2025 Current Update of ISO 9001 Actual Standard

The ISO 9001 standard has gone through a lot of revisions over the years, but in 2023, the latest update raised more than just eyebrows. Initially, it seemed like the revised version would be the final word, but now changes are being rolled out. What does this mean for you, especially if you’ve already implemented the previous version? How will these adjustments impact your day-to-day operations and processes? The truth is staying compliant with ISO 9001 isn’t always clear-cut.

You might be wondering: Is this change mandatory for my business? Or, if you’ve already got everything in place, is there a risk that your certification could be out of date soon? It's natural to have these questions—no one wants to risk falling behind on standards that affect quality management. With these latest changes to the ISO 9001 actual standard, it’s critical to stay informed so you can stay ahead. In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know to stay ahead of your competitors. First, let’s start with what happened with the ISO 9001:2015 standard and why.

ISO 9001:2015 Standard Update in Chronological Order

Actual ISO 9001 is usually changed over 6-8 years. This is because as the world changes, so do the challenges companies face. These changes might be driven by shifts in market needs, technology, or even updated customer expectations. Revising the standard allows businesses to improve their processes, address new risks, and adopt best practices that are aligned with current trends. Since the last update was in 2015, industry experts were expecting an announcement regarding the changes around 2022-2023. Here’s what happened in the previous few years:

• Mid-2021: ISO or the International Organization for Standardization decided to keep the old version (ISO 9001:2015) will remain unrevised till 2026. Because it perfectly addresses the growing challenges, and industry leaders can use it for the next 6-8 years without any hassle. So, you weren’t expecting an update on ISO 9001:2030 till the announced year 2026.

After a vote from the users, an internal review, and a ballot among its members, the subcommittee decided to confirm the ISO 9001:2015 standard without any revisions on May 1, 2021 — the 2020 User Survey by ISO. 

• Late 2023: However, this decision took an unexpected turn when it came out to the public. Because the 2021 ballot passed by a narrow margin, with opinions still divided. Supporters of a revision continue to advocate for changes, and eventually, a change is most needed.

For this reason, after a while, a new task force, Technical Group 5, was established to evaluate the necessity of an early revision of ISO 9001. After reviewing the group's findings in spring 2023, ISO's technical subcommittee TC 176 / SC 2 held another ballot among its 81 National Standards Bodies. Out of 78 votes, a clear majority supported revising the ISO 9001 standard without delay.

• Mid-2024: Around April 2024, a Committee Draft of ISO 9001 (CD1) was sent to the ISO Technical Committee (ISO TC 176) for first review. However, in July 2024, they asked for a second draft or CD2 since the former one lacked many important requirements, like an explanatory annex structure. Due to this, CD1 couldn’t pass the Draft International Stage (DIS). So, they asked for a second draft or CD2 by September 2024.

• Late 2024: Working Group 29 held its 7th meeting remotely via Zoom on 26 and 27 September 2024 to address the remaining comments received on the Committee Draft. The meeting saw participation from 56 members, representing 31 national standards bodies and 5 liaisons.

During the meeting, the revised project timeline was presented. The development track for the standard has been extended to 36 months to accommodate the second Committee Draft stage. As a result, the publication of the ISO 9001 is now scheduled for September 2026.

Note: For professionals managing ISO 9001-based quality management systems, the 2026 publication date means ISO 9001:2015 will remain the current standard for a longer period, allowing continued focus on existing implementations. If the revised standard is published on time, organizations will have until September 2029 to transition. However, this timeline may be subject to changes.

Why are ISO 9001:2015 Changes Necessary?

New updates ensure that the standard remains an effective tool for businesses to maintain high-quality processes while meeting the demands of the present and future needs. Furthermore, the updates help businesses stay compliant with global regulations and best practices. In this way, you can manage quality, improve efficiency, and reduce risks. 

