If your business is certified to ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management) and/or ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management), significant changes are on the way. Both standards are currently being reviewed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), with updated versions set for release in 2026.
These revisions aim to enhance quality and environmental management systems, enabling businesses to better address emerging challenges such as digital transformation, sustainability, and risk resilience.
The updates to both ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 are both expected to be released in 2026:
August 2025: Draft standard published
Mid-2026: Final draft standard expected to be published
Q3 or Q4 2026: New standard expected to be published
Transition deadline: (expected) 3 years; late 2029
June 2025: Draft standard published
Q4 2025: Final draft standard published
Q1 2026: New standard expected to be published
Transition deadline: (expected) 3 years; early 2029
As a global certification body with extensive QMS and EMS expertise, we provide end-to-end support for your ISO 9001:2026 and/or ISO 14001:2026 transition—including gap analyses, readiness audits, transition training, and full certification services once the standards are formally published.
We also offer integrated management system support for ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and additional standards.
The precise details for changes to each standard will not be confirmed until their publication. We previously outlined several predictions in an earlier article, highlighting expected updates related to risk-based thinking, sustainability, and supply chain management.
Early summaries indicate that while few new requirements are expected, several sections may be clarified or reorganized to improve readability and ease of implementation:
Action: Review definitions once the draft standard is published.
Action: Confirm that your current management system and business context analysis includes environmental influences.
Action: begin reviewing quality culture practices and top-level messaging.
Action: revisit how risks and opportunities are distinguished and addressed in planning.
Action: prepare to refresh awareness training if needed.
Action: ensure traceability to updated clause references in future documentation
Action: confirm audit objectives and review criteria to reflect new clause framing.
Action: consider documenting how leadership influences improvement cycles.
Action: none.
Action: update context analysis, stakeholder maps and scope definition.
Action: revise your environmental policy and ensure executive engagement.
Action: refresh risk registers, aspect-impact evaluations and planning documentation.
Action: review communication and training processes.
Action: strengthen supplier management and emergency planning
Action: update internal audit and management review processes
Action: strengthen root cause analysis and improvement tracking.
Getting ahead now will put you in a stronger position. Here’s why early preparation matters and how you can start today:
High Demand for Consultancy
Whenever core ISO standards are updated, consultancy and audit slots fill up quickly. With the number of businesses needing to transition, the demand for consultants and auditors will be even greater. Starting early gives you more options, better support, and reduces stress.
What you can do now: Set internal reminders for key dates and stay subscribed to updates so you’re prepared as soon as the standards are released.
Early Preparation Reduces Stress Later
Getting started early allows you to train your team, update documentation, and make system adjustments gradually, instead of scrambling at the last minute.
What you can do now: Begin reviewing your current systems, designate a transition lead, and identify areas that will likely need updates, particularly around risk, sustainability, and training.
Missing the Deadline Will Impact Your Certification
Missing the transition deadline can affect your certification status and potentially disrupt business operations.
What you can do now: Build awareness within your team. Share the expected timelines, assign responsibilities, and ensure leadership understands the importance of timely action once the updated standards are published.
Let us guide you! Our expert team are waiting to offer:
Please call us on +44 (0) 333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net to enquire about ISO 9001 or any of our certification services, we will be more than happy to help.
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