What is ISO 9001 again?
ISO 9001 is the international standard for quality management. It provides a solid framework that organizations can use to structure and improve their processes. The goal? To deliver products and services that consistently meet customer expectations and comply with laws and regulations.
The strength of ISO 9001 lies in the so-called PDCA cycle: Plan – Do – Check – Act. Through this systematic approach, the standard promotes continuous improvement within organizations. In addition, companies can be certified by an independent external party, underscoring their reliability and professionalism.
Why a new version?
The current version, ISO 9001:2015, is now eight years old. Much has changed since then – think of technological advances, digitalization, new sustainability goals, and shifting business models. It’s therefore logical that ISO 9001 is being revised to better reflect the current technical, economic, and social context.
The new version will, among other things:
What does this mean for your organization?
Once ISO 9001:2026 is published, certified organizations will typically be given a transition period of 2 to 3 years to adapt their quality management systems. It’s important to take a proactive approach so that you can meet the new requirements in time and avoid putting your certification at risk.
Conclusion
Since September 2026 is not far off, it’s wise to already start considering the impact of this update. Stay informed about developments and prepare your organization in advance. This way, you’ll continue to comply with the standard and strengthen your position as a quality-driven organization. Keep an eye on the Q-support channels, as the key changes will be explained as soon as the new standard is published.
By Sandra Hillaert
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