New Update: ISO 9001 Revision 2026 Coming Soon

Suppose you’re waiting for the release of a long-awaited software update only to find out that it keeps getting delayed. Meetings are ongoing, revisions are being discussed, and everyone involved is working hard to make it just right. For businesses like yours, that’s what the ISO 9001 revision has been like. It was originally supposed to arrive much earlier, but it’s taken a lot of time.

The reason? ISO 9001 is no ordinary standard. It’s updated every 6 to 8 years, reflecting the changing challenges companies face. Think of it like a compass that needs to adapt to the world’s shifting direction. As businesses evolve, so must the standards that guide them. And that’s where ISO 9001 revision 2026 comes in.

While this update might have been delayed, it’s not due to a lack of effort. In fact, countless meetings have been held, all in the quest to make sure the next iteration of ISO 9001 truly addresses the real-world challenges businesses face today. Let’s understand what’s coming next and what you need to know as we approach this crucial update.

What are the Recent Announcements You Should Be Aware of?

It’s easy to think that after such a long wait, the next ISO 9001 revision will come with a big bang. But in reality, the journey to the ISO 9001: 2026 has been full of twists and turns. 

1st Announcement in Mid-2021

Back then, ISO—the International Organization for Standardization—announced that the current version, ISO 9001:2015, would remain unchanged until at least 2026. Why? Because it was still doing its job. It perfectly addressed the challenges companies faced, and industry leaders were confident that they could continue using it without any hassle for the next 5-6 years.

2nd Announcement in Late 2023

So, when the world turned its attention to ISO 9001 in late 2023, the announcement that an update was coming sooner than expected raised some questions. It was based on the results of a 2020 User Survey, where a majority voted to maintain the status quo. This decision passed by a narrow margin, which hinted at ongoing disagreements among industry professionals. Despite this, the ball was still rolling, and discussions were far from over.

3rd Announcement in Late 2023

Fast forward to late 2023, and the unexpected happened. Amid continued pressure from those advocating for change, the ISO subcommittee TC 176 / SC 2  had to reconsider. After months of internal reviews, discussions, and ballots, a new task force was formed—Technical Group 5. This group was given the responsibility of evaluating whether the ISO 9001 standard needed an early revision. After a thorough review, they concluded that it was indeed time for an update. 

4th Announcement in Mid-2024

Now, the development comes from mid-2024. A Committee Draft of ISO 9001 (CD1) was sent to the ISO Technical Committee (ISO TC 176) for initial review. However, in July 2024, the committee requested a second draft (CD2) due to missing key components, such as an explanatory annex structure. As a result, CD1 could not pass the Draft International Stage (DIS), and a revised version was asked for by September 2024.

Final Announcement in Late 2024

The 7th meeting of Working Group 29 took place remotely via Zoom on September 26-27, 2024, focusing on addressing the remaining comments from the Committee Draft. The two-day session saw participation from 56 members representing 31 national standards bodies and 5 liaison organizations.

During the meeting, the updated project timeline was presented, revealing that the development phase of the standard has been extended to 36 months. As a result, the revised ISO 9001 is now expected to be published in September 2026.

Looking ahead, the next meetings of Working Group 29 are scheduled for November and December, where they will work on finalizing the content for the Second Committee Draft. But till now, there is no update regarding the planned meetings for November and December 2024. Stay tuned for further updates as we approach the final draft!

When Can You Expect the Final Draft of ISO 9001: 2026?

As of the latest updates, the final draft of the ISO 9001 revision 2026 is expected to be published in September 2026. This timeline follows the extension of the development phase to 36 months, allowing for thorough review and refinement at each stage of the process. 

While there may be additional discussions and adjustments along the way, this September 2026 date is the current target for the revised standard’s official release. To prepare for the expected changes ahead, Get in Touch with BPR Hub. So, how will your business tackle new changes? Let’s find out!

How to Prepare Your Business with the Expected Changes in ISO 9001:2026?

Your business can expect changes as per the statement based on the ISO TC 176/SC2/WG29 report. This report focuses on supply chain management, organizational knowledge, sustainability, and resilience. Here is a list of the changes your business can expect in the final draft and tips to cope with those:

1. Integration of Emerging Technologies

Expect a stronger focus on digitization and artificial intelligence (AI) in decision-making processes. However, only 16 out of 100 people believe that digitalization will provide any long-term sustainability. That’s why the new version will emphasize how these technologies can enhance efficiency, improve accuracy, and support data-driven decisions.

• Tip: Start exploring how AI and automation can streamline your current processes and improve data collection, analysis, and reporting within your QMS. Embrace technology as a tool to improve decision-making and quality outcomes.

2. Ethics and Integrity

The ISO 9001 revision 2025 will demand businesses align their actions with higher ethical standards. This includes transparency in operations, fairness in stakeholder interactions, and clear ethical guidelines.

• Tip: Review your company’s ethical policies and training programs. Strengthen your commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ensure your staff is aligned with these updated standards.

3. Customer Experience Focus

This revision will broaden the definition of customer satisfaction to encompass the entire customer experience. It’s not just about meeting customer expectations; it’s about understanding and improving every touchpoint of their interaction with your business.

