ISO 9001 is Evolving! Is Your Business Ready for the 2026 Revision?

 


For those of us in the world of quality management, the ISO 9001:2015 standard is a cornerstone of our work. But as the business landscape changes, so must our standards. Get ready, because a significant update is on the horizon!

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is actively developing the next version of its flagship quality management standard. Here’s a quick look at what we know so far from here in Adelaide, South Australia remembering that this is an International Standard which will be rolled out globally.

The Timeline: What to Expect and When

The revision process is well underway. While the final publication is still some time off, a key milestone is happening as we speak.

  • Mid-2025 (Right Now!): The Draft International Standard (DIS) is expected to be released. This is our first detailed look at the proposed changes and a crucial opportunity for public comment.
  • September 2026: The target date for the official publication of the new standard, which will likely be named ISO 9001:2026.

What's New? Key Themes for the Next Generation of Quality

This revision isn't just a minor tweak. It aims to integrate the critical lessons and technological shifts of the past decade. Expect a stronger focus on:

  • Enhanced Resilience: Building robust systems that can withstand supply chain disruptions and other global challenges—a direct lesson from the pandemic.
  • Sustainability & ESG: Integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria more deeply into the Quality Management System (QMS).
  • Digital Transformation: Addressing the impact of AI, data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) on how we manage quality.
  • Smarter Risk Management: Further clarifying and strengthening the requirements for risk-based thinking throughout the organisation.
  • Positive Quality Culture: Increasing the emphasis on leadership's role in fostering an ethical and proactive culture of quality.

What Should You Do Now? No Need to Panic.

The most important takeaway right now is to stay informed, not stressed.

Your ISO 9001:2015 certification is not becoming obsolete overnight. Once the new standard is published in 2026, there will be a standard three-year transition period for certified companies to adapt their QMS.

For now, the best steps for businesses in Australia and beyond are to:

  1. Monitor updates from ISO and your certification body.
  2. Familiarise yourself with the key themes mentioned above.
  3. Review the DIS when it becomes available to understand the potential impact on your operations.
  4. Consult with a QA expert to understand the practical changes and benefits arising from this evolution.

This evolution represents a fantastic opportunity to modernise our systems, drive real improvement, and build more resilient, future-focused organisations.

What are your thoughts on these upcoming changes? Let me know in the comments!

#ISO9001 #ISO9001:2026 #QualityManagement #QMS #BusinessImprovement #RiskManagement #Sustainability #Compliance


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Brexit: What’s next for Britain and Australia?

Image
  By Dan Hadley AS AUSTRALIANS celebrate Australia Day this week and commemorate the arrival of the British First Fleet in 1788, the fallout of a vote in the United Kingdom sees offices in Brussels being packed, flags being taken down and Brits walking out of the European Union for good. This is a week to watch and remember and the ‘British exit’ could mark a significant turning point for Australia. Australia forms a very important part of the Commonwealth of Britain. The relationship we continue to share is an important one, historically, culturally and economically.  Nonetheless, Australia’s relationship with the European Union (EU) is not strictly predicated on the actions of Great Britain. The Brexit does represent a significant shift in geopolitical as well as economic forces throughout the European region and throughout the world. Many Australians are left wondering if this shift will have a ripple affect all the way down into the southern hemisphere. Pack...
Read more

Australia’s ageing population: Pressure that’s only set to rise

Image
  By   Dan Hadley AUSTRALIA’s population is ageing.  Older Australians are a growing proportion of the total population, year-on-year. For business leaders, it is important to understand the ramifications. According to the Federal Government’s  Australia’s Ageing Population   Report , released in 2019, the growth in the proportion of older Australians is partly due to an increase in life expectancy. In the 1960s a man might have expected to live an average life span of 78 years and a woman 78 years. Today the average life expectancy is around 85 for men and 87 for women in Australia. Some experts believe that the average life expectancy will continue to rise over time. Australians enjoy one of the highest average life expectancy rates in the world. The  CIA World Index  lists Monaco as having the greatest average life expectancy of its citizens at over 89 years and the lowest being Chad at just over 50 years.  The Parliamentary Budget Office recen...
Read more