ISO 9001: New Draft Standard Expected Soon as Revision Moves Forward
- OUS Academy in Switzerland
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
The international quality management community is preparing for a major update to ISO 9001, the globally recognized standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS). The next version of the standard, known as ISO 9001:2026, is currently in development, and the Draft International Standard (DIS) is expected to be released to the public in the coming months.
This week, the international working group responsible for the ISO 9001 revision held a virtual meeting to review the final comments and continue shaping the new version. The committee—composed of quality experts from over 25 countries—confirmed that the structure of the revised standard will remain familiar, but with important updates that reflect today’s challenges and innovations.
Why the Revision Matters
ISO 9001 is used by over a million organizations worldwide. It helps ensure that companies consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. But as industries change, so must the standards that support them. The new version of ISO 9001 will aim to:
Strengthen risk-based thinking
Improve alignment with other ISO management standards
Emphasize digital transformation and sustainability
Clarify requirements around service quality and customer satisfaction
This means that companies currently certified to ISO 9001:2015 will need to prepare for updates in how they document, review, and improve their quality management systems.
DIS Coming Soon
The release of the Draft International Standard (DIS) is a significant milestone. It will be shared for public comment before the final version is approved. Stakeholders—including businesses, consultants, auditors, and academic experts—will be invited to review the draft and provide feedback. This step ensures the new standard reflects global needs and industry realities.
The public review process will last approximately 60–90 days. After that, the feedback will be evaluated, and a Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) will be issued before publication.
What Organizations Should Do Now
Although the new standard is not finalized yet, certified organizations can start taking action. Here are some important steps to consider:
Stay informed: Follow updates from ISO and national standard bodies.
Review internal documentation: Identify where improvements could align with expected changes.
Train internal teams: Begin awareness programs for employees responsible for quality.
Plan for transition: A 3-year transition period is expected once the final standard is published in 2026.
Companies that act early will gain a competitive advantage, avoid future compliance risks, and show commitment to continuous improvement.
Quality in Education Also in Focus
While ISO 9001 has traditionally focused on manufacturing and services, the new revision is expected to include stronger language related to education quality. This is a growing trend, as more institutions seek ISO certification to improve consistency, performance, and trust in the learning environment.
By integrating ISO 9001 principles—like customer focus, evidence-based decisions, and leadership commitment—educational institutions can offer better outcomes for students, staff, and society as a whole.
What’s Next?
The next meeting of the working group is scheduled soon, and further progress is expected on the updated annexes and guidance notes. If the timeline continues as planned, the final version of ISO 9001:2026 will be officially published in September 2026, replacing the current 2015 version.
Organizations will then have three years to complete their transition and update their certifications accordingly.
The quality world is watching closely. ISO 9001 is not just a standard—it’s a foundation for operational excellence, customer trust, and long-term success. This new version aims to strengthen that legacy for the future.
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