The countdown is on. ISO 9001:2026 is the sixth edition of the world’s most widely used quality management standard. It is set for official publication on 16 September. To mark the moment, ISO is hosting a free launch livestream. The session will give organizations a first look at how the standard evolves. It will also cover what to expect when moving toward certification under the new edition.
For companies already certified to ISO 9001:2015, publication day will not change anything overnight. However, it will start the clock on the transition period. From that point on, preliminary interpretations give way to the final, confirmed requirements.
ISO is hosting a short online session to introduce the new edition. The session is aimed directly at organizations, auditors, and quality professionals who will work with it.
- Date: Wednesday, 16 September 2026
- Time: 09:00–09:30 CEST
- Format: Free livestream, hosted by ISO
- Where to register: Through ISO’s official channels
The session walks through what is changing in the new edition. It also covers what remains familiar from ISO 9001:2015. Finally, it explains how organizations can begin preparing for the transition.
Why 16 September matters
ISO had indicated September 2026 as the expected publication window for several months. Now, 16 September is the confirmed date. The sixth edition will replace ISO 9001:2015 and its 2024 climate action amendment. Even so, it carries forward the same overall structure. At the same time, it sharpens requirements around leadership and quality culture, information management, risk and opportunity, supply chain resilience, and sustainability.
We covered these changes in detail in our earlier article on ISO 9001:2026: Key Changes. This remains the right starting point for understanding what is actually different in the new requirements.
What happens next for certified organizations
Publication will not require certified organizations to act immediately. However, it will mean the requirements are final rather than provisional. As a result, now is the right moment to:
- Follow the launch livestream and note the confirmed ISO 9001:2026 requirements
- Compare them against your current management system once published
- Plan the transition timeline rather than leaving adjustments until close to an audit
ISO has confirmed that a transition period will apply for organizations moving from ISO 9001:2015 to the new edition. Even so, the definitive timing and conditions will follow through ISO’s official communications.
RoyalCert and the ISO 9001:2026 transition
At RoyalCert, as an international certification body, we will be following the launch of ISO 9001:2026. Meanwhile, we will also share what it means for certified organizations as the transition period takes shape.
Registering for the livestream, or already planning your transition?
Ready to take the next step in your certification?
If your organization is preparing for the ISO 9001:2026 transition, we invite you to learn more about our certification services. We are here to help you strengthen your management system and build the trust your market demands.
To follow the standard directly from the source, visit the official website of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).