EVS-EN ISO 9001 has been updated

_{Denis Torkhov/Shutterstock.com} 

ISO 9001 is a globally recognised standard for quality management. It helps organisations of all sizes and sectors to improve their performance, meet customer expectations and demonstrate their commitment to quality.

The standard sets out requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining and continually improving a quality management system (QMS).

Why was ISO 9001 revised?

The previous edition of ISO 9001 was published in 2015. Standards are typically reviewed every five years. If a standard is still relevant and does not require any changes, it will be approved for the next five years. 

The new edition provides organisations with an opportunity to review and refine their quality management systems in line with updated requirements and stakeholder expectations. The latest revision of ISO 9001 and a corresponding European standard were published in September 2026. 

What is changing in the new version?

Climate change and sustainability are now explicitly addressed in ISO 9001. The standard introduces ethical behaviour and quality culture as part of leadership responsibilities. Awareness requirements of the new ISO 9001 include quality culture and ethical behaviour.

The core performance evaluation requirements will remain largely unchanged. For example, activities such as monitoring, measurement, audits and management reviews remain unchanged and continue to be applied as before.

The standard includes a new Annex A. It provides extensive guidance across 15 pages, clarifying the structure, terminology and clauses of ISO 9001:2026. 

How to use ISO 9001:2026?

Those already familiar with the previous version will find the transition smooth:

• Determine who needs awareness of the new edition and inform the key stakeholders (for example, management, relevant teams, quality specialists, internal auditors).
• Review your context: are there any new or changing issues (regulations, supply chain, sustainability factors, new products or services, workforce)? Have the needs and expectations of interested parties changed? Do your quality management objectives need refining?
• If your organisation implements or plans to implement several management system standards, are they properly integrated? Consider seeking additional guidance on integrated management systems (IMS).
• If you are a small business, focus on how the changes apply to your organisation's size, activities and context, avoiding unnecessary complexity.

Certified organisations will have a transition period to adapt to the revised standard. Follow guidance from your certification body in terms of your re-certification timeline.