ISO 9001:2026 Draft International Standard (DIS) – Public Consultation Now Open

The big news in the world of quality management is here: the Draft International Standard (DIS) for ISO 9001:2026 has been released and is now open for public consultation.

If your business is certified to ISO 9001, or you’re planning to be, this draft is worth paying attention to. It shapes the future of quality management systems worldwide, and for the first time in nearly a decade, we’re seeing significant updates.

So, let’s answer the key question:

What does the ISO 9001:2026 DIS mean for businesses, and how can you get involved?

Why Is ISO 9001:2026 Important?

ISO 9001 is the world’s most popular quality management standard, used by more than one million organizations. The 2015 version has stood the test of time, but businesses have changed dramatically since then.

Supply chains are more complex.
Digital tools and AI play a bigger role.
Customers demand accountability on sustainability and climate action.
Culture and ethics are now seen as central to trust.

The 2026 revision is designed to reflect these changes. And because it’s still a draft, you have the chance to comment before it becomes final.

What’s Happening Now?

The ISO 9001:2026 DIS was officially published at the end of August 2025.
National standards bodies (like BSI in the UK or AFNOR in France) are running public consultation periods where businesses and individuals can provide feedback.
These consultations typically last a few weeks. For example, AFNOR is closing theirs on October 14, 2025.

This is your opportunity to review the draft and highlight anything that could be improved, clarified, or adjusted.

Key Changes in the Draft

While it’s not yet final, here are some of the main updates you’ll see in the draft text:

Leadership and Culture – Stronger expectations for leaders to promote a quality-driven, ethical culture.
Risk and Opportunities – Clearer separation of risk and opportunity management, with practical guidance on how to approach both.
Climate and Sustainability – Integration of the climate change considerations introduced in 2024 into the core standard.
Digitalization and Resilience – Recognition of digital tools, technology, and supply chain resilience as key to quality management.
Annex A Expansion – Additional explanations to help organizations interpret the clauses correctly.

ISO 9001:2026 Timeline

Here’s how the revision process is expected to play out:

Stage	Timing	What It Means
DIS (Draft International Standard)	August 2025 – late 2025	Public consultation, comments collected
FDIS (Final Draft)	Early 2026	Final version for approval and vote
Publication	Target: September 2026	ISO 9001:2026 officially published
Transition Period	Around 3 years (likely until 2029)	Businesses move from ISO 9001:2015 to ISO 9001:2026

What Should Businesses Do Now?

Here’s how you can prepare:

Get the Draft – Obtain the DIS from your national standards body.
Read the Updates – Focus on areas like leadership, ethics, climate, and digitalization.
Give Feedback – Submit your comments before the consultation closes.
Run a Gap Analysis – Compare your current QMS to the proposed changes.
Plan Ahead – Begin preparing your team for the transition to ISO 9001:2026.

To get customised support specific to your organisation, please get in touch with us.

FAQ

1. What is the ISO 9001:2026 Draft International Standard (DIS)?

The DIS is the draft version of the new ISO 9001 standard, released for public consultation. It allows businesses, auditors, and stakeholders to review and provide feedback before the final version is published in 2026.

2. When will ISO 9001:2026 be published?

ISO 9001:2026 is expected to be officially published in September 2026, replacing ISO 9001:2015.

3. How long is the ISO 9001:2026 transition period?

Organisations will likely have a three-year transition period, meaning certifications to ISO 9001:2015 should remain valid until 2029.

4. What are the main differences between ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 9001:2026?

Key differences include:

Greater emphasis on leadership, culture, and ethics.
Stronger focus on risk and opportunity management.
Integration of climate change and sustainability.
Consideration of digitalization and supply chain resilience.
Expanded guidance in Annex A.

5. How can I give feedback on ISO 9001:2026?

You can give feedback through your national standards body (e.g., BSI in the UK, AFNOR in France). Each country runs its own public consultation window.

Still have questions? Let’s chat.

Final Thoughts

The release of the ISO 9001:2026 DIS marks the start of an important transition in quality management. By consulting now, you can influence the standard before it’s finalized—and prepare your business for the coming changes.

Don’t wait until 2026. Get involved in the consultation, review the updates, and start planning your transition. That way, when the new standard arrives, your business will already be one step ahead.

Need customised assistance? Ask us to call you back:

About Us

Candy Management Consultants has guided UK businesses through stress-free ISO certifications since 2017. Our 100% first-pass success rate comes from tailoring frameworks to your operations and personalised approach – not checklists, at fixed day rates, transparent per-project contracts and with the help of the modern ISO management software.