In brief
ISO 9001:2026 was published on 16 September 2026. Organisations certified to ISO 9001:2015 must complete the transition by 30 September 2029 (according to certification bodies – check with yours). The key changes are quality culture and ethical behaviour, separate risks and opportunities, and strengthened change management.
When was the standard published and by when must you transition?
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| publication of ISO 9001:2026 and start of the transition period | |
| end of the transition period; certificates to ISO 9001:2015 cease to be valid |
The deadline is based on information from certification bodies. Agree with your certification body when and at which audit you will transition.
What changes?
| Area | Change |
|---|---|
| Quality culture and ethical behaviour | built into the requirements, especially for leadership, awareness and the environment for operating processes |
| Risks and opportunities | separate requirements for determining and addressing risks and opportunities |
| Change management | firmer requirements for planning, communicating, monitoring and reviewing changes to the system |
| Terminology | key terms from ISO 9000 are included directly in the standard |
| Annex A | expanded informative guidance on structure, terminology and intent – no new obligations |
How do you carry out the transition?
Gap analysis
Comparison of the existing system with the ISO 9001:2026 requirements, and an action plan.
Update of documentation and processes
Quality policy and objectives, the role of leadership, risks and opportunities, change management.
Training
Management, process owners and internal auditors.
Internal audit and management review
Verification of conformity with the new edition before the certification body's audit.
Transition audit
Agreement with the certification body, the audit and correction of any nonconformities.
How can the transition be combined with ISO 27001 and ISO 22301?
ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO 22301 share the same structure of requirements (clauses 4–10). If you are transitioning and also have or are implementing ISO/IEC 27001 or ISO 22301, it is an opportunity for one management system: a common policy, unified document control, one internal audit and one management review. The certification body can carry out a combined audit.
Frequently asked questions
When was ISO 9001:2026 published?
On 16 September 2026. That date started the transition period for organisations certified to ISO 9001:2015.
By when must the transition be completed?
According to certification bodies, by 30 September 2029; after that date, certificates to ISO 9001:2015 cease to be valid. Check the details of the transition with your certification body.
Does the new edition add obligations in Annex A?
No. Annex A has been expanded with informative guidance on structure, terminology and the intent of the requirements, without new obligations.
Sources
Last updated: · Prepared by the Regulus Ai team
Would you like a gap analysis and a transition timeline?
Book an initial consultation