Understand the changes, evolve your Quality Management System (QMS), and prepare with confidence.
What is ISO 9001:2026?
ISO 9001:2026 is the upcoming revision of the globally recognised Quality Management System (QMS) standard, set to replace ISO 9001:2015. While it maintains the Annex SL high-level structure for alignment with other ISO standards, the 2026 edition introduces updated terminology, refined clauses, and a sharper focus on quality-enhancing technologies, digitalisation, and ethical governance.
Preparing early for the transition is essential for organisations that want to remain competitive, resilient, and fully compliant.
Transition Timeline (Estimated):
Current Standard
ISO 9001:2015
Draft International Standard (DIS)
Published 27 August, 2025
Final Standard Published
Expected September 2026
Transition Deadline
Approx. 3 years (by late 2029)
Anticipated Updates at a Glance
- Digital and intelligent systems: Integration of AI, data analytics, and automation as drivers of QMS excellence.
- Risk, opportunity, and supply chain oversight: Strengthened focus on resilience, anticipation of risks, and supply chain performance.
- Ethics and organisational governance: Enhanced alignment of quality management with broader ESG and stakeholder expectations.
- Harmonised structure: Clearer alignment with other ISO standards, enabling more effective system integration.
Suggested Actions for Organisations
- Conduct a gap analysis once the Draft International Standard is released.
- Review and update QMS documentation and processes to reflect new terminology and clause changes.
- Train leadership teams and employees on revised requirements, particularly around risk, ethics, and digitalisation.
- Strengthen supplier and stakeholder controls to meet the updated oversight framework.
Why ISO 9001:2026 Matters
This revision moves ISO 9001 beyond a compliance-driven framework, positioning it as a strategic tool to enhance resilience, efficiency, and reputation. Organisations that act early will be better prepared to thrive in an increasingly digital, transparent, and ethically driven business environment.
How Intertek Can Support Your Transition
Intertek provides end-to-end solutions to help you prepare for and transition to ISO 9001:2026:
- Gap assessments and readiness diagnostics
- Transition-focused training and workshops
- Digital integration advisory and implementation support
- Certification and system integration across multiple standards (including ISO 14001, ISO 45001, IMS)
With more than 140 years of assurance expertise, Intertek partners with organisations worldwide to ensure their management systems deliver measurable value and sustained business advantage.