The changes also reflect feedback from users, ensuring that ISO 9001 continues to meet the needs of diverse industries worldwide. In short, these revisions are necessary to support businesses in improving their quality management systems, staying competitive, and delivering value to their customers. But what changes can you expect from the ISO 9001:2026, and will that be different from the existing one? Let’s find out.

Current ISO 9001:2015 Standard vs. Expected Changes in the 2026 Revision

The good news is the changes will only apply to the High-Level Structure (HLS) and change it to the Harmonized Structure (HS). This same upgrade was seen in ISO/IEC 27001:2022. The anticipated changes are based on the statement by ISO TC 176/SC2/WG29 report, which stated: “Adjustments to ISO 9001 are planned with regard to the aspects of resilience, supply chain management, change management, sustainability, dealing with risks [and] organizational knowledge”.

Here is a table of what values the ISO 9001 actually holds and what leaders can expect from the updated version.

Since these changes are based on the report and the final report has not been published yet, you can expect other changes as well. You can Contact BPR Hub prior to remaining compliant with all the new standards.

But on these changes, how will your business be impacted? Read below to find that out. 

How Will These Changes Impact Your Business?

The upcoming changes in ISO 9001:2026 will have significant implications for businesses already adhering to ISO 9001:2015. The updates will require adjustments to your quality management systems to stay compliant with the new version. Here are some key impacts that could directly affect your business:

• Integration of Emerging Technologies: ISO 9001:2026 will place more emphasis on integrating technologies such as AI and automation into business processes. 40% of global CEOs believe their companies will not survive in the next decade if they maintain their current strategies. This may require investment in new digital tools or upgrading existing systems to ensure your processes are in line with the revised standard.
• Increased Focus on Ethics and Integrity: The revised standard will require businesses to ensure that ethical practices and integrity are central to their decisions and actions. You'll need to align your business processes, product development, and stakeholder interactions with these values to meet the new requirements.
• Sustainability Focus: Sustainability will become a core element of your quality management system. You will need to adopt environmentally and socially responsible practices, such as reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring ethical sourcing in your supply chain.

Along with these, you also need to focus your shift on risk management and stakeholder engagement. But how can your business remain prepared to accommodate these changes? Let’s focus on that.

How to Stay Compliant with Upcoming New ISO Standards?

As the ISO 9001:2026 revision rolls out, businesses need to proactively adjust their quality management systems to meet the new standards. ISO 9001 actual will require businesses to adapt to emerging trends like AI, risk management enhancements, and digitalization. 

Here’s a six-step guide to ensure your organization stays compliant and prepared for these changes.

1. Conduct a Gap Analysis

Conducting a gap analysis helps you pinpoint where your current quality management system (QMS) doesn’t meet the actual ISO 9001 requirements. This is essential for identifying what needs to change in order to align with the updated standard.

Compare the actual ISO 9001 changes to your current QMS. Focus on areas such as risk management, customer experience, and digital transformation. Identify any gaps in processes, documentation, or technologies.

• Key Action: Create a roadmap to address any gaps and ensure your QMS evolves with the updated standard.

2. Prepare Documentation

ISO 9001:2026 will demand updated and thorough documentation to support new requirements, particularly around ethics, stakeholder engagement, and technology integration.

Revise your quality manuals, procedures, and policies to reflect the new changes in risk management, customer experience, and sustainability practices.

• Key Action: Ensure all updates are well-documented and communicated across your team to maintain transparency and alignment.

3. Focus on New Technology Integration

The new standard will place increased emphasis on integrating emerging technologies like AI and automation into your quality management processes.

Invest in software and tools that enhance process automation, data collection, and analysis. Consider tools that support AI-based decision-making and improve your ability to manage and mitigate risks.

• Key Action: Train your team to effectively use these new technologies and align them with your quality management objectives.

4. Employee Training

With the introduction of new technologies and processes, your employees must be trained to understand and implement the updated ISO 9001:2026 requirements. A 2023 McKinsey report shows that 70% of companies fail in digitalization due to a lack of support from their employees. 

