Certification update · ISO 14001:2026
ISO 14001:2026 was published on 15/4/2026. With Global ACI’s transition guidance, businesses now have specific milestones for planning initial certification, maintaining existing certificates and completing the transition of their environmental management systems.
From this date, all new accredited certifications must be to ISO 14001:2026.
The transition of certification from ISO 14001:2015 to ISO 14001:2026 must be completed.
01 Global ACI transition timeline
Global ACI has published Transition Requirements for ISO 14001:2026, document code Global ACI-TECH-3-TR 2029-04-30 (M), version 1.0, applicable from 14/9/2026. The document sets out the transition from ISO 14001:2015, including Amendment 1:2024, to the 2026 edition.
The requirements are mandatory for accreditation bodies (ABs) that are signatories to the Global ACI Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MRA) and conformity assessment bodies accredited within the applicable scope. In this article, environmental management system certification bodies are referred to as CBs; businesses follow their CB’s transition programme.
The transition period is three years, ending on 30 April 2029. The milestones are calculated from the last day of the month in which the standard was published, namely 30/4/2026.
| Date | Relevant parties | Requirement / significance |
|---|---|---|
| No later than31/10/2026 | Accreditation bodies (ABs) | Must be ready to assess against the new edition and publish their transition programmes. |
| No later than31/1/2027 | Certification bodies (CBs) | Must submit their transition declaration and supporting documentation to the AB. |
| No later than30/4/2027 | Accreditation bodies (ABs) | Must complete accreditation transition decisions for CBs, including issuing the corresponding accreditation documents. |
| From31/10/2027 | CBs and businesses seeking initial certification | All new accredited certifications must be to ISO 14001:2026. |
| Completion deadline30/4/2029 | CBs and businesses already certified to ISO 14001:2015 | Must complete the transition to ISO 14001:2026, including issuing new certificates. Accredited certification to ISO 14001:2015 will no longer be valid after this deadline. |
Sources: Global ACI announcement; Transition requirements document, Sections 1–2, 4 and 5.
02 New certification and existing certificates
When can certification to the new edition be issued?
A CB may issue accredited certification to ISO 14001:2026 only after its AB has transitioned the CB’s corresponding accreditation. The date of 30 April 2027 is the deadline for completing accreditation transition, not a common starting date for all CBs. Businesses should confirm accreditation status and the certificate issuance schedule before agreeing on a plan.
Before 31 October 2027, new certification to ISO 14001:2015 remains permitted under the timeline, subject to the CB’s programme. However, that certification remains subject to the transition deadline of 30 April 2029. Businesses developing their systems should consider adopting the 2026 edition from the outset to facilitate certification and ongoing system maintenance.
How long do ISO 14001:2015 certificates remain valid?
Certificates do not automatically become invalid when the 2026 edition is published. Businesses must continue to maintain their systems, undergo surveillance and meet certification conditions. If a certificate expires before 30 April 2029, recertification must take place as scheduled; the transition period does not automatically extend certificate validity.
If the expiry date printed on the certificate is later than 30 April 2029: accredited certification to ISO 14001:2015 will still cease to be valid after the transition deadline. CBs are not required to reissue existing certificates solely to change the expiry date, but may adjust it to avoid confusion.
Sources: Transition requirements document, Sections 4, 5.2 and 6.4.
03 Key areas businesses should review
Global ACI considers the overall extent of changes to be limited, but their specific impact depends on each organisation’s context and objectives. Businesses should review their systems against the official ISO 14001:2026 standard to identify the necessary adjustments.
| Topic | Suggested review |
|---|---|
| Planning of changes Addition of Clause 6.3 |
Review how changes to the environmental management system are planned and controlled, for example when changing technology or raw materials or expanding operations; identify appropriate responsibilities and resources. |
| Management review Addition of subclauses within Clause 9.3 |
Check the review content, inputs and required outputs; update agendas, minutes and follow-up of decisions where necessary. |
| Terminology and documented information | Ensure consistent understanding of terminology under the Harmonized Structure; check the availability of documented information to support operations and demonstrate conformity. |
| Concepts clarified in Annex A | Review the links between context, risks and opportunities; the life cycle perspective; and alignment with strategy, business processes and integrated management systems. |
Source of changes: Transition requirements document, Section 3. The suggested review column provides practical recommendations, not a mandatory list of records. Annex A of ISO 14001:2026 explains application and does not constitute a separate set of additional requirements.
04 Transition audits and preparation
CBs must conduct transition audits for certified clients. The audit may be combined with surveillance or recertification, or conducted separately. It must consider changed requirements, changes in the business context and any other necessary system adjustments.
- Audit duration: there is no fixed increase applicable to all businesses. CBs must consider and justify additional time based on the extent of system changes and the audit arrangements. An audit of the entire system may not require additional time.
- Remote auditing: information and communication technology may be used in accordance with IAF MD 4 / Global ACI TECH-3-003, provided the CB ensures and demonstrates that the transition audit objectives are met.
Four preparation steps for businesses
-
Agree on the plan with the CB
Check certificate expiry and the next audit cycle; confirm accreditation transition status, scope, schedule, expected audit duration and fees.
-
Review gaps and implement changes
Identify gaps against the new standard; assign responsibilities, update processes and documentation, train relevant personnel and implement the changes in practice.
-
Check readiness
Internally audit the relevant areas, address nonconformities and include the results of system updates in management review. Prepare evidence of implementation.
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Complete the audit and certification
Undergo the transition audit, address findings and follow up on timely issuance of the new certificate. Then update certification information and continue maintaining the system.
Audit requirements: Transition requirements document, Section 5.2. The four steps above are a suggested practical roadmap.
05 Frequently asked questions
Do integrated ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 systems share the same transition deadline?
No. The deadline for completing the transition to ISO 14001:2026 is 30/4/2029, earlier than the 30/9/2029 deadline for ISO 9001:2026. Businesses may discuss coordinating their plans with the CB, but must meet each standard’s requirements and deadline. See the ISO 9001:2026 transition timeline.
Can a business obtain an updated certificate simply by submitting a declaration?
No. The declaration in Annex A of the transition document is submitted by the CB to the AB. Certified businesses must still undergo a transition audit, and the CB must make a certification decision based on the audit results and other relevant information.
What if a CB decides not to transition to the new edition?
The CB must notify affected clients in writing no later than 31/1/2027, providing information on certificate validity and the consequences of not transferring or transitioning. Businesses should discuss their options early to identify a suitable way to maintain certification.
References: Transition requirements document, Sections 5.2, 6.2 and Annex A; ISO 9001:2026 transition guidance.
