Changes to ISO9001 Quality standards coming in 2026

The ISO 9001 quality management standard is undergoing its next major update, with the revised ISO 9001:2026 expected to be published in September 2026.

Rebecca Richards, compliance specialist at Strident, explains that "this revision reflects the evolving business environment and introduces several key refinements aimed at strengthening quality culture, improving risk management, and addressing the growing influence of digital technologies."

A focus on ethical behaviour

Quality culture and ethical behaviour - The new standard places stronger emphasis on leadership, ethical conduct, and a supportive organisational culture. Leaders will be expected to actively foster environments that promote integrity, transparency, and employee engagement in quality processes.

Enhanced risk management - ISO 9001:2026 will introduce a clearer separation between risk and opportunity management. New subclauses will provide additional guidance to help organisations anticipate risks, strengthen resilience, and respond more effectively to emerging challenges.

Integration of digitalisation - Digital transformation is now recognised as a significant driver of quality improvement. The 2026 revision will incorporate references to artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics, encouraging organisations to embed digital tools within their quality management systems.

Climate change considerations - Sustainability continues to grow in importance. Climate change, previously noted as an addendum, will now form a dedicated part of ISO 9001, ensuring that environmental and sustainability factors are consistently included in quality planning and decision-making.

Updated terminology and clauses - The revision will streamline and modernise terminology to improve clarity and global consistency, ensuring the standard remains relevant to organisations across industries and technologies.

When does your business need to transition?

Following its publication in September 2026, organisations will have a three-year transition period to align their quality management systems with the new requirements. This provides ample time for businesses to review processes, train teams, and plan for a smooth migration to ISO 9001:2026 compliance.

If your business is looking to implement ISO9001, or needs expert guidance in transitioning, then please get in touch here.