Certification updates · ISO 9001:2026
ISO 9001:2026 was published on 16 September 2026. Businesses now need to understand when certification to the new edition becomes available, how long their ISO 9001:2015 certificates remain valid, and how to prepare for a timely transition.
From this date, new accredited certifications may only be issued to ISO 9001:2026.
Complete the transition of certification from ISO 9001:2015 to ISO 9001:2026, including issuance of the new certificate.
01 Who do the transition requirements apply to?
Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (Global ACI) has published the requirements for transitioning to ISO 9001:2026 (Transition Requirements for ISO 9001:2026), document reference Global ACI-TECH-3-TR 2029-09-30 (M). Issued on 4 September 2026 and applicable from 16 September 2026, the document sets out the transition from ISO 9001:2015, including Amendment 1:2024, to ISO 9001:2026.
This document is mandatory for accreditation bodies (ABs) that are signatories to the Global ACI Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MRA), and for accredited conformity assessment bodies within the specified scope. In the context of quality management system certification, this article uses the term certification body (CB). Businesses follow their CB's transition programme and guidance.
The roles of the parties are as follows: ISO publishes the standard; ABs accredit the competence of certification bodies; CBs audit and certify businesses. The publication of ISO 9001:2026 therefore does not mean that every certification body can immediately issue accredited certificates to the new edition. A CB may do so only after its AB has completed the corresponding accreditation transition.
Sources: Global ACI announcement; Transition requirements document, Sections 1–2 and 4.
02 Transition timeline and key milestones
Global ACI has established a transition period of three years, ending on 30 September 2029. The 6-, 9-, 12-, 18- and 36-month milestones are calculated from the last day of the month in which the standard was published, namely 30 September 2026.
| Date | Parties concerned | Requirement / significance |
|---|---|---|
| 16/9/2026 | Organizations using ISO 9001 | ISO 9001:2026 is published. Businesses can begin reviewing and updating their systems to the new edition. |
| No later than 31/3/2027 | Accreditation bodies (ABs) | Be ready to assess against the new edition and publish transition guidance. |
| No later than 30/6/2027 | Certification bodies (CBs) | Submit the transition declaration and supporting documents to the AB. |
| No later than 30/9/2027 | Accreditation bodies (ABs) | Complete accreditation transition decisions for CBs, including issuance of the corresponding accreditation documents. |
| From 31/3/2028 | CBs and businesses seeking initial certification | Issue new accredited certifications only to ISO 9001:2026. CBs need to schedule Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits accordingly. |
| Transition deadline 30/9/2029 | CBs and businesses already certified to ISO 9001:2015 | Complete the transition to ISO 9001:2026, including issuance of the new certificate. Accredited certifications to ISO 9001:2015 are no longer valid after the transition period ends. |
Sources: Global ACI announcement; Transition requirements document, Sections 4, 5.1 and 5.2.
03 New certification and existing certificate validity
When can accredited certification to ISO 9001:2026 be issued?
A CB may issue accredited certification to ISO 9001:2026 after its AB has completed the transition of the CB's accreditation to the new edition. The accreditation transition deadline is 30 September 2027; individual CBs may complete the process and become eligible to issue certificates earlier.
Businesses can start preparing their systems as soon as the standard is published. Before agreeing on a certification schedule, they should confirm the CB's accreditation status, applicable scope and anticipated date for issuing ISO 9001:2026 certificates.
For businesses preparing for initial certification
Before 31 March 2028, CBs may still issue new accredited certifications to ISO 9001:2015, subject to the applicable programme. To maintain certification beyond the transition period, businesses must complete the transition to ISO 9001:2026 within the period ending on 30 September 2029.
Businesses establishing a new system should consider applying ISO 9001:2026 from the outset to reduce the need for subsequent updates and a transition audit. Certification timing should reflect the business's readiness and the CB's accreditation status.
For businesses holding ISO 9001:2015 certificates
Certificates do not automatically become invalid when ISO 9001:2026 is published on 16 September 2026. Businesses must continue to maintain their systems, undergo surveillance audits and meet existing certification conditions.
The transition period does not automatically extend certificate validity. If a certificate expires before 30 September 2029, the business needs to agree on an appropriate recertification and transition plan to maintain continuity of certification.
Source: Global ACI transition requirements, Sections 4, 5.2 and 6.4.
04 What should businesses review?
According to Global ACI, the overall changes to the standard are limited, but their impact depends on each organization's context and objectives. Businesses should compare their current systems with the new edition to identify the updates needed, while retaining practices that remain suitable and effective.
