Key Takeaways
- ISO 9001:2026 is currently under revision, with a final version expected in September 2026.
- The standard is expected to consider evolving factors related to sustainability, stakeholder needs, and risk responsiveness.
- Organisations certified to ISO 9001:2015 will likely have a 3-year window to transition to ISO 9001:2026.
- Transition training and auditor updates will be key to a successful shift.
- Certification audits to ISO 9001:2015 are expected to remain valid during the transition period, subject to IAF guidance and national accreditation rules.
What Is ISO 9001:2026?
ISO 9001:2026 will be the revised version of the globally recognised Quality Management System (QMS) standard. It reflects updated expectations for how organisations demonstrate quality, customer focus, and continual improvement in a changing world.
Why Is ISO 9001:2015 Changing?
ISO standards are reviewed every five years to ensure they remain relevant. Since its last update in 2015, global priorities have shifted – including sustainability, digitalisation, and stakeholder transparency. The 2026 revision is designed to futureproof the standard by aligning it with these evolving needs, while keeping its core principles intact.
What Does ISO 9001:2026 Mean for Businesses?
- Already certified? You’ll need to transition to the new standard to maintain certification.
- Working toward certification? You should remain aware of the evolving draft content and requirements as they emerge to avoid delays.
Role-specific learning for quality managers, auditors, and compliance leads. Available from Q2 2026 with pre-register options now open.Get Ready with Transition Training
ISO 9001:2026 Transition Timeline
| Milestone | Status |
|---|---|
| Current Live Standard | ISO 9001:2015 |
| Draft International Standard (DIS) | Published June 2025 |
| Anticipated Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) | Expected Q1 2026 (subject to ISO schedule) |
| Anticipated Publish Date | Expected September 2026 (subject to ISO schedule) |
| Transition Deadline | Q2 2029 (3 years from publication) |
Have questions about your transition? Reach out to our team.
Anticipated Changes to the Standard
General themes:
- Greater emphasis on resilience and risk-based thinking
- Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Enhanced focus on interested parties and external issues
- More guidance on performance metrics and KPIs
“The ISO 9001 revision doesn’t necessarily include any additional requirements for certified clients, but what it does do is move requirements around within the standard and add further clarity.” – James Gibb, Technical Manager at Amtivo
History of ISO 9001 Timeline
- BS 5750 (1979): BS 5750 was introduced in the United Kingdom in 1979 as one of the first formal quality assurance standards and laid the groundwork for modern quality management.
- A British Foundation for a Global Standard: Developed by the British Standards Institution, BS 5750 became the model that other nations looked to when considering international alignment on quality principles.
- ISO 9001:1987: In 1987 the first ISO 9001 standard was published, drawing heavily on the structure and intent of BS 5750 to create a unified international approach to quality assurance.
- ISO 9001:1994: The 1994 revision refined the requirements for greater consistency, although documentation and procedural control remained central features of the standard.
- ISO 9001:2000: The 2000 edition introduced a process-focused approach and placed greater emphasis on customer satisfaction and continual improvement across the organisation.
- ISO 9001:2008: The 2008 update clarified the existing requirements to support more consistent application across different sectors while maintaining the process approach.
- ISO 9001:2015: The 2015 edition adopted a new high-level structure, promoted risk-based thinking, strengthened leadership involvement, and increased flexibility in how organisations implement their systems.
- ISO 9001 Today: ISO 9001 has developed from a document-heavy quality assurance model into a widely applicable management framework suitable for organisations of any size or industry.
- ISO 9001:2026 (In Development): Work is ongoing on the next revision, which aims to ensure ISO 9001 continues to reflect modern organisational needs, emerging risks, and evolving expectations of quality management.
Looking to Transfer Your ISO 9001 Certification to British Assessment Bureau?
Our experienced auditors and global footprint make transitioning easier. Whether you’re mid-cycle or re-certifying, we’ll help you map your audit schedule to the ISO 9001:2026 deadline.
Client Reviews
Case Studies
Would you like to read about some of our clients’ experiences with British Assessment Bureau? Find our latest case studies on our website.
FAQs: ISO 9001 Revision
Every 5–10 years, depending on market needs and global developments.
The final version is expected in September 2026, with a 3-year transition period.
During the transition period, certification to either the 2015 or the 2026 version may be accepted, depending on accreditation body policies.
If you hold multiple ISO certifications, your transition may be aligned to avoid duplication. Speak to our team for integrated audit planning.
The current version in use is ISO 9001:2015, which remains valid until the new revision is published.
ISO 9001 was last revised in 2015, following a major update to align with modern quality management practices.
ISO 9001:2025 is an early working title used during development. The final published version is expected to be released as ISO 9001:2026.
ISO follows a formal review cycle where global experts assess whether the standard needs updating. If a revision is approved, the committee develops successive drafts, consults international stakeholders, and refines the text through voting stages before the final version is published.
