ISO 9001 revision: the new 2026 version
ISO 9001 has been revised. ISO published ISO 9001:2026 on 16 September 2026. Certificate holders get a transition period of three years. Until then, your certificate based on ISO 9001:2015 remains valid. Want to know what the standard requires in substance? See the requirements of ISO 9001.
The exact end date of the transition differs by source (LRQA gives 30 September 2029). Ask your certification body which date it uses before you plan your transition.
Which version of ISO 9001 applies now?
Since 16 September 2026, two valid versions exist side by side. ISO 9001:2026 is the new standard. Certificates based on ISO 9001:2015 stay valid until the end of the transition period. You do not need to overhaul everything straight away, but you should plan the move now.
What is the status of the revision?
The revision is complete. The process followed ISO’s standard steps.
Draft (DIS) published
In 2025 the Draft International Standard appeared. Experts and countries submitted comments.
Final draft (FDIS) published
In May 2026 the Final Draft International Standard went to a vote. The vote closed on 9 July 2026.
Published on 16 September 2026
ISO 9001:2026 has been published. The Dutch edition is issued through NEN.
What changes in ISO 9001:2026?
The revision is an evolution, not a revolution. The structure of ten chapters stays. Chapters 4 to 10 change only to a limited extent, so the move is manageable for most organisations. The main points:
| Topic | What changes (expected) |
|---|---|
| Climate and sustainability | Anchored more firmly in the context of your organisation (chapter 4) |
| Quality culture and ethics | New attention to culture and behaviour (chapters 5 and 7) |
| Digitalisation | More room for digital processes and data |
| Risks and opportunities | Clearer approach (chapter 6) |
ISO already added climate change to chapter 4 through an amendment in 2024. Many certificate holders have therefore already addressed this point.
What should certificate holders do now?
No need to panic, but do plan. You have a transition period of three years to adapt your system.
- Now: your certificate based on ISO 9001:2015 remains valid. Read the final changes and discuss them in your management review.
- During the transition period: close the gaps and have your auditor assess the new version.
Your certification body will inform you of the exact timeline. For a first certification, nothing changes for now in the step-by-step plan.
Common misunderstandings about the revision
- “My certificate expires straight away.” No, you keep a generous transition period.
- “I have to redo everything.” No, the core stays the same. It is about additions.
- “The new version is mandatory immediately.” No, certificates based on ISO 9001:2015 remain valid until the end of the transition.
Next step
Read the requirements of ISO 9001 to prepare, or read the frequently asked questions about the revision. Not sure whether certification is right for you? Read whether ISO 9001 is mandatory.