The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published ISO/FDIS 9001 (Final Draft International Standard), marking the entry into the final stage of the revision process of the ISO 9001 standard.
This version confirms the nearly final form of the future ISO 9001:2026 edition, scheduled for publication in the second half of 2026.
Why is the ISO 9001 standard being revised?
ISO 9001 is the most widely used quality management standard worldwide. In order to remain relevant, ISO carries out periodic revisions, taking into account:
- the evolution of the business environment;
- changes in the expectations of interested parties;
- the experience gained in applying the standard;
- alignment with other standards based on the harmonized structure (Annex SL).
The new edition aims to strengthen the practical applicability of the requirements and to better reflect the realities of modern organizations.
What key directions are highlighted in ISO 9001:2026?
According to the information available at the FDIS stage, the revision of ISO 9001:2026 retains the general structure of the 2015 edition, while introducing clarifications and additional emphasis, particularly in the following areas:
- the role of leadership in promoting a culture of quality and ethical behavior;
- the approach to risks and opportunities, with a clearer distinction between them;
- improved integration of business continuity and organizational resilience requirements;
- clarifications regarding the organizational context and interested parties;
- editorial improvements to ensure a clearer and more coherent understanding of the requirements.
It is important to note that the revision does not introduce radical changes, but mainly focuses on optimizing and clarifying existing requirements.
What’s next for organizations certified to ISO 9001:2015?
The publication of ISO/FDIS 9001 opens the final stage before the official release of ISO 9001:2026, expected in the second half of 2026. Following publication, certification bodies will communicate the official transition period, during which certified organizations will need to align their quality management systems with the new requirements.
During this period, organizations are encouraged to:
- stay informed in advance about the changes to the standard;
- carry out preliminary impact analyses (gap analysis);
- plan the necessary adjustments to the management system;
- train personnel involved in key processes.
GoRDA TIC Services SRL supports organizations at all stages of this process – from information and gap analysis to preparation for the transition audit.