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Key Changes in the ISO 9001:2026 Draft (ISO/DIS 9001)

· 3 min read
Israel Munguia

I had the opportunity to review the draft update of ISO 9001 (ISO/DIS 9001) and I’d like to share with you the main changes I’ve identified, so you can stay up to date with what’s coming.

The first thing I can say is that —at least according to this draft published on August 27— we shouldn’t expect radical transformations. Instead, it’s mostly about editorial adjustments, minor structural reordering, and a few key updates worth noting.

Most relevant changes in ISO 9001:2026​

  1. Integration of Amendment 1 (2024).
    This means the changes are no longer separate, but consolidated into the new version.

  2. In section 4.2, the standard now requires organizations to determine which of the relevant requirements of interested parties will be addressed through the Quality Management System (QMS).

  3. Revision of clause 6.3 – Planning of changes.
    Greater emphasis is placed on planning changes within the QMS, with new requirements:

    • Consider the availability of information in addition to resources.
    • Define how the effectiveness of changes will be monitored and evaluated.
    • Ensure proper communication of the changes.
    • Establish how the results of changes will be reviewed.

  4. In clause 7.1.3 (infrastructure), consideration of remote or hybrid work has been added as part of the required infrastructure to operate the QMS.

  5. Reorganization of Chapter 10.

    • Now, Continual improvement is 10.1 and Nonconformity and corrective action is 10.2.
    • In continual improvement, the standard clarifies that improvement can be achieved through incremental or radical changes, innovation initiatives, or reorganization.
    • Actions must include:
      a. Improvement of processes, products, and services.
      b. Addressing needs and expectations.
      c. Correcting, preventing, or reducing undesired effects.

The most important change: Quality culture and ethical behavior​

The most significant adjustment —and one I personally consider long overdue— is the explicit inclusion of quality culture along with ethical behavior.

This requirement is embedded in different parts of the standard:

  1. Leadership and commitment (5.1.1):
    Top management must demonstrate leadership by promoting a culture of quality and ethical behavior.

    Note: “An organization’s quality culture and ethical behavior are reflected in its shared values, attitudes, and established practices.”

  2. Environment for the operation of processes (7.1.4):
    It clarifies that certain environmental factors depend on the organization’s quality culture, including ethical behavior.

  3. Awareness (7.3):
    The organization must ensure that people are aware of the organization’s quality culture and ethical behavior.

In summary, the changes coming with ISO 9001:2026 are important but not disruptive. The transition will not be as complex as the one we experienced a decade ago when moving from the 2008 to the 2015 version.

What will definitely mark a turning point is the inclusion of quality culture and ethical behavior, a crucial element for the success of any organization.

I’ll soon be sharing more content about this topic, since it is without a doubt a fundamental pillar that is now, rightly, formally integrated into the standard.

Note​

The information shared in this article comes from my detailed review and analysis of the official draft published by ISO on August 27, 2025.
Throughout the text, I refer to ISO 9001:2026, as the new version is expected to be released in 2026. However, there is a possibility that ISO may publish it earlier, in 2025, since there is no official confirmation yet.

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