As global markets evolve and new challenges emerge, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is taking action with key updates to some of its most widely used management system standards. Over the next two years, notable revisions are planned for ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety).
These updates reflect a broader shift toward resilience, sustainability, digital transformation, and human-centric leadership. Whether you’re already certified or considering certification, understanding these changes early can help you stay ahead of the curve, align with global best practices, and unlock new value across your operations.
In this blog, we’ll break down the key proposed changes to ISO 9001:2026, explore what this means for your business, and share how you can prepare.
ISO 9001:2026 – What’s Changing and Why It Matters for Your Business
The ISO 9001 standard, the global benchmark for quality management systems, is undergoing a significant revision, with the new version expected to be published in September 2026. This update reflects the evolving needs of modern businesses and introduces several forward-looking enhancements.
The Key Anticipated Changes
Stronger Risk Management: Beyond identifying risks, the new standard emphasises turning risks into opportunities through structured, proactive strategies.
Digital Transformation: With AI, automation, and data analytics becoming integral to operations, ISO 9001:2026 will likely include guidance on integrating digital tools into quality management.
Sustainability & ESG Alignment: Expect new requirements that align quality systems with environmental and social governance (ESG) principles, like reducing waste and improving supply chain sustainability.
Enhanced Customer Focus: The revision may introduce more advanced mechanisms for capturing and acting on customer feedback in real time.
Supply Chain Resilience: New criteria will likely address supplier risk management and performance monitoring to build more robust supply chains.
Ethical Leadership: A greater emphasis on leadership accountability, ethics, and organisational culture is anticipated.
What This Means For Your Business
This revision is an opportunity to future-proof your operations.
Businesses that embrace these changes early could:
- Improve operational resilience and agility
- Strengthen customer trust and satisfaction
- Align with global sustainability goals
- Leverage digital tools for smarter decision-making
