While ISO 9001:2026 is not yet officially published (as of June-2025).
While ISO 9001:2026 is not yet officially published (as of mid-2025), discussions and industry insights suggest that the next revision of ISO 9001 likely due between 2025–2027 will not be a radical overhaul, but will evolve to reflect emerging global challenges, digitalization, and sustainability priorities. Based on committee discussions (particularly ISO/TC 176), expert commentary, and shifts in international quality trends, here’s what might realistically change in ISO 9001:2026:
1. Digital Transformation and Quality 4.0
Likely Changes:
- Incorporation of digital tools: Expect references to technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and cloud services within quality management frameworks.
Data governance: New or clarified requirements around data integrity, cybersecurity, traceability, and digital recordkeeping.
Process automation awareness: Recognition of machine-led decision-making and digital controls in operational processes.
Why:
- With the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) in full swing, organizations are expected to manage digital risk, data reliability, and technology-enabled processes in a structured way.
2. Sustainability and ESG Integration
Likely Changes:
- Environmental and social considerations may become embedded into the definition of quality or context of the organization.
Requirements might reference alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or ISO 26000 (Social Responsibility).
Greater focus on resource efficiency , lifecycle thinking, and ethical sourcing.
Why:
- Stakeholders increasingly demand that businesses align quality with broader environmental and social governance (ESG) principles. ISO may reflect this by ensuring quality processes account for sustainability impact.
3. Risk-Based Thinking—Refined or Expanded
Likely Changes:
- More explicit guidance or requirements on opportunity management , not just risk mitigation.
Enhanced clarity on how to evaluate risk across the value chain , especially when using outsourced or digital services.
Possibly reference to ISO 31000 (Risk Management Guidelines) for consistency.
Why:
- Risk-based thinking, introduced in 2015, has been variably understood. Future revisions may make it easier to apply and better aligned with evolving risk contexts, such as supply chain fragility, climate disruption, and cyber threats.
4. Stakeholder and Customer Focus—Broadened
Likely Changes:
- Expansion of the definition of “interested parties” to include non-customers more clearly—e.g., regulators, communities, and future generations.
A possible requirement to demonstrate how stakeholder needs are balanced in quality objectives and performance evaluation.
Why:
- Quality is no longer just about satisfying direct customers—it’s about operating responsibly within a broader societal ecosystem . ISO may formalize this shift.
5. More Agile and Resilient QMS Structures
Likely Changes:
- Inclusion of resilience-building practices in business continuity and quality planning.
Emphasis on organizational agility , including the ability to adapt rapidly to market or technological changes.
References to adaptive planning , continuous iteration, and lessons learned.
Why:
- The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the need for more flexible, resilient, and quickly responsive management systems. ISO may encourage resilience-building as part of its core philosophy.
6. Clarification, Simplification, and Better Integration
Likely Changes:
- Rewording of certain clauses to improve clarity, reduce ambiguity, and facilitate small-business adoption.
Enhanced compatibility with other ISO standards (especially ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 27001), possibly with common terminology or annexes.
Potential removal or merging of underutilized or overlapping clauses , particularly in documentation or performance evaluation.
Why:
- Feedback from audits and users has identified areas that could be streamlined or clarified to reduce over-interpretation and improve implementation consistency across sectors.
7. Stronger Emphasis on Organizational Culture and Leadership
Likely Changes:
- More emphasis on creating a “quality culture” , not just performing audits or reviews.
Encouraging leaders to drive values-based quality thinking , including trust, openness, and continual improvement.
Reinforcement of the role of top management in empowering teams and embedding QMS principles into the organization’s DNA.
Why:
- ISO wants quality to be lived, not just documented . Cultural alignment improves long-term QMS effectiveness and employee engagement.
8. Potential Additions in Annex SL (HLS)
ISO 9001 is built on Annex SL , a high-level structure that unifies all ISO management system standards. The annex is being updated separately, and changes there may include:
- A new focus on governance and organizational performance .
Knowledge management as a strategic enabler.
Explicit links to supply chain and outsourcing controls .
Standardization of definitions and terms across standards.
Summary of Probable Additions/Changes
Digital Transformation: Integration of digital tools, data governance
Sustainability: Links to ESG, lifecycle impact, social responsibility
Risk-Based Thinking: Clarified, expanded, integrated with opportunity management
Stakeholder Focus: More inclusive of societal and indirect stakeholders
Organizational Agility: Focus on resilience, responsiveness, and change readiness
Cultural Alignment: Quality culture and leadership accountability enhanced
Annex SL Improvements: Alignment with governance, performance, knowledge systems
What You Can Do to Prepare
- 1. Monitor BSI and ISO updates , particularly ISO/TC 176 outputs.
2. Begin digital QMS transitions —e.g., migrating to cloud-based platforms or data-driven dashboards.
3. Integrate sustainability metrics into internal audits and objectives.
4. Train leaders on quality culture , not just compliance.
5. Audit your supply chain risk management and data reliability.
6. Join public consultations when ISO releases the CD (Committee Draft) or DIS (Draft International Standard).
Final Word
- While nothing is finalized, ISO 9001:2026 (or whatever its eventual year designation is) is expected to reflect a world more complex, digital, and interconnected than in 2015. The revision will likely prioritize sustainability, digitalization, and resilience , without undoing the foundation that has made ISO 9001 globally successful.