ISO 9001:2015 vs ISO 9001:2026: status and transition guide
What is known about the new quality standard, what certified organizations should do now, and why a draft is not a certification basis.
Overview
What is known about the new quality standard, what certified organizations should do now, and why a draft is not a certification basis.
What it is
As of July 23, 2026, ISO lists the sixth edition of ISO 9001 as under publication and expected to replace ISO 9001:2015 in September 2026. The 2015 edition remains the current published certification reference until replacement and applicable transition arrangements.
Why it matters
Using the wrong edition in contracts, tenders, certificates, or marketing can mislead customers and create avoidable audit work. Early preparation is sensible, but final changes, certification-body instructions, and transition deadlines must control the migration.
How to obtain it or demonstrate compliance
- Confirm which edition is currently published and accepted by your certification body and customers.
- Obtain the final published edition and the formal transition guidance; do not certify against a draft.
- Run a clause-by-clause gap analysis against the new requirements and assign owners and deadlines.
- Update the quality management system, training, objectives, risks, records, and internal-audit programme.
- Complete an internal audit and management review covering the transition changes.
- Agree the transition audit with your certification body and close nonconformities before the applicable deadline.
What to review
- Record the exact edition named in each certificate, customer contract, and tender.
- Separate final published requirements from draft commentary and consultant predictions.
- Ask the certification body how the transition will affect audit timing and certificate wording.
- Update public claims only after the certificate and scope have actually changed.
What to do next
Prepare an owner, change register, budget, training plan, and preliminary gap review now. Finalize controls and audit scheduling only against the published ISO 9001:2026 text and authoritative transition rules.
Official sources and further reading
- ISO 9001:2015 — Quality management systems — International Organization for Standardization
- ISO 9001 — 2026 edition publication status — International Organization for Standardization
- Certification — ISO does not perform certification — International Organization for Standardization
This article provides general educational information and is not legal advice. Rules and outcomes depend on your facts and jurisdiction. Consult a qualified local professional before acting.
Jurisdiction
International standard or scheme; accreditation, recognition, and legal effect vary by country and market
Review status
Editorially reviewed by the LegalGPT Editorial Team. Not independently reviewed by a licensed attorney.