ISO 9001:2026 Updates: What’s Been Confirmed So Far
ISO 9001:2026 updates are shaping the future of quality management systems worldwide. ISO 9001 is the world’s most widely used quality management standard, with over a million certified organizations across more than 170 countries. For many businesses, it serves as the backbone for delivering consistent quality, improving efficiency, and meeting customer expectations.
ISO published the last major revision in 2015. Since then, markets have changed dramatically: rapid digital transformation, increasing sustainability expectations, and evolving risk landscapes have all challenged the way organizations operate.
Now, the standard is going through a planned revision, with the updated ISO 9001:2026 scheduled for publication in September 2026. The revision process has already reached the Draft International Standard (DIS) stage, providing the first formal draft for review by national standards bodies.
In this article, we outline five confirmed developments in the revision process and explain why it is worth preparing early whether you operate in Qatar or anywhere else in the world.
Why ISO 9001 is being revised
ISO periodically reviews every standard to ensure it remains relevant and effective. In the case of ISO 9001, the revision aims to:
- Keep the standard aligned with current and emerging business needs
- Maintain compatibility with the ISO Harmonized Structure used across other management system standards
- Address feedback gathered from users worldwide during the last review cycle
While ISO does not plan for the 2026 version to be a complete overhaul like the 2015 revision, the confirmed updates will refine the language, structure, and requirements to better reflect today’s business environment.
5 confirmed developments in ISO 9001:2026
1. Publication date: September 2026
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has confirmed that it will publish the new edition in September 2026. ISO extended the development period to allow for an additional Committee Draft stage before moving to the DIS.
2. DIS Stage reached in Mid-2025
The Draft International Standard (DIS) stage began around mid-2025. At this stage, ISO shares the draft with national standards bodies worldwide for review and voting. This is a significant milestone as it reflects a near-final structure of the revised requirements.
3. Alignment with ISO’s Harmonized Structure
The revised standard will fully align with ISO’s Harmonized Structure (HS) which is the common high-level framework used for all management system standards. This makes it easier for organizations to integrate ISO 9001 with other standards such as ISO 14001 (environmental) and ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety).
4. Refinements to key clauses
During the Committee Draft 2 (CD2) stage, comments were resolved on several clauses, including:
- Clause 3 – Terms and definitions
- Clause 8.5 – Production and service provision
- Clause 9 – Performance evaluation
- Clause 10 – Improvement
Additionally, Annex A is being refined to provide clearer guidance.
5. Anticipated 3-year transition period
While ISO will confirm the exact timeline upon publication, most management system standards include a three-year transition period from the release date. If ISO applies this timeframe, organizations will have until 2029 to transition from ISO 9001:2015.
Why the ISO 9001:2026 updates are important
The upcoming changes will affect every ISO 9001-certified organization worldwide, regardless of size, sector, or location. Preparing early can:
- Minimize disruption during the transition period
- Align your quality management system with evolving market expectations
- Enable smoother integration with other ISO standards
For global businesses, the revision is also a chance to standardize processes across multiple locations in line with the updated requirements.
Local insight: What Qatari businesses should consider
For organizations operating in Qatar, ISO 9001:2026 comes at a time of growing focus on quality, sustainability, and digital readiness in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
Early awareness allows Qatari companies to:
- Stay ahead in industries where ISO certification is a requirement for tenders and contracts
- Engage with Qatar’s National Standards Body or relevant committees to follow the revision process
- Begin internal discussions on potential impacts without making premature system changes
Given the likely three-year transition period, organizations that monitor updates now will be in a stronger position to transition smoothly when the new standard is published.
How to stay informed and prepared
Organizations can take general steps to stay ready:
- Monitor updates from ISO, your national standards body, and recognized certification bodies
- Participate in public consultations where possible
- Review current processes to ensure they reflect best practices in quality management
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute consultancy. Sahih Certifications conducts independent audits in accordance with ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 requirements.
Conclusion
ISO 9001:2026 is on track for publication in September 2026, with the DIS already under review. The confirmed ISO 9001:2026 updates show that the changes will be evolutionary rather than revolutionary but still significant enough to require planning. By staying informed now, you can ensure a smooth transition and maintain the benefits that ISO 9001 certification brings.
To learn more about our certification services or to discuss your organization’s needs, please contact us. We are available to provide clear information on our processes and scopes.