ISO 9001:2026 – The Road to the Next Edition
Development stage of ISO 9001 standard as of the time of this publication (Aug 2025)
If you’ve been watching the ISO 9001 revision process, you know the journey from concept to publication is anything but quick. The standard has evolved steadily since its first release in 1987, with each edition reflecting shifts in business priorities, technology, and global quality practices.
Our updated Chronology of ISO 9001 Updates graphic (below) shows the full picture — from the first 20-clause version to the current 10-clause, risk-focused structure, and now the steps toward the next revision.
Here’s what’s new in the latest stage of development:
Stage 30 → Stage 40: The Committee Draft (CD) went back to the Working Group in July 2024 for adjustments. That work was wrapped up, and the Draft International Standard (DIS) was officially registered on June 30, 2025.
Voting in Progress: A 12-week ballot is now underway among ISO member bodies.
Extended Timeline: The development track was stretched to 36 months to allow for a second Committee Draft stage. The Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) is expected in 2026.
Target Publication: September 2026 is now the planned release for the revised ISO 9001.
What does this mean for you?
While the changes aren’t final yet, organizations should be tracking the revisions and preparing for a transition window once the new edition is published. That means reviewing your current QMS for flexibility, process orientation, and risk-based thinking — areas that have consistently been strengthened in recent updates.
Resources and key links:
Link to latest webinar recording (Dec 2024): https://www.concentricglobal.co/blog/be-ready-for-iso-9001202x-webinar
12-Tool Methodology: https://www.concentricglobal.co/consulting
ISO’s stages of development & stage codes
What stage are we in as of today (date of blog publication): ISO/DIS 9001 Stage 40.00
List of formal interpretations - TC 176
List of formal interpretations - US TAG
Release of Amd 1:2024: Climate action change
New target Sep-2026 from 10-Oct-24 update
We will continue providing updates as ISO/TC 176 releases communications about the ISO 9001 drafts.
Recommended Action:
Bookmark this post and download the updated Chronology of ISO 9001 Updates graphic. It’s a quick-reference visual for your leadership team and a handy tool for communicating the timeline associated with ISO 9001’s evolution over approximately 40 years.
