ISO 9001:2026 – What’s Changing and How to Prepare

Myra Abordo
Oct 9
2 min read

A close-up shot of a professional's hand pointing an ISO 9001 banner, with a blurred office or factory background. The image should evoke professionalism, trust, and quality management — visually linking to certification and organisational excellence.

As ISO 9001 moves toward its next revision, businesses worldwide are preparing for changes that reflect today’s digital, global, and sustainability-driven environment.

At Base Solutions, we help organisations stay ahead of these developments by ensuring your Quality Management System (QMS) remains compliant, efficient, and ready for certification once the new version is released.

What’s Behind the ISO 9001 Revision

The ISO 9001 standard was last updated in 2015. After nearly a decade of evolving technologies, work patterns, and customer expectations, the revision aims to make the standard more relevant to modern business challenges.

The Draft International Standard (DIS) for ISO 9001:2026 was released in August 2025 for public comment. Publication of the final version is expected in late 2026, according to DNV and BSI.

Confirmed Updates (Based on the Draft Standard)

Improved Structure and Terminology
The draft introduces clearer structure and updated terminology to improve usability and consistency with other ISO management standards.
Editorial and Clarification Changes
According to BSI, many updates focus on clarifying intent and improving alignment within the Annex SL framework used across all ISO management systems.
Modern Business Considerations
SGS and DNV note that while the framework remains familiar, the revision acknowledges emerging business realities such as digitalisation, sustainability, and evolving stakeholder expectations.
No Major Overhaul
The draft does not introduce radical new clauses or remove existing ones. Instead, it strengthens the connection between quality performance, leadership, and organisational strategy.

Expected Enhancements (Subject to Final Approval)

While not yet confirmed, the following areas are under discussion within ISO’s technical committee:

Integration with Other ISO Standards
Greater compatibility with ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) and ISO 45001 (Health and Safety) to promote streamlined systems.
Digital and Data-Driven Quality
Increased reference to digital tools, data analysis, and automation that support decision-making and performance tracking.
Sustainability and Risk Awareness
Expanded emphasis on how quality management contributes to long-term resilience and sustainable business practices.
Organisational Knowledge and Competence
Additional clarity on managing critical knowledge within organisations, particularly with remote work and workforce changes.

How Businesses Can Prepare

If your organisation is certified to ISO 9001:2015, you don’t need to make immediate changes. However, preparation now will ensure a smooth transition when ISO 9001:2026 is released.

Here’s what you can do:

Review your current QMS – Check if your systems align with digital tools and performance-based metrics.
Conduct a gap analysis – Identify where your processes might need updates once the new version is published.
Engage leadership and teams – Ensure quality objectives are understood and embedded across departments.
Stay informed – Follow updates from BSI, ISO, and certification partners during the transition period.