ISO 9001:2026 Transition
ISO 9001:2015 is being replaced by ISO 9001:2026
ISO 9001:2026 was published on 16 September 2026 and replaces ISO 9001:2015.
For organisations currently certified to ISO 9001:2015, a transition period has been established to allow time to review the new requirements, make any necessary changes to the Quality Management System and complete the transition audit.
There is no requirement to transition immediately. However, organisations should begin planning their transition in good time to ensure that the process can be completed before the end of the transition period.
STANDARD PUBLISHED
ISO 9001:2026 is published, replacing ISO 9001:2015.
TRANSITION PERIOD
Organisations currently certified to ISO 9001:2015 review their systems, implement any necessary changes and prepare for transition.
NEW CERTIFICATIONS
New and initial accredited certifications can only be issued to ISO 9001:2026.
TRANSITION DEADLINE
All existing ISO 9001:2015 certifications must have completed their transition to ISO 9001:2026.
The 30 September 2029 deadline applies to organisations currently certified to ISO 9001:2015. After this date, certification to ISO 9001:2015 will no longer remain valid under the transition arrangements.
What You Need to Know About the Transition
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No. Your existing ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System provides the foundation for your transition to ISO 9001:2026.
You will need to review the new requirements, identify any areas requiring change and implement those changes before completing your transition assessment.
Read more: ISO 9001:2026 – What Has Changed?
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The transition process will generally involve:
Review → Gap Analysis → Implement → Transition Audit
You should review ISO 9001:2026, assess your existing QMS against the new requirements, make any necessary changes and ensure those changes are implemented before your transition assessment.
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The final deadline for existing ISO 9001:2015 certified organisations to complete their transition is:
30 September 2029
You do not need to wait until this date. Your transition can be planned around your existing certification cycle.
Read more: ISO 9001:2026 Transition Timeline
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Yes. The transition assessment may be conducted alongside a scheduled surveillance or recertification audit, or through a separate transition audit, depending on your planned audit cycle.
Read more: ISO 9001:2026 – How Will the Transition Audit Work?
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Your auditor will assess your Quality Management System against the requirements of ISO 9001:2026.
The assessment will determine whether the necessary changes have been implemented and whether your organisation meets the applicable requirements of the new standard.
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What happens to my existing ISO 9001:2015 certificate?
Your existing certification can remain valid during the transition period, subject to the applicable certification requirements.
Once the transition assessment and certification decision have been successfully completed, your certification will be transitioned to ISO 9001:2026.
All existing ISO 9001:2015 certifications must complete transition by 30 September 2029.
Read more: ISO 9001:2026 – Certification and Transition
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You can start now.
There is no requirement to make an immediate transition, but starting early gives your organisation time to understand the requirements, complete a gap analysis, implement changes and allow those changes to become established before your assessment.
Your transition can then be planned around your existing certification cycle.
Read more: Planning Your ISO 9001:2026 Transition