• Tip: Start gathering feedback from customers beyond traditional satisfaction surveys. Focus on their overall experience with your brand, from initial contact to post-purchase support. Use this data to refine processes and exceed customer expectations.

4. Renewed Focus on Quality Assurance

With the growing demand for ISO certification, ISO 9001 revision 2026 will place a renewed emphasis on demonstrating consistent quality assurance across all operations.

• Tip: Ensure that your internal auditing and quality control processes are fine and able to address evolving requirements. Strengthen your documentation practices to align with the new standards.

5. Service Clarifications

There will be stronger service-related requirements, and a separate standard for services may even be introduced.

• Tip: Review how your business defines and delivers services, especially if you’re in a service-based industry. Prepare to integrate clearer service standards and potentially separate service operations from product-related processes.

6. Risk Management

Expect a more proactive approach to risk management, including a stronger emphasis on identifying, mitigating, and adapting to evolving threats.

• Tip: Update your risk management framework to incorporate a more comprehensive, forward-thinking strategy. Focus on both internal and external risks that could affect your operations or supply chain.

7. Stakeholder Engagement

The new version will emphasize considering the perspectives of all stakeholders, not just customers but also employees, suppliers, and even the broader community.

• Tip: Start engaging with a wider group of stakeholders to understand their expectations and concerns. Regular communication with all parties will ensure a more inclusive and responsive QMS.

8. Separation of Risk and Opportunity

ISO 9001 revision 2026 will provide clearer guidance on addressing risks and opportunities separately, with more defined processes for both.

• Tip: Review how your business currently handles risk and opportunity management. Create distinct processes for each to allow for clearer, more structured responses and improvements.

The changes coming in ISO 9001:2026 will require businesses to adapt and stay ahead of industry demands. Begin now by assessing how these updates will impact your operations, from technology integration to risk management and stakeholder engagement. 

However, implementing these changes is not easy. You might face a lot of challenges. It will be helpful for your businesses to have an idea of these common hurdles in prior.

5 Common Challenges in QMS Every Industry Leader Might Face 

The ISO 9001 revision 2026 promises improved processes, but it also presents a series of challenges for industry leaders. As businesses adapt to these new requirements, many will face obstacles in aligning their existing practices with the updated standards. Let’s explore the five key challenges you may encounter while implementing ISO 9001:2026.

1. Understanding New Requirements
   Adapting to the revised guidelines, including technology integration, ethics, and sustainability, may overwhelm teams unfamiliar with these changes.
2. Aligning Current Systems
   Adjusting existing QMS frameworks to meet updated standards could require significant time and resources.
3. Training and Awareness
   Employees and stakeholders will need clear guidance on how the revisions impact daily operations and compliance.
4. Balancing Costs and Compliance
   Implementing changes like new technologies or sustainability measures could strain budgets for smaller businesses.
5. Meeting Tight Deadlines
   Preparing for certification within the new timeline might challenge businesses already operating under tight schedules.

The challenges ahead may seem daunting, but the key to overcoming them lies in proper preparation and support. As you navigate these changes, turning to resources like BPR Hub can provide the guidance and tools necessary for a smooth transition. 

Walk with BPR Hub to Tackle Changes in ISO 9001 Revision 2026 

Your trusted partner, BPR Hub’s Compliance Hub, offers expert guidance, resources, and solutions to help you tackle each challenge—from understanding new requirements to aligning your current systems. Walk with us as we help you streamline the process, reduce risks, and ensure your business remains compliant with the evolving ISO 9001 standards. Let’s start the journey together towards Success.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will my ISO 9001:2015 certification still be valid after the release of ISO 9001:2026?

Your ISO 9001:2015 certification will remain valid until the revised standard is officially published. However, you will need to transition to the ISO 9001:2026 standards once they are released, which is expected in September 2026.

2. How long will businesses have to transition to ISO 9001:2026 once it is published?

After the ISO 9001:2026 revision is published in September 2026, businesses will typically be given a transition period of 2-3 years to fully comply with the updated standards. This period will allow for adjustments to processes and documentation to meet the new requirements.

3. Can I start preparing for ISO 9001:2026 before its official release?

Yes, you can start preparing now by reviewing the draft versions of the standard and aligning your processes with expected changes. Key areas to focus on include technology integration, enhanced risk management, and strengthening stakeholder engagement.

4. How will the emphasis on digitalization affect my business under ISO 9001:2026?

ISO 9001:2026 will place greater emphasis on the use of digital tools and AI for decision-making and data analysis. This shift means businesses will need to incorporate new technologies into their Quality Management Systems (QMS) to stay compliant. Begin exploring and investing in these technologies to improve efficiency and accuracy.

5. Will there be any changes to the way customer satisfaction is measured under ISO 9001:2026?

Yes, ISO 9001:2026 will broaden the concept of customer satisfaction to include the entire customer experience. This means businesses will need to track and manage customer interactions across all touchpoints, not just focus on the product or service delivered. Ensuring a holistic view of customer experience will be critical for compliance.