WHAT SWISS COMPANIES NEED TO KNOW TO NAVIGATE THE TRANSITION EFFECTIVELY
On september 16, the new ISO 9001:2026 was published.
ISO 9001:2026 is the revision of the world’s most widely adopted standard for quality management systems.
The transition period expected for companies will presumably be 3 years.
The official dates, together with the transition requirements and arrangements, will be established by the national Accreditation Bodies and the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated. Additional information will be communicated soon.
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.
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ISO 9001:2026: what are the main updates?
The new standard incorporates several changes reflecting current trends and market expectations.
These updates will support organizations in building customer confidence and responding more effectively to global challenges:- Simplified terminology;
- Confirmation of climate change-related requirements;
- Enhanced accountability of top management;
- New requirements promoting a culture of quality, ethics and integrity;
- Clearer distinction between risks, opportunities and related actions;
- Greater focus on change effectiveness;
- References to the adoption of innovative technologies;
- A fully revised Annex A, redesigned as an explanatory guide to facilitate the understanding and implementation of the new requirements and to support organizations operating in a rapidly changing environment.
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How is ISO 9001:2026 structured?
The revision of ISO 9001 is aligned with the new Harmonized Structure (HS).
This represents an evolved version of the previous High Level Structure (HLS), while containing minor content and terminology adjustments. The HS published in 2021 forms the common core structure of all modern management systems and gradually replaces the current HLS.
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. - Step 4: Training
Bureau Veritas accompanies clients and auditors throughout the transition with targeted training and continuous support.
