Navigating The Upcoming Transition To ISO 9001:2026 And ISO 14001:2026
11 June 2025
As part of ISO’s review cycle, ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems) are currently being revised, with updated versions expected in 2026.
These revisions go beyond routine updates, they address the changing demands of today’s business landscape, including increased focus on risk management, sustainability, and digitalisation.
Anticipated Timeline
According to ISO’s own roadmap, the new editions are scheduled as follows:-
Draft International Standard also known as the DIS:
- ISO 14001: published in February 2025
- ISO 9001: due in June 2025 – March 2026
- Final ISO Publication:
- ISO 14001: expected February 2026 (new standard will be ISO 14001:2026)
- ISO 9001: expected September 2026 (new standard will be ISO 9001:2026)
- Transition Period: Historically three years. Final dates for certificate transition will be determined by the local Accreditation Body and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).
Expected Changes
- ISO 14001:2015 → 2026 Edition (EMS)
- Maintains the current high-level structure (Annex SL), with clarifications aimed at better readability and application - not adding major new requirements.
- Improved guidance in key areas via Annex A.
- Emphasis remains on life-cycle perspective, risk-based thinking, leadership, environmental performance (including climate change), communication, and documentation.
- ISO 9001:2015 → 2026 Edition (QMS)
- Also retaining Annex SL high level structure with updates to modernise language, strengthen risk-based approach, supply chain oversight, digitalisation, ethics, and organisational resilience.
- Greater focus on emerging trends such as smart technology, climate awareness, and ethical governance.
What Organisations Should Do Now
1. Educate Key Personnel- Sign up to InTouch our regular monthly newsletter
- Register for webinars as and when they are published and promoted
- Once the standard is published and available to purchase from ISO, perform gap assessments focused on risk mitigation, environmental and supply-chain criteria, digital systems, etc.
- Build a phased transition plan aligned with certification timelines.
- Train staff on clarified or revised clauses - contact us to join a waiting list for upcoming transition training course.
- Update process documentation and implement any clarified requirements.
- Prepare for transitional audits - NQA will issue mandatory transition documents post-publication.
- Book audits in advance to smooth transition and avoid lapses.
Summary At A Glance
| STANDARD | DIS RELEASE | FINAL PUBLICATION | ESTIMATED PERIOD | KEY FOCUS UPDATES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISO 14001 | 3 Feb 2025 | February 2026 | 3 years | Improved clarity, lifecycle thinking, risk and leadership |
| ISO 9001 | June 2025 | September 2026 | 3 years | Risk, tech, supply-chain, ethics, resilience |
Next Steps
- Sign up to InTouch our regular monthly newsletter
- Review published standards for changes
- Conduct internal gap analysis and management review
- Plan and schedule updates and audits
More information will follow as and when the standards progress through the above timeline.