As 2025 comes to a close, it’s a good time for organizations to start thinking about the next wave of ISO standard updates. From environmental responsibility to rapidly evolving technology, ISO standards are evolving to meet the needs of today’s business environment.

 

If your organization already has a management system, or is planning to implement one, you’ll want to get ahead of the changes coming in ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, both of which are set for updates in 2026. Preparing now can save headaches later and give your organization a competitive edge.

 

  ISO Standards: What’s Changing

ISO 9001 Revisions

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) reviews its standards regularly to ensure they remain relevant to evolving industry needs. ISO 9001, last updated in 2015, is expected to undergo revisions in 2026. While details are still pending, anticipated updates may include expanded risk-based thinking, increased focus on digital transformation, and stronger integration of sustainability into quality management systems.

 

Organizations may also need to strengthen areas such as customer satisfaction, supply chain management, employee engagement and training, and performance measurement using advanced metrics. These changes are intended to make quality management systems more proactive, resilient, and aligned with modern business challenges.

 

While the full details are still being finalized, anticipated updates include:

• Expanded risk-based thinking: Organizations may be required to adopt more structured approaches to identify and mitigate operational, technological, and supply chain risks.

• Digital transformation integration: Requirements may include leveraging AI, automation, and digital tools for quality management, data analysis, and process optimization.

• Stronger sustainability alignment: Environmental and social considerations will likely be more integrated into quality management systems.

• Enhanced employee engagement and skill development: A renewed emphasis on workforce involvement, training, and culture of quality across all levels.

• Supply chain resilience: Organizations may need to implement more robust supplier evaluations, risk assessments, and quality monitoring programs.

 

Practical Example:
A mid-sized electronics manufacturer implementing ISO 9001:2026 may need to integrate predictive AI analytics into their production lines to identify defects before they occur, while also training staff to interpret and act on this data effectively.

 

ISO 14001 Revisions

The ISO 14001:2015 standard is in the process of being updated. The Draft International Standard (DIS) for ISO 14001:2025 has been published, and the Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) is expected later in 2025, with official publication anticipated in early 2026.

 

The revision focuses on refinement and alignment rather than introducing entirely new requirements. Key updates include enhanced integration of environmental management with overall business strategy and other ISO standards, improved guidance for supply chain and outsourced activities, and a stronger emphasis on proactively identifying risks and opportunities.

 

Organizations will face higher expectations for transparency in environmental performance reporting and for actively managing the environmental impacts of their supply chains and outsourced operations. Building a culture of environmental responsibility through employee engagement, awareness, and ongoing training is expected to be a critical component of sustainable business success.

 

Key updates include:

• Strategic integration: Environmental management will be more closely aligned with overall business strategy and other ISO standards.

• Supply chain oversight: Enhanced guidance for managing environmental impacts from suppliers and outsourced activities.

• Proactive risk and opportunity management: Organizations will be expected to identify environmental risks before they escalate and capitalize on sustainability opportunities.

• Transparency and reporting: Stakeholders will demand more detailed and transparent reporting of environmental performance.

• Employee engagement and training: Building a culture of environmental responsibility through education and awareness initiatives will be essential.

 

Practical Example:
A logistics company may need to track carbon emissions across its entire supply chain and implement strategies to reduce environmental impact, reporting these efforts transparently to regulators and customers.

 

        Other Trends to Watch

New Technology & AI

With a growing need to address the rapid pace of technological advancements, the revised ISO 9001 standard may introduce more explicit requirements for digital technology. These changes could include anything ranging from managing data security, utilizing digital tools for quality management and ensuring technological innovations align seamlessly with the organization’s quality objectives.

 

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is already paving the way to globally recognized AI standards and has established AI management systems. An AI management system acts as the backbone for responsibly and effectively managing AI projects within an organization. It provides a structured framework to assess risks, implement AI responsibly, and align its use with evolving regulations.

 

Standards such as ISO/IEC 23894 further support this by guiding organizations on risk management, privacy, and fair practices, helping to build trust in AI technologies.

 

Raising Employee Engagement

A revision of ISO 9001 in 2026 may highlight the critical role of people in the success of a QMS, introducing more specific requirements for employee engagement, skill development, and promoting a culture of quality across the organization.

 

Supply Chain Disruptions

In light of global supply chain disruptions, the upcoming ISO 9001 revision may introduce new requirements to strengthen supply chain management. Organizations might be required to implement more in-depth processes for conducting evaluations on supplier performance, ensuring consistent quality of operations and products/services.

 

    Be Prepared for Updates

Organizations can start preparing today by taking these steps:

1. Have a gap analysis conducted to compare current management systems with anticipated updates.

2. Assess supply chain and outsourcing processes for resilience and environmental impact.

3. Review digital tools and AI readiness for quality monitoring and process automation.

4. Strengthen employee training programs to build engagement and skills aligned with new standards.

5. Establish KPIs and reporting mechanisms for sustainability, quality, and compliance.

 

Integration Tip:
Consider aligning ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 27001 management systems to reduce audit fatigue, increase operational efficiency, and create a unified management framework.

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As ISO standards continue to evolve, organizations must stay informed and proactive in adapting to upcoming changes. The anticipated revisions to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 highlight the growing importance of sustainability, digital transformation, and supply chain management. These updates aim to align management systems with modern challenges while providing the tools for organizations to maintain competency, consistency, and quality.

 

Preparing for these changes now can position businesses for long-term success, enhancing their overall performance and competitiveness in a rapidly developing global landscape.

 

The ISO 9001 Group offers management system consulting for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, and more. Contact us today to learn more about how our expert consultants can help organizations prepare for certification and maintain their management systems.