ISO 9001:2026 has been published: what changes for your organization?

Sep 16, 2026Audit / Quality

The new ISO 9001:2026

ISO 9001:2026 was published on 16 September 2026 and replaces ISO 9001:2015. The new edition builds on the trusted foundation of the international standard for quality management and introduces targeted changes and clarifications.

Does your organization have ISO 9001 certification? If so, you will receive a transition period to align your quality management system with the new version. That makes it important to understand what is changing and what it means for your organization.

What are the key changes in ISO 9001:2026?

The foundation of ISO 9001 remains recognizable. The process approach, customer focus, PDCA cycle, risk-based thinking, and continual improvement remain core principles. The new edition mainly brings clarifications and targeted adjustments.

More focus on leadership and quality culture

Leadership and quality culture receive greater emphasis in ISO 9001:2026. This is not only about defining policies and responsibilities, but also about how quality is embraced throughout the organization.

Management plays an important role in fostering a culture where quality, responsibility, and continual improvement are part of daily operations.

A clearer approach to risks and opportunities

ISO 9001:2026 brings more clarity to how organizations deal with risks and opportunities. Organizations must not only determine which risks could affect the quality management system, but also identify opportunities that can contribute to better performance.

This helps organizations approach quality not only from the perspective of control, but also from the perspective of improvement and development.

Clearer wording

Several requirements in ISO 9001 have been clarified. This should make it easier to understand the intent of the standard and apply the requirements appropriately across different types of organizations.

For organizations that already have a well-functioning quality management system based on ISO 9001:2015, the new version therefore does not mean the entire system needs to be rebuilt.

New Annex A

ISO 9001:2026 includes a revised informative Annex A. This annex provides additional explanation of key concepts and the intent behind various requirements.

Annex A does not add any new requirements, but helps organizations and auditors interpret the standard consistently.

Better alignment with other ISO management system standards

The new edition aligns more closely with the harmonized structure of other ISO management system standards. This is especially relevant for organizations that combine ISO 9001 with, for example, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, or ISO 27001.

As a result, different management systems can be integrated and applied more easily.

What does ISO 9001:2026 mean for your current certificate?

Are you currently certified to ISO 9001:2015? Your certificate does not expire immediately when ISO 9001:2026 is published.
Organizations receive a three-year transition period to align their quality management system with the new edition. During this period, the switch to certification under ISO 9001:2026 takes place.

The international transition arrangements determine how certification audits are carried out during this period. DEKRA will inform certified customers about the implications for their certification and the relevant deadlines as soon as these arrangements are finalized.

How can you prepare for ISO 9001:2026?

You do not need to redesign your current quality management system from scratch. It is wise, however, to determine in good time where adjustments are needed.

For example, you can already:

Analyze the differences: compare your current quality management system with the requirements of ISO 9001:2026;
Assess your quality culture: look at how quality, responsibility, and continual improvement are embraced in practice within your organization;
Review risks and opportunities: check whether both topics are structurally determined, assessed, and followed up;
Check processes and documentation: identify where changed or clarified requirements affect your current way of working;
Plan the transition: factor the move to ISO 9001:2026 into your audit and certification planning in good time.