ISO 9001 Standard’s 2026 Version Is Now Open for Public Comments. Contribute Your Insights.

Introduction: ISO 9001:2026 is future-ready, awaiting your input.

After months of speculation, ISO has officially confirmed that the next revision of ISO 9001, the world’s most recognized quality management standard, will move forward—but not as soon as many expected.

In its latest official announcement, ISO/TC 176/SC 2 shared that while a revision is now approved, the new version is not expected until late 2025 or even 2027.

So, what does this mean for quality professionals, certified organizations, certification bodies, and global compliance processes?

The Context: Why a Revision Now?

The last major update to ISO 9001 was published in 2015. According to ISO’s process, standards are systematically reviewed every five to seven years. Many experts anticipated a revision in 2023—but after an initial decision not to revise, the committee has now reversed course.

“The revision project will aim to ensure ISO 9001 remains relevant in the current business context, taking into account emerging trends and user needs.”

(ISO/TC 176/SC 2, April 2024)

This means that while ISO 9001:2015 remains valid and effective, the ISO community acknowledges the need to address new business realities, including:

• Digital transformation and remote working

• Sustainability and ESG integration

• Cybersecurity and data management

• Increased demand for risk-based decision making

What Changes Can We Expect in the New ISO 9001?

While the technical committee is still developing the new draft, several clear directions have already emerged. Quality leaders should prepare for a more strategic and future-oriented ISO 9001.

1.  Digitalization and AI Integration

Digital tools and automation are reshaping quality control systems. The revised standard may include guidance on:

• AI-supported decision making

• Digital record keeping

• Remote audits and virtual process validations

The rapid advancement of digital technologies is fundamentally transforming how quality is managed, measured, and maintained across industries. In the upcoming revision of ISO 9001, digitalization is expected to play a central role—not as an optional tool, but as an integrated component of a modern Quality Management System (QMS).

As organizations embrace Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing, the revised ISO 9001 standard is likely to provide more specific guidance on leveraging digital tools to enhance operational efficiency, reduce human error, and enable proactive quality control.

Key elements that may be emphasized include:

·       AI-supported decision making: Machine learning algorithms can help identify patterns and predict quality issues before they occur. This allows organizations to shift from reactive problem solving to predictive quality assurance, improving both speed and accuracy in decision-making processes.

·       Digital record keeping and traceability: Traditional paper-based documentation systems are being replaced by cloud-based QMS platforms that offer real-time access, automated version control, and secure data storage. These systems improve transparency and help meet increasingly complex regulatory requirements.

·       Remote audits and virtual process validations: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote auditing practices, proving that effective evaluations can be conducted without physical site visits. The new standard is expected to recognize and formalize remote audit methodologies, making it easier for global organizations to conduct multi-site assessments efficiently.

·       Integration with other digital systems: The future of ISO 9001 may also involve better alignment with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), and digital twin technologies, ensuring quality data is embedded across every stage of production and decision-making.

In summary, digitalization in the new ISO 9001 is not just about using modern tools—it’s about transforming the culture of quality through data-driven insight, automation, and continuous learning. Organizations that embrace this shift will be better equipped to manage complexity, respond to market changes, and maintain a competitive edge in the digital economy.

2.  ESG and Sustainability

With new EU regulations like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), ISO 9001 is expected to align more closely with ESG metrics, especially environmental and social responsibility frameworks.

As global regulatory frameworks become increasingly focused on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)performance, the next revision of ISO 9001 is expected to incorporate these principles more explicitly. The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), introduced by the European Union, has already made ESG reporting a legal obligation for thousands of companies operating in or doing business with the EU.

This shift marks a profound transformation in how quality is defined and delivered. No longer limited to product specifications and internal process controls, quality today also encompasses sustainability, ethical responsibility, and stakeholder impact.

How ESG May Influence the New ISO 9001:

• Environmental Responsibility: The revised standard is likely to encourage closer alignment with ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems) and ISO 50001 (Energy Management Systems), guiding organizations to measure, reduce, and report their environmental footprint—including emissions, energy consumption, and resource efficiency.

