ISO 9001:2026 – What’s Changing and How Your Business Can Prepare
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ISO 9001 is evolving. The upcoming ISO 9001:2026 revision is expected to bring significant changes to how quality management systems (QMS) are implemented across industries worldwide. As one of the most widely adopted ISO standards, understanding this revision is essential for businesses that want to stay ahead.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through:
- What ISO 9001:2026 is and why it’s being revised
- What changes are expected
- What businesses can do to prepare
- How KLS Academy can support your transition
Why Is ISO 9001 Being Updated?
The current version, ISO 9001:2015, has served as the backbone of quality management for nearly a decade. But in that time, industries have faced massive shifts in digital transformation, sustainability, stakeholder expectations, and global risk events (e.g., COVID-19, supply chain disruptions).
Recognising this, ISO began revising the standard in 2023. The new version, ISO 9001:2026, is expected to be published by September 2026, with a three-year transition period ending in 2029.
What to Expect from ISO 9001:2026
While the full draft is not yet public, here’s what working groups and industry experts are signalling:
1. Stronger Risk and Opportunity Management
Organizations will be required to more clearly define and differentiate between risks and opportunities, moving beyond basic risk identification into proactive decision-making.
2. A Bigger Role for Leadership
Top management will be expected to go beyond compliance, championing ethical behaviour, fostering a quality-first culture, and actively engaging employees in continuous improvement.
3. Sustainability and Climate Responsibility
Building on the 2024 ISO climate amendment, ISO 9001:2026 will integrate environmental and social considerations into QMS—bringing it closer in line with standards like ISO 14001.
4. Embracing Digital Transformation
New guidance will likely address how businesses manage digital tools, data integrity, AI, automation, and cybersecurity within the QMS context.
5. Enhanced Supply Chain and Stakeholder Focus
The standard is expected to place greater emphasis on engaging with both internal and external stakeholders, and managing supply chain resilience.
Key Timeline to Remember
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Committee Draft 2 (CD2) closed | March 2025 |
| Draft International Standard (DIS) | Mid–Late 2025 |
| Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) | Early–Mid 2026 |
| Official Publication of ISO 9001:2026 | September 2026 |
| End of transition period | September 2029 |
What You Can Do Now
If your organization is certified to ISO 9001:2015, you don’t need to panic—but you do need to plan ahead. Here are steps you can start taking now:
✅ 1. Stay Informed
Keep an eye out for the release of the Draft International Standard (DIS) in late 2025. Follow ISO, certification bodies, or sign up to our newsletter for updates.
✅ 2. Conduct a Gap Analysis
Review how your current QMS addresses risk, leadership, sustainability, and digital technologies. Identify gaps that may require future action.
✅ 3. Train Your Teams
Prepare top management and quality teams to embrace new roles in leadership, ethics, and risk-based thinking.
✅ 4. Review Documentation & Processes
Start reviewing and simplifying your SOPs, forms, and records now. Be ready to update them when the final version is released.
How KLS Academy PLT Can Help
At KLS Academy, we specialize in helping businesses implement and transition ISO standards with ease. Whether you're a small enterprise or a large organization, we can support you with:
- Gap analysis and readiness assessments
- Updated ISO 9001 documentation kits
- Leadership training and awareness programs
- Internal auditor training based on new requirements
- Post-publication transition planning
ISO 9001:2026 is more than just an update—it’s an opportunity to align your quality management system with the demands of a fast-changing world. From digital disruption to climate concerns, the new standard aims to make QMS more future-ready.
Start early. Think strategically. Partner with experts.
Let KLS Academy help you make a smooth transition—because quality is not just about ticking boxes. It's about building resilience, trust, and long-term success.