Your safe transition to ISO 9001:2026

CONTENTS

• Current timetable
• Expected transition period
• Recommended steps for the transition
• Conclusion - The safe transition to ISO 9001:2026
• DQS - What you can expect from us

Current timeline

The publication of ISO 9001:2026 is scheduled for September 2026 - after several postponements, the International Standards Organization ISO has confirmed this period as binding. With the published draft DIN EN ISO 9001:2025-09, the final coordination phase has officially begun. The DIS (Draft International Standard) is expected to be followed by a Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) in spring to summer 2026, before the final version of the new standard is published in the fall.

Provisional transition period

As with previous revisions, a transition period of three years is expected for the conversion of existing ISO 9001 certificates. This means that all certificates should be successfully converted to the new version of the standard by fall 2029 at the latest. Certificates according to the "old" DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 will then lose their validity. Transition audits to the new version of the standard must be planned in such a way that the changeover is completed in good time before the existing certificates expire and the certification decision is clearly made.

Official requirements: The International Accreditation Forum(IAF) will publish the binding transition regulations when the final standard is published.

Important to know: As soon as the new version of the standard is available, a shortened validity period will automatically apply to initial certifications in accordance with ISO 9001:2015. It is therefore worth aligning your own transition plan with the new version as soon as possible.

Early action pays off: It not only creates planning security for the transition, but also offers the opportunity to strengthen and further develop your own quality management system in a targeted manner.

Recommended steps for the transition

Companies should start preparations at an early stage, as experience has shown that adapting internal processes takes time. Gap analyses and initial measures can already be carried out at this stage on the basis of the Draft International Standard (DIS) in order to identify any need for adaptation at an early stage and to ensure a safe transition.

What you can already do today

• Monitor the development of the standard and follow official publications and information from relevant technical committees(ISO/TC 176).
• Find out regularly about current discussions, interpretations and possible changes in the context of the ISO 9001 revision on our website.
• Subscribe to our newsletter or visit our webinars and revision events - we will keep you regularly up to date.
• Use internal audits or management reviews to identify potential areas for action at an early stage.
• Strengthen systemically relevant topics, such as your KPI structure, your processes for assessing opportunities and risks or your handling of external requirements.
• Review and sharpen your strategic focus, particularly with regard to quality culture, value orientation and ethical behavior.
• Think about appropriate training and awareness-raising for all those involved with an influence on the effectiveness of your quality management system, especially your internal auditors.
• Avoid unnecessary time pressure and make the changeover your project with an implementation plan.
• Strengthen your competitiveness by anticipating future requirements at an early stage.
• Agree all the necessary steps for the transition with your account manager or auditor.
• Position your company as proactive and future-oriented - towards customers and other interested parties.

The safe transition to ISO 9001:2026 - Conclusion

Even though the final version of the revised ISO 9001 will not be available until fall 2026, one thing is certain: waiting means missing out on opportunities. Organizations that get to grips with the new requirements early on will not only make the transition much safer, but will also benefit earlier from the further development of the standard's content.

Topics such as resilience, digital processes and an active quality culture offer real opportunities to future-proof the management system.

DQS - the right partner right from the start

DQS has stood for in-depth expertise, international recognition and the highest audit quality since 1985. As the first German certification company and with the founding partners DGQ and DIN at our side, we combine standardization knowledge, practical experience and a modern understanding of auditing. Our auditors are experienced practitioners who not only want to audit, but also want to understand - and provide you with valuable impulses for the continuous improvement of your management system.

Our audit philosophy is based on going far beyond working through checklists: We ask the right questions, point out potential for improvement and create globally valid comparability and trust through independent, accredited procedures. A DQS certificate stands for quality, efficiency and active customer orientation - and is therefore a strong sign of trust, both within your organization and towards your interested parties. Take us at our word! We look forward to getting in touch with you.

Trust and expertise

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