• Social Impact: Companies may be expected to demonstrate structured approaches to labor practices, workplace safety (linked to ISO 45001), diversity and inclusion, and community engagement. These social indicators are not just ethical imperatives—they are now critical quality drivers in the eyes of customers, regulators, and investors.

• Governance and Risk Management: Strong internal governance structures, anti-corruption policies, and transparent reporting systems are key aspects of ESG that will likely be integrated into future quality assessments. Organizations will need to prove not only that they follow standards, but that they embed values of fairness, accountability, and continuous improvement in their operations.

• ESG in the Supply Chain: The revised ISO 9001 may expand its scope to include ESG compliance across the supply chain, requiring companies to evaluate and report on the environmental and social practices of their vendors and partners—aligning with global trends in responsible sourcing and ethical procurement.

• Data-Driven Sustainability Reporting: To support these demands, many companies are turning to AI-enabled ESG reporting tools that collect, analyze, and verify sustainability data in real time. The integration of such systems into QMS frameworks will likely be addressed in the new version of the standard.

In essence, the evolution of ISO 9001 into an ESG-aligned framework reflects a broader redefinition of what quality means in the 21st century. It is no longer just about what a company makes, but how it makes it, who it impacts, and whether it contributes to a more sustainable and just future.

Organizations that proactively adapt to these changes will not only ensure compliance, but also strengthen brand reputation, attract investors, and build lasting trust with their stakeholders.

3.  Stronger Risk and Resilience Components

Risk-based thinking is already part of ISO 9001:2015, but the revision may emphasize:

• Organizational resilience

• Business continuity (linked to ISO 22301)

• Cybersecurity risk management (inspired by ISO 27001)

Risk-based thinking has been a cornerstone of ISO 9001 since the 2015 revision. However, in the face of global disruptions—such as pandemics, climate-related events, cyber threats, and geopolitical tensions—the upcoming revision is expected to place much stronger emphasis on resilience and proactive risk management.

Today, organizations are not just expected to maintain consistent product or service quality. They are also being challenged to remain operational, responsive, and secure in the face of unexpected events.

Key Areas of Expansion in the New ISO 9001:

• Organizational Resilience:

The concept of resilience is evolving from a buzzword into a measurable performance metric. The revised ISO 9001 may include guidance on how organizations can build systems and cultures that adapt quickly to change, recover from disruptions, and continue delivering value. This includes leadership preparedness, employee engagement, scenario planning, and capacity for learning from past crises.

• Business Continuity Management (BCM):

Building stronger connections with ISO 22301 (Business Continuity Management Systems), the new standard may require organizations to integrate continuity planning into their quality strategy. This involves identifying critical operations, assessing vulnerabilities, and implementing preventive measures to ensure minimum downtime and consistent service delivery—even during extreme events.

• Cybersecurity Risk Management:

With digital transformation accelerating across industries, cybersecurity has become a core quality concern. Data breaches, ransomware attacks, and IT outages can disrupt not just security but also product safety, customer trust, and regulatory compliance. Drawing inspiration from ISO/IEC 27001 (Information Security Management), the revised ISO 9001 may include recommendations for managing information risks within the quality framework.

• Supply Chain Resilience:

Disruptions are often amplified through complex global supply chains. Future versions of ISO 9001 may encourage organizations to evaluate the resilience of suppliers and partners, implement redundancy measures, and develop agile procurement strategies to mitigate risks.

• Quantifying Risk and Response Capabilities:

Modern quality systems are expected to move beyond risk registers. With the rise of AI-powered analytics, risk assessment is becoming data-driven, predictive, and integrated into real-time decision making. The next ISO 9001 could reflect this shift, helping companies quantify their risk exposure and track the effectiveness of mitigation actions.

Ultimately, resilience is becoming a competitive advantage. Organizations that can demonstrate structured approaches to risk management, continuity planning, and adaptive leadership will not only comply with evolving standards but also gain trust, reduce liabilities, and thrive under pressure.

