WHAT SWISS COMPANIES NEED TO KNOW TO NAVIGATE THE TRANSITION EFFECTIVELY
What is ISO 9001:2026?
ISO 9001:2026 is the upcoming revision of the world’s most widely adopted standard for quality management systems. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published the official Draft International Standard (DIS) in August 2025, initiating the international comment phase during which organizations and experts worldwide are invited to contribute to the final version. The definitive release will bring significant changes for companies in Switzerland and globally.
The Draft International Standard (DIS), published in July 2025, was officially approved by the participating countries with a 97% consensus.
Starting from January 2026, the ISO committee will need to review the comments received, which concern various topics such as the management of the management review, the definition of organizational culture, the role of leadership, and other technical aspects such as metrology and data traceability.
Numerous comments also focus on Annex A and address both the linguistic terminology used and its structure as an 'Advanced Guidance' section of the standard.
The ISO working group is working to address the comments as effectively as possible and expects to release the Final Draft by March 2026
What are the goals of the new ISO 9001:2026?
Since the last revision in 2015, the economic landscape has changed profoundly. ISO 9001:2026 addresses :
- Technological innovations
- Growing sustainability and ESG requirements
- Risks in global supply chains.
This is a targeted and selective revision - not a complete rewrite, but a strategic update. The official publication is expected in autumn 2026. Until then, the text may still be modified.
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What are the main updates and how is ISO 9001:2026 structured?
Adoption of the Harmonized Structure (HS)
As outlined in section 3, the standard aligns with the new Harmonized Structure introduced in 2021, replacing the previous High Level Structure (HLS) and forming the common structural basis for all modern management systems.
Climate change as an external factor
Section 4 explicitly considers climate change as a key external factor. Companies must assess how to manage climate-related risks.
Focus on quality policy
Section 5 introduces requirements to promote a culture of quality and ethical behavior, emphasizing that the quality policy must align with corporate strategy.
Separate management of risks and opportunities
Section 6.1 is split into two subsections:
6.1.2: Measures for risk management
6.1.3: Measures for opportunity managementStrengthening awareness
Section 7.3 now includes requirements to promote quality awareness and organizational ethics.
Greater clarity with Appendix A
Informative Appendix A has been expanded to prevent misinterpretations and facilitate implementation.
Removal of Appendix B
The Appendix B listing related ISO standards has been removed.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE ISO 9001:2026 TRANSITION?
- Step 1: Analyze the content in advance
While awaiting the final version, companies should assess the impact on their current management system by reviewing the draft. - Step 2: Conduct a GAP Analysis
Systematically identify differences between the current system and ISO 9001:2026. - Step 3: Use the transition period strategically and prepare documentation
As with previous revisions, a three-year transition period may follow the publication. It is expected that the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) will soon release binding documents for converting existing ISO 9001:2015 certificates to ISO 9001:2026.