The ISO 9001:2026 update is on the horizon, with significant progress made in early 2025. This article explores the latest developments, expected changes, and how organisations can prepare for the new standard.

Background

As of 17th January 2025, Working Group (WG) 29 finalised its work on the second Committee Draft (CD) for ISO 9001. The CD consultation ballot opened on 17th January 2025 and closed on 14th March 2025. The next step is a meeting of WG 29 between 31st March and 4th April 2025 in Paris. Here, the group will review comments received and begin preparing the Draft International Standard.

Predicted Release Date

The update was delayed from December 2025 and is now expected in September 2026.

What’s Expected in the ISO 9001:2026 Update?

While details of the new standard remain confidential, industry predictions include:

Proactive Risk Management and Business Continuity

A larger focus on identifying emerging threats and their impact on operational resilience.

Organisational Knowledge

Further requirements to capture and manage organisational knowledge, which is critical for business continuity.

Stakeholder Engagement

More engagement with stakeholders and third parties, giving them a more influential voice.

Supply Chain Management

Greater emphasis on understanding suppliers’ quality and ethical controls and their impact on your products or services.

Ethics and Integrity

A stronger promotion of ethics and integrity as core elements of effective leadership in quality management.

Alignment with Other Management Systems

Improved alignment so systems speak a familiar language and harmonise better.

Change Management

Greater emphasis on pre-planning and monitoring progress during change.

Sustainability and Climate Change

Expanded focus on sustainability and consideration of climate change, building on current requirements.

Industry 4.0 and Technology

Interestingly, Industry 4.0—the integration of intelligent digital technologies into manufacturing and industrial processes—is expected to be covered. Guidance on integrating AI and other technologies into operations will likely be a significant component. It would be wise to understand where AI is used in your organisation and what controls are in place, especially if it is part of your quality control processes.

Summary

Excluding timelines, most information is still speculative. Many websites are using the lack of confirmed detail as a marketing opportunity. As the above highlights, there is much anticipation, but it’s important to approach updates with caution.

The ISO 9001:2026 update gives us something to think about and an opportunity to improve our systems. We will likely have three years to transition to the new standard, which should be plenty of time to manage the change in accordance with the new requirements.

Prepared for the ISO 9001:2026 update?

Take proactive steps now. Connect with our experts to discuss how the ISO 9001:2026 update will impact your organisation.

Article by

Phill Davies

Risk & Compliance Specialist, Risk Evolves

May 28, 2025
ISO Certification
Business Continuity, horizon scanning 2025, ISO 9001 revision, ISO 9001:2026, ISO 9001:2026 update, Quality management, risk management