What is ISO 9001:2026?
ISO 9001 is the world's most widely adopted standard for quality management systems. The 2026 revision is the first major update since 2015, modernizing the standard for today's risk landscape.
Purpose of the revision
ISO standards are reviewed every five years to confirm they remain fit for purpose. The 2021 systematic review of ISO 9001:2015 concluded that a full revision was warranted — triggering the work program now expected to publish as ISO 9001:2026.
The objective is not to reinvent the standard. Annex SL — the high-level structure shared across ISO management system standards — is preserved. Instead, the revision sharpens expectations around climate change, digital transformation, organizational context, and risk-based thinking, while modernizing language for documentation and leadership.
The revision is led by ISO/TC 176/SC 2, the ISO subcommittee responsible for ISO 9001 and supporting guidance documents. National mirror committees in member countries contribute to drafting and voting at each stage of the ISO development process.
Who it applies to
ISO 9001 is generic by design — it applies to any organization, regardless of size, sector, or product. The 2026 revision continues this universality while making specific accommodations for service-heavy and digitally delivered offerings.
Organizations currently certified to ISO 9001:2015 will need to transition within the IAF-defined transition window (typically three years from publication) to remain certified.
A short history of ISO 9001
Each revision has reflected the management thinking of its era — from documented procedures to processes, then to risk and context.
- 1987First edition
ISO 9001 published, codifying quality management requirements for the first time.
- 2000Process approach
Major restructure introducing the process approach and customer focus as central themes.
- 2008Clarifying revision
Minor update with no new requirements; clarifications to existing text.
- 2015High-Level Structure
Adoption of Annex SL, risk-based thinking, and stronger leadership requirements.
- 2026Next revision
Climate, digital transformation, and sharper risk and stakeholder expectations.