Will my ISO 9001:2015 certificate remain valid?

Yes. After the publication expected in September 2026, a three-year transition period is usually granted (subject to IAF confirmation): 2015 certificates remain valid until the transition audit is carried out.

When will ISO 9001:2026 be published?

Publication is expected in September 2026, according to ISO. The text is at the final draft stage (FDIS), the last step before publication.

Do I need to redo my whole management system?

No. The fundamentals are kept: the seven quality management principles, the process approach and the PDCA cycle. The 2026 edition evolves the framework, it does not rebuild it.

What are the main new features?

Quality culture and ethical behaviour within the requirements, a clear separation of risks and opportunities, terms and definitions added to Clause 3, strengthened management of change and an enhanced Annex A.

What is opportunity-based thinking?

A new concept introduced alongside risk-based thinking: it invites organizations to identify and seize circumstances that can improve the performance of the quality management system.

ISO 9001:2026: what changes in the new version, expected in September 2026

ISO 9001:2026: what changes in the new version, expected in September 2026 · HEMC