ISO 9001:2026, the international standard for quality management systems is due for publication in September 2026. The new quality management standard retains the same higher level structure as its predecessor ISO 9001:2015 meaning that users of ISO 9001:2015 will recognise a familiar QMS framework.
key changes introduced in ISO/FDIS 9001:2026
The ISO/FDIS 9001 includes the following changes ;
Clause 4: Context
Climate change and sustainability are now officially part of ISO 9001:2026’s Organisational context. Your quality management system will need to incorporate these priorities in order to meet stakeholder expectations, show alignment with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, and remain competitive in a market that values sustainability.
Clause 5: Leadership
Introduces ethical behaviour and quality culture as key responsibilities for leadership. Senior leaders should demonstrate clear commitment, for example, through new training initiatives, open communication, and setting a positive example. This ensures these values are embedded across the organisation.
Clause 6: Planning
Emphasizes that ethical behaviour and quality culture are part of leadership responsibilities. Senior leaders must show strong commitment, using methods like new training programs, transparent communication, and leading by example, so these values are integrated throughout the organisation.
Clause 7: Support
Now includes awareness requirements around quality culture and ethical behaviour. This means your training, communication, and staff development efforts should go beyond the basics, ensuring that everyone at all levels of the ORGANISATION truly embodies these values in their daily work.
Clause 8: Operation
The updates in clause 8 are minimal, mainly focused on terminology changes. Your organisation should ensure that it aligns with the new clause references, but the overall impact on operations will be minimal.
Clause 9: Performance Evaluation
The core requirements for performance evaluation have not changed. Monitoring, measurement, audits, and management reviews remain as they were before. The main shift is in how your organisation uses data more effectively:
- Identifying quality trends,
- Supporting informed decision-making,
- Demonstrating continuous improvement without overcomplicating processes.
Clause 10: Improvement
Now makes the role of leadership in driving continuous improvement more explicit. There may be a stronger need to show that your leadership is actively supporting and influencing improvement cycles, not just focusing on corrective actions, but also fostering sustained, organisation-wide progress.
More about the strategic intent behind ISO 9001:2026 at this BSI YouTube video.
ISO/FDIS 9001 is now published and available
The final draft international standard ISO/FDIS 9001:2026 is available to purchase at ISO standards.
ISO 9001:2026 release
ISO 9001:2026 release is anticipated in September 2026. There will be a three year transition period at the end of which ISO 9001:2015 will no longer be available for certification purposes.