ISO 9001:2026 – New Edition Officially Published and Transition Guidance for Organizations

ISO 9001 is the international standard for quality management systems (QMS), widely used by organizations of every sector and size. On 16 September 2026, ISO 9001:2026 was officially published, replacing ISO 9001:2015. The new edition builds on the foundation of its predecessor while updating and clarifying a number of requirements to better reflect today's business context.

ISO 9001:2026 does not introduce an entirely new quality management framework. Instead, it focuses on making requirements clearer and easier to apply, and on aligning the QMS more closely with the organization's strategic direction, context and day-to-day operations. It also adopts the latest Harmonized Structure, making integration with other ISO management systems such as ISO 14001 or ISO 45001 more straightforward.

Key changes in ISO 9001:2026

1. Considering climate change in the organizational context

Organizations must determine whether climate change is a relevant issue for their context. Where it is, it has to be considered within the QMS and related processes. This requirement was first introduced into ISO 9001:2015 by Amendment 1:2024 (ISO 9001:2015/Amd 1:2024) and is now integrated into the 2026 edition.

2. Stronger emphasis on leadership, quality culture and ethical behaviour

Top management's responsibility for building a quality culture, promoting ethical behaviour and driving continual improvement receives greater emphasis, strengthening the link between the QMS, people and the organization's direction.

3. Clearer risk- and opportunity-based thinking

Requirements on risks and opportunities are structured more clearly, helping organizations proactively identify, address and monitor factors that may affect intended results, and embed risk and opportunity management into planning and decision-making.

4. Enhanced management of change

The standard clarifies how changes to the organization and to the QMS should be planned, communicated, monitored and evaluated, enabling better control of their impact and maintaining the system's suitability and effectiveness.

5. Greater use of data, information and knowledge

Organizational data, information and knowledge are emphasized as the basis for decision-making, performance evaluation and improvement, supporting evidence-based decisions.

6. Broader awareness and continual improvement

Awareness requirements are extended to include quality culture, while continual improvement remains a central theme, increasing employee engagement with quality and system performance.

7. Harmonized Structure and a clarifying annex

In addition to adopting the latest Harmonized Structure, ISO 9001:2026 includes an updated, informative Annex A to explain concepts, terminology and the intent of requirements, helping users interpret and apply the standard and integrate it with other ISO management systems.

Transitioning from ISO 9001:2015 to ISO 9001:2026

The transition is more than a documentation update; it is an opportunity to review how suitable, effective and well aligned the QMS is with the organization's direction. Organizations currently applying ISO 9001:2015 can take the following steps:

1. Understand the new requirements: study ISO 9001:2026 and identify the requirements relevant to your activities, products, services and current management system.
2. Perform an internal gap analysis: compare your current QMS with ISO 9001:2026 to identify what needs to be added, adjusted or improved.
3. Review the QMS: focus on organizational context, interested parties, climate change, risks and opportunities, leadership, quality culture, change management, data and organizational knowledge.
4. Update and implement: adjust processes, documents, objectives, indicators and related activities to meet the new requirements.
5. Train and raise awareness: brief top management, process owners, employees and internal auditors on the changes relevant to their roles and responsibilities.
6. Conduct internal audits and prepare for the transition audit: assess system readiness before the transition audit with your certification body.

Is ISO 9001:2015 still valid?

ISO 9001:2026 has been published and replaces ISO 9001:2015. However, ISO 9001:2015 certificates do not lapse immediately; they are transitioned within the period set by the international accreditation community. Based on current information, the expected transition period is 36 months from the publication date of the new edition; the binding deadline is the one stated in the accreditation bodies' official transition requirements. Certified organizations should talk to their certification body early to agree on the timing of the transition audit.

How ISO 9001:2026 benefits organizations

When implemented effectively, a QMS based on ISO 9001:2026 can support:

• Standardizing and improving the effectiveness of the QMS;
• Strengthening risk and opportunity management;
• Helping the organization adapt to changes in its operating environment;
• Making better use of data and information in management;
• Driving continual improvement;
• Better meeting the requirements of customers and interested parties;
• Facilitating integration with other ISO management systems.

TÜV NORD and the transition audit

The move to ISO 9001:2026 lets organizations meet the new requirements while taking a fresh look at how well their QMS really performs. As a certification body, TÜV NORD Vietnam provides general information on the changes in the new edition, runs seminars and public training courses, and performs transition audits and certification to ISO 9001:2026. To safeguard impartiality, TÜV NORD Vietnam does not provide consultancy on designing or implementing management systems for its certification clients.

Preparing to transition to ISO 9001:2026? Learn more about our ISO 9001 certification or contact TÜV NORD Vietnam for information and a quotation for your transition audit.