4.  Enhanced Alignment with Sector-Specific Standards

The new version may better harmonize with standards like:

• ISO 13485 (medical devices)

• ISO/IEC 27001 (information security)

• ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety)

• ISO 50001 (energy management)

One of the most anticipated aspects of the upcoming ISO 9001 revision is improved alignment with other ISO management system standards, especially those designed for specific industries. As businesses increasingly integrate multiple compliance frameworks, harmonization between standards is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

Why Cross-Standard Alignment Matters:

• Streamlined Implementation:

Organizations that are already certified under standards such as ISO 13485 or ISO/IEC 27001 often face overlapping requirements. The revised ISO 9001 is expected to simplify integration by adopting common language, structure (based on Annex SL), and terminology. This reduces duplication of effort, simplifies audits, and lowers administrative burdens.

• Higher Operational Efficiency:

By aligning more closely with other ISO standards, ISO 9001 can act as a central pillar of an integrated management system (IMS). This unified approach makes it easier to manage processes across departments and meet regulatory, quality, environmental, and security requirements simultaneously.

• Better Support for Specialized Sectors:

Certain industries demand more rigorous controls, traceability, and documentation. The new version of ISO 9001 may offer improved flexibility and sector-relevant examples for industries like:

• Medical Devices (ISO 13485): Focus on regulatory compliance, product safety, and risk-based design validation.

• Information Security (ISO/IEC 27001): Integration of data protection, cybersecurity risk assessment, and confidentiality in quality processes.

• Occupational Health and Safety (ISO 45001): Emphasis on employee well-being, incident reporting, and legal compliance within the quality framework.

• Energy Management (ISO 50001): Supporting sustainability goals through efficient resource use, energy-saving initiatives, and environmental impact control.

• Global Recognition and Competitive Advantage:

Clients and regulators increasingly prefer working with businesses that demonstrate a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary management system. Enhancing compatibility with sector-specific standards will allow companies to position themselves as high-performing, future-ready, and globally compliant partners.

In short, this shift from generic frameworks to industry-aligned quality management will help organizations stay competitive, compliant, and responsive to the unique needs of their sector.

ISO 9001:2015 Remains Valid

But Not Static

Until the new revision is officially published, ISO 9001:2015 remains fully valid. Certification bodies will continue issuing and renewing certificates under the current version.

However, that does not mean organizations should remain passive.

Smart companies use this window to:

• Reassess their QMS maturity

• Identify digital transformation gaps

• Integrate ESG indicators into internal audits

• Prepare teams for future expectations

Timeline: What to Expect Next

Phase	Description
2024	Revision officially launched
2025	Draft International Standard (DIS) expected
2026	Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) and public feedback
2027	Official publication of ISO 9001:2027 (tentative)
2027–2030	3-year transition period for organizations

Note: These dates may shift depending on feedback and voting outcomes.

What Should Quality Professionals Do Now?

Follow updates from KingCert.

Stay Informed

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Invest in Training

Equip your teams with up-to-date knowledge in quality, ESG, and digital literacy. Request training from KingCert on this matter.

Talk to Your Certification Body

They can guide you on how the transition will be managed and how to stay audit-ready.

Request guidance from KingCert. Follow KingCert’s blog pages and social media accounts.

How KingCert Supports Transition and Future Readiness

As an internationally accredited certification body, KingCert is already preparing for the upcoming transition by:

• Tracking ISO working groups and technical updates in real time

• Offering AI-supported digital audits and integrated QMS evaluations

• Helping clients align ISO 9001 with other standards such as 14001, 27001, and 45001

• Supporting ESG readiness and sustainability reporting practices

Our mission is to go beyond compliance—to help you build systems that are resilient, efficient, and future-proof.

Conclusion: ISO 9001 Is Changing. Are You Ready?

The upcoming revision of ISO 9001 will not just be a technical update. It will redefine what quality management means in a digitally connected, environmentally conscious, and risk-aware world.

Organizations that act early will be best positioned to lead in this new era of quality.

The 2026 version of the ISO 9001 standard is now open to the public. You can request the draft from your national standards body and submit your comments.