| Area | Suggested review activities |
|---|---|
| Leadership, quality culture and ethical behaviour Clauses 5.1.1 and 7.3 |
Review how leadership promotes quality culture, ethical behaviour and continual improvement, and check personnel awareness of these areas. Evidence may include honest reporting of defects, handling of customer feedback, and product release decisions based on inspection results. |
| Quality policy Clause 5.2.1 |
Review whether the policy remains appropriate to the organization's context and strategic direction, particularly when the business changes its markets, products or operating model. |
| Risks and opportunities Clause 6.1 |
Review the identification of risks and opportunities and the corresponding actions. Clarify actions to address risks and pursue opportunities in system planning and operation. |
| Planning of changes Clause 6.3 |
Review how changes are communicated, how their effectiveness is monitored and evaluated, and how their results are reviewed. A change in technology, suppliers or a process can be selected to check implementation in practice. |
| Management review Clause 9.3.2 |
Review management review inputs, including changes in the needs and expectations of interested parties relevant to the quality management system. |
| Terminology and documented information Harmonized Structure and Annex A |
Review the understanding and use of terminology and compliance with requirements for the availability of documented information. Use the explanations in Annex A to support consistent interpretation and application of the requirements. |
Note on climate change: The 2026 edition carries forward the content introduced through ISO 9001:2015/Amd 1:2024. Businesses should check whether they have determined if climate change is a relevant issue for their quality management system and considered relevant requirements of interested parties. These considerations should be maintained and updated in line with the organization's actual context.
The suggestions in the table support system review; they are not a mandatory list of records prescribed by Global ACI. During implementation, businesses should refer to ISO 9001:2026 to identify all applicable requirements.
Sources: Global ACI transition requirements, Sections 1–3; ISO 9001:2026 — What businesses need to know.
05 How is the transition audit conducted?
CBs must conduct a transition audit for certified businesses wishing to move to ISO 9001:2026. The audit may be combined with a surveillance or recertification audit, or conducted separately.
The audit must cover at least:
- The changed requirements of ISO 9001:2026 compared with the previous edition.
- Changes in the business's context.
- The need for other changes to the quality management system.
The audit results and other relevant information form the basis for the CB's transition certification decision.
Is additional audit time mandatory?
Global ACI does not prescribe a fixed increase in audit time for every business. The CB must determine whether additional time is needed and justify the calculation in accordance with the applicable requirements.
The calculation must consider, at a minimum, the extent of changes to the system and whether the transition audit is combined with a scheduled audit or conducted separately. The Global ACI document notes that additional time may not be necessary when a full system audit is conducted.
Can the audit be conducted remotely?
Transition audits may be conducted remotely using information and communication technology in accordance with IAF MD 4 / Global ACI TECH-3-003, provided the CB ensures and can demonstrate that the audit objectives are met. The method selected should be appropriate to the audit scope and content and the business's actual circumstances.
Source: Global ACI transition requirements, Section 5.2. The examples of evidence are practical suggestions.
06 Six steps to prepare for the transition
Businesses can use the following six steps as a guide and adapt them to their size, readiness and current certification cycle.
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Confirm certification conditions and scheduling
Check the certificate expiry date and the next surveillance or recertification audit. Discuss the CB's accreditation transition status, audit method, timing and estimated costs.
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Compare the system with the new edition
Compare the current system with ISO 9001:2026 to identify requirements already met, areas needing updates and additional evidence required. Prepare a plan with specific actions, responsible persons and completion dates.
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Update and implement changes
Adjust processes, responsibilities, documents and controls where necessary. Inform, guide and train the relevant personnel, while retaining practices that remain suitable and effective.
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Check implementation and effectiveness
Conduct internal audits with a focus on changed areas, address nonconformities and include transition results in management review. Retain evidence of implementation and its results.
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Undergo the transition audit with the CB
Arrange personnel, prepare records and enable the audit team to examine actual operations. Address any nonconformities and provide the required evidence within the agreed deadlines.
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Complete certification and update information
Follow up on the review of records, the certification decision and certificate issuance. Check the new certificate before updating the company profile, website and business documents. Continue to maintain the system and undergo surveillance audits in accordance with the certification programme.
07 Frequently asked questions
Does the 31 March 2028 milestone apply to all certified businesses?
No. This milestone applies to new / initial certification. Businesses certified to ISO 9001:2015 that wish to maintain certification beyond the transition period must complete their transition within the period ending on 30 September 2029. In the meantime, they must maintain certification and undergo surveillance and recertification audits as scheduled; the transition period does not automatically extend certificate validity.
Can a business obtain an updated certificate simply by submitting a declaration?
No. The declaration in Annex A is submitted by the CB to its AB as part of the accreditation transition. For businesses, the CB must conduct a transition audit and make a certification decision based on the audit results and other relevant information.
Is the transition complete if the audit is finished but the certificate has not been issued?
No. Under Global ACI requirements, transition completion includes issuance of the new certificate. The business and its CB need to allow enough time to address any nonconformities, review records, make the certification decision and issue the certificate before the transition period ends.
What happens if a certification body decides not to transition to the new edition?
The CB must notify affected clients in writing no later than 30 June 2027. The notification must explain certificate validity periods and the consequences if clients do not transfer their certification or transition to the new edition.
Businesses should discuss their options early to maintain certification, including the possibility of transferring to another eligible certification body and completing the transition in accordance with the applicable requirements.
Do sector-specific certification schemes automatically follow the same timeline?
The same timeline should not be assumed. This document sets out the ISO 9001 transition. For schemes or sector-specific standards based on ISO 9001, businesses should check the scheme owner's and certification body's guidance to establish the relevant transition deadlines and conditions.
Source: Global ACI transition requirements, Sections 1, 3–6 and Annex A.
