Quality
Transition from ISO 9001 certification to the 2026 version
ISO 9001, the international benchmark standard for quality management systems, underwent a revision in 2023 to better reflect current operational realities. The new version is expected to be released between August and October 2026.
This deadline raises many questions for organizations certified to ISO 9001:2015: What changes can be expected? How should they prepare for the transition? When should they switch to the 2026 version?
What's new in the ISO 9001:2026 standard?
The 2026 revision introduces several major changes:
- Greater consideration of stakeholders: systematic incorporation of changes in their needs into management reviews.
- Emphasis on a culture of quality and ethics: a requirement to actively promote awareness of ethical behavior.
- Enhanced Opportunity Approach: Assessment and concrete actions to capitalize on identified opportunities.
- Application Guide (in the appendix): a practical tool to facilitate the implementation of the standard.
These developments enhance the maturity of quality systems by incorporating human, ethical, and strategic dimensions.
When should you request an audit for the 2026 version?
As soon as Version 2026 is officially published, certification audits may be conducted using this new version during a follow-up or renewal audit.
How long should we continue to conduct audits on the 2015 version?
Audits for the 2015 version can be conducted through the second half of 2029.
Version 2015 certificates will no longer be valid 3 years after the publication of the revised version.
You will have until April 2028 to schedule an audit based on the 2026 version. Starting in May 2029, no audits will be scheduled based on the 2015 version.
Example: Follow-up audit in 2026
A follow-up audit scheduled for Q3 2026 may be conducted using either the 2015 or 2026 version. The transition to the 2026 version may take place during follow-up audit 2 (Q3 2027) or during the renewal (Q3 2028).
Example: Renewal audit in 2026
A renewal audit scheduled for Q3 2026 may be conducted using either the 2015 or 2026 version. The transition to the 2026 version may take place during Follow-up 1 (Q3 2027) or Follow-up 2 (Q3 2028).
Nonconformities during the next audit?
It all depends on which version you're being audited on.
As long as you remain on the 2015 version, you will not be evaluated based on the 2026 requirements.
If the audit is conducted based on Version 2026, nonconformities may be identified regarding new or strengthened requirements.
Who should I contact to request the transition?
Contact your usual contact person at AFNOR to schedule your 2026 version audit.
The transition can take place during a surveillance or renewal audit.
ISO 9001 + ISO 14001: Simultaneous Transition?
The transition may be carried out simultaneously or separately, depending on the applicable transition deadlines.
Impact on ISO 9001-Based Standards
ISO standards (ISO 50001, ISO 22000, etc.) are updated according to their own schedules, with systematic reviews conducted every 5 years.
Private standards are updated by their professional associations:
Audit Durations
The timeframes are set by the local accreditation body (COFRAC, Dakks, TAF, Accredia, UKAS, or Tunac). The framework has not yet been published.
Mid-cycle transition
Yes, the transition can be carried out during a surveillance audit.
Certificate Update
If the decision is favorable, the certificate is updated to include the notation “ISO 9001, 2026 version.”
Transition for Multi-Site Groups
For centralized systems, it is recommended to perform the switchover once all sites have implemented the updates.
Transition Rules
The rules are established by consensus among accreditation bodies. They apply to all certification bodies.
Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (Global ACI, formerly IAF).
Do you have any more questions?
- Contact us!
- See ISO 9001 Certification – Quality Management System
- See the ISO 9001 Focus: 2026 Edition – Quality Management System
- Explore Our Training Programs.
Environment
Transition from ISO 14001 Certification to the 2026 Version
ISO 14001, the international benchmark standard for environmental performance, underwent a revision in 2023 to ensure its relevance in a changing regulatory and environmental context. The new version was published on April 15, 2026.
This publication raises many questions for organizations certified under the 2015 version: What changes are coming? How should they prepare for the transition? When should they switch to the 2026 version?
What's new in the ISO 14001:2026 standard?
The 2026 revision aims to improve the consistency and clarity of the requirements without introducing any new ones. Appendix A has been significantly expanded to make it easier to understand.
It highlights five major trends:
- A strengthened commitment to sustainable development: addressing emerging issues (climate, biodiversity, water, soil, GHGs) and repositioning the standard as an environmental pillar of CSR.
- Integration of environmental aspects throughout the entire life cycle: identification of significant aspects and definition of the scope of application.
- Implementation across the entire value chain: clarification of the concepts of control and influence over suppliers and external service providers.
- Clarification of the risks and opportunities approach: introduction of a chapter on change planning (organizational, technological, financial), including innovation, adaptation, and eco-design.
- Strengthening our environmental culture: expanded leadership, increased employee awareness, and continuous improvement in results.
When should you request an audit for the 2026 version?
As of April 15, 2026, audits may be conducted using the 2026 version. You may request to be audited against this version during a follow-up or renewal audit.
How long should we continue to conduct audits on the 2015 version?
Audits of the 2015 version are possible through the end of 2028.
In April 2029, the 2015 version certificates will no longer be valid.
Example: Follow-up audit in 2026
A follow-up audit scheduled for Q3 2026 may be conducted using either the 2015 or 2026 version. The transition to the 2026 version may take place during follow-up audit 2 (Q3 2027) or during the renewal (Q3 2028).
Example: Renewal audit in 2026
A renewal audit scheduled for Q3 2026 may be conducted using either the 2015 or 2026 version. The transition to the 2026 version may take place during Follow-up 1 (Q3 2027) or Follow-up 2 (Q3 2028).
Nonconformities during the next audit?
It all depends on which version you're being audited on.
If you continue to use the 2015 version, you will not be evaluated based on the 2026 requirements.
If the audit is conducted based on Version 2026, nonconformities may be identified regarding the clarified or strengthened requirements.
Who should I contact to request the transition?
Contact your usual contact person at AFNOR to schedule your 2026 version audit.
The transition can take place during a surveillance or renewal audit.
ISO 9001 + ISO 14001: Simultaneous Transition?
The transition can be carried out at the same time or separately, depending on the applicable deadlines.
Audit Durations
The time frames are set by the accrediting bodies. The framework has not yet been published.
Mid-cycle transition
Yes, the transition can be carried out during a surveillance audit.
Certificate Update
If the decision is favorable, the certificate is updated to indicate ISO 14001, Version 2026.
Transition for Multi-Site Groups
For centralized systems, it is recommended to perform the switchover once all sites within the scope have implemented the updates.
Transition Rules
The rules are established by consensus among accreditation bodies. They apply to all certification bodies.
Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (Global ACI, formerly IAF).
