After months of anticipation, on 27 August 2025 ISO released the Draft International Standard (DIS) of ISO 9001:2026.
While it’s not the rewrite some expected – there are no new mandatory requirements on AI or digitalisation, and the Annex SL structure remains intact – there are some important refinements and key changes organisations should be aware of:
🌱Climate change (added via amendment in Feb 2024) is now fully embedded in the organisation’s context and stakeholder analysis (clauses 4.1 & 4.2).
👨 Leadership (clause 5.1) is strengthened, with an explicit focus on promoting quality culture and ethical behaviour.
📄Quality policy (clause 5.2) must align more closely with organisation’s strategic direction.
🎯 Risk & opportunity management (clause 6.1) has been reorganised into sub-clauses, with clearer guidance separating risks from opportunities.
👉 Awareness (clause 7.3) now extends beyond roles and responsibilities to include culture and ethics.
If you’re already certified to ISO 9001:2015 and have a mature system, you’re in a strong position. The focus now is on incorporating climate considerations, ethics, and culture more explicitly into your existing system.
Key dates:
⚫️ DIS published: August 2025 (open for public comment now via ISO member bodies).
⚫️ FDIS: early 2026.
⚫️Final release: late 2026.
⚫️ Transition: 3 years → until 2029.
These changes are a reminder that ISO 9001 is more than compliance. It isn’t just a “quality” system, it is a Business Management System that drives good practices across the whole organisation.
Organisations that get ahead of these changes will find themselves better equipped to handle future challenges. Not only will it create new opportunities but it will strengthen their credibility with stakeholders.
If you need guidance navigating the changes in ISO 9001:2026 or want to ensure your system is future-ready, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m here to help you stay ahead and make the most of these updates!
