ISO published ISO 9001:2026 on 16 September 2026. It replaces ISO 9001:2015 and its 2024 climate amendment. ISO calls it an evolution: the clause structure is familiar, but some requirements are new or sharper.
1 The headline changes (ISO)
- 5.1 Leadership — more emphasis on quality culture and ethical behaviour, and on creating an environment where everyone contributes
- 5.2 Quality policy — linked more explicitly to context and strategic direction
- 6.1 Risks and opportunities — a clearer distinction between managing risks and pursuing opportunities
- 7.3 Awareness — new requirements about quality culture and ethical behaviour
- Annex A — new informative guidance on concepts, terminology and intent
2 Clause-level detail (UKAS gap analysis)
| Clause | Change rated by UKAS |
|---|---|
| 4.2 Interested parties | Significant |
| 5.1.1 Leadership — general | Significant |
| 5.2 Quality policy, 5.3 Roles | Minor |
| 6.1.2 Actions to address risks | Significant |
| 6.1.3 Actions to address opportunities (new) | Significant |
| 6.3 Planning of changes | Significant |
| 7.1.6 Organisational knowledge, 7.2 Competence | Minor |
| 7.3 Awareness | Significant |
| 8.1, 8.2.1, 8.3.2, 8.3.5, 8.4.3 | Minor |
| 9.1.2, 9.1.3, 9.2.2 | Minor |
| 9.3.2 Management review inputs | Significant |
| 10.1 now “Continual improvement”; old 10.3 removed | No change to requirements |