Develop a training program that covers the key changes in ISO 9001:2026, such as risk management, digitalization, and customer experience. Ensure employees understand how these changes impact their roles and responsibilities.

• Key Action: Offer ongoing training sessions, workshops, and seminars to keep everyone up to date-and capable of handling the evolving requirements.

5. Internal Audits

Regular internal audits are essential to confirm your business remains compliant with the updated ISO 9001:2026 standards. Audits help identify areas that still need improvement.

Update your internal audit processes to align with the changes in ISO 9001:2026. Focus on areas such as risk management practices, integration of new technologies, and stakeholder engagement.

• Key Action: Schedule regular audits and create detailed reports on compliance progress, addressing any issues promptly.

6. Be Proactive 

The changes in ISO 9001:2026 will require proactive adjustments across your business. The earlier you start, the smoother your transition will be.

Stay updated on the final revisions of ISO 9001:2026, and be ready to implement the changes immediately after the official release. Monitor industry trends and ensure your business remains flexible and adaptable to these updates.

• Key Action: Develop a proactive compliance plan and assign responsibilities to key stakeholders to ensure the organization is prepared for a seamless transition.

By following these steps, your business will remain compliant with ISO 9001 and ahead of your competitors. However, preparing for new compliance while managing a business and following the existing standard is not easy. For that, you may seek support from BPR Hub and remain at the top of the changing complaints while managing your business.

Get Ready to Manage the ISO 9001:2026 Changes with Confidence

Staying compliant with changing standards like actual ISO 9001 can be overwhelming, but BPR Hub’s Compliance Hub platform makes it easier than ever. Designed for business leaders who need to stay on top of regulatory changes, this all-in-one solution offers a range of features to simplify your ISO compliance journey.

You can keep track of compliance requirements in real time and ensure your business is always aligned with ISO 9001:2026. Your business can remain audit-ready with automated reminders and audit support features, making internal and external audits more seamless. With cloud-based platform solutions, BPR Hub is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risks with integrated tools that enhance your QMS's risk management capabilities.

Visit BPR Hub today and Book a Free Demo to take the first step toward seamless ISO 9001:2026 compliance!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Are the Key Differences Between ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 9001:2026?

The primary differences between ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 9001:2026 revolve around the increased emphasis on digital transformation, customer experience, ethics, and risk management. While the 2015 version focused on general quality management principles, the 2026 revision will include more specific guidelines on integrating emerging technologies like AI, ensuring ethics in leadership, and enhancing stakeholder engagement.

2. How Can ISO 9001:2026 Impact My Organization’s Supply Chain?

ISO 9001:2026 will require organizations to review and possibly modify their supply chain processes. With a stronger focus on risk management and stakeholder engagement, businesses will need to ensure that their suppliers align with the new ethical and technological standards. The revisions may also push for better collaboration across supply chains to meet evolving customer expectations.

3. Will ISO 9001:2026 Affect Service Providers Differently Than Manufacturers?

Yes, the 2026 revision is expected to provide more clarity and guidelines for service providers, especially in areas like customer experience, risk management, and ethics. Some experts suggest that the standard may even evolve into a separate framework for service industries to address specific challenges faced in delivering services compared to manufactured products.

4.  How Will ISO 9001:2026 Affect My Business’ Environmental and Sustainability Practices?

ISO 9001:2026 will likely place a stronger emphasis on sustainability, pushing businesses to incorporate environmental and social governance (ESG) principles into their QMS. This may involve updating risk management processes to address environmental impacts and ensuring that sustainability is part of the overall strategy for meeting customer needs.

5. What Will be the Penalties for Not Adapting to the ISO 9001:2026 Changes in Time?

Failure to adapt to ISO 9001:2026 may lead to non-compliance with global standards, potentially affecting your business's credibility and market position. While there are no specific "penalties" in the traditional sense, organizations may face difficulties during audits, lose certification, or experience a decline in customer trust and competitiveness.