office@rigcert.org
22 September 2026
Background
ISO 9001:2026 was published in September 2026, replacing ISO 9001:2015 (including Amd 1:2024). In line with the applicable accreditation requirements for the transition to the new edition, a three-year transition period applies, ending on 30 September 2029.
This policy describes how RIGCERT will manage the transition and what certified clients need to do to maintain valid, accredited certification.
Summary of key changes in ISO 9001:2026
The changes introduced by the 2026 edition are limited in scope and are expected to be manageable for most organisations. They include:
- Alignment with the Harmonized Structure (Annex SL), including updated terms and definitions (quality management system, quality policy, quality objectives);
- Clarified wording on documented information ("documented information shall be available");
- Reorganisation of clause 5.1.1, including a new requirement for top management to promote quality culture and ethical behaviour;
- Reorganisation of clause 6.1 into 6.1.1 (determining risks and opportunities), 6.1.2 (actions to address risks) and 6.1.3 (actions to address opportunities);
- Additional requirements in clause 6.3 on planning of changes (monitoring and evaluating effectiveness, communication and review of changes);
- Clause 7.3: awareness now extends to organizational quality culture and ethical behaviour;
- Clause 9.3.2: management review inputs now explicitly include changes in the needs and expectations of interested parties;
- A revised informative Annex A and removal of Annex B.
The impact of the changes will differ from one organization to another. It remains each certified organization's responsibility to assess how the changes affect its own context and quality management system.
Key transition deadlines
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Publication of ISO 9001:2026 | September 2026 |
| RIGCERT's accreditation transitioned to ISO 9001:2026 — audits and certification decisions against the new edition possible from this point | Estimated: second quarter of 2027 (no later than 30 September 2027) |
| Last date for initial certifications and recertifications to ISO 9001:2015 | 31 March 2028 |
| End of transition period — ISO 9001:2015 certificates cease to be valid | 30 September 2029 |
The transition of RIGCERT's accreditation is subject to our accreditation body's (ESYD) transition process and decision. The estimated date above will be confirmed and updated as the process advances. Transition audits may be planned before that date; however, accredited QMS ISO 9001:2026 certificates can only be issued after RIGCERT's accreditation for the new edition has been confirmed.
What certified organizations should do
- Obtain and review ISO 9001:2026 and identify the changes relevant to your organisation.
- Update your quality management system — documentation, processes, competence and awareness — to address the revised requirements, and implement the changes.
- Plan your transition audit with us or our representatives. The transition can be carried out:
- during a scheduled surveillance audit;
- during a recertification audit; or
- through a separate special transition audit.
- Complete the transition audit and receive your ISO 9001:2026 certificate before 30 September 2029.
We strongly recommend scheduling the transition during a regular audit, early in the transition period, to avoid delays and additional costs towards the deadline.
Audit time
Some additional audit time may be required for the transition audit, depending on the extent of changes to your management system and on whether the transition is combined with a scheduled audit or performed as a special audit. RIGCERT will confirm any additional time when planning your audit and the applicable accreditation rules.
Certification decisions and certificates
- ISO 9001:2026 certificates will be issued following a positive certification decision based on the results of the transition audit, once RIGCERT's accreditation for the new edition has been confirmed.
- From 31 March 2028, all new (initial) certifications and recertifications will be granted only against ISO 9001:2026.
- All ISO 9001:2015 certificates, regardless of their stated expiry date, cease to be valid on 30 September 2029.
Clients who choose not to transition
Organizations that do not wish to transition to ISO 9001:2026 should inform RIGCERT as early as possible. Audits may continue against ISO 9001:2015 during the transition period; however, certification cannot extend beyond 30 September 2029, and the certificate will be withdrawn at the end of the transition period.
Contact
For questions about the transition or to plan your transition audit, please contact RIGCERT at office[at]rigcert.org.