2015 version. Originally planned for completion by late 2025, the release has been postponed to September 2026 following critiques of the first Committee Draft (CD1) in April 2024, necessitating further refinements. Updating an ISO standard typically spans three years, progressing through stages such as the Working Draft (WD), Committee Draft (CD), Draft International Standard (DIS), and Final Draft International Standard (FDIS). However, for ISO 9001:2026, the timeline has been extended to 36 months to accommodate a second Committee Draft (CD2). With input from over 80 experts across nearly 50 countries, the process remains highly collaborative, though internal disagreements have added complexity. Pivotal discussions are scheduled for November and December 2024, with key meetings continuing into early 2025 to finalise the standard’s direction.

Preparing for ISO 9001:2026

Businesses should actively monitor developments related to ISO 9001:2026 and begin planning for its implementation once it is released. A transition period will be provided, likely giving organisations a three-year window—potentially until September 2029—to align their quality management systems with the updated requirements. To ensure a smooth transition, companies should stay informed by following updates from ISO and certification authorities, assess their existing quality management practices with a focus on technology and sustainability, and plan enhancements to address any gaps before the new standard takes effect.

Enhancing ISO 9001 Compliance with ISO+™: A Future-Ready Solution

ISO+™ is a comprehensive compliance software solution designed to assist organisations in aligning with ISO 9001 and other ISO standards. It streamlines the documentation and implementation of quality management systems (QMS), facilitating efficient workflows and ensuring adherence to compliance requirements. By providing features such as real-time collaboration, centralised document management, automatic version control, and customisable integration options, ISO+™ enhances operational efficiency and supports organisations in maintaining robust quality standards.

The following infographic shows how ISO+™ addresses the anticipated changes to help organisations stay updated with the ISO 9001:2026 standard, making it a smart choice for long-term success.

Discover how ISO+™ can simplify your path to ISO 9001 compliance and prepare your business for the future. Whether you’re looking to improve efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, or ensure compliance with upcoming ISO 9001:2026 changes, ISO+™ has you covered. Book a demo today and see how ISO+™ can transform your quality management system!