The new edition of ISO 9001 was published on 16 September 2026. The revision does not entail any fundamental change to the existing approach, but it does place emphasis on a number of new aspects. For example, the distinction between risks and opportunities is made clearer, and climate change and sustainability are also given an explicit place within the organisational context. This builds on Amendment 1 of 2024, in which climate change was already added to the requirements relating to the organisation’s context. That amendment is now fully integrated into ISO 9001:2026.
One notable change concerns the approach to risks and opportunities.
The principle of risk-based thinking is not new: ISO 9001:2015 also required organisations to identify risks and opportunities and plan actions. In the 2026 edition, the distinction between the two is made clearer, and there is greater emphasis on a proactive approach to opportunities. Whilst risks relate to potential negative effects or uncertainties, opportunities refer to circumstances that can contribute to achieving the intended results of the quality management system.
ISO 9001:2026 therefore places greater emphasis on considering risks and opportunities separately. Organisations can take both aspects into account in their decision-making and when planning actions. Opportunities may, for example, relate to changes in an organisation’s context, new possibilities or other circumstances that may have a positive effect on the performance of the quality management system.
In addition to these changes, the new edition focuses on leadership, with the introduction of a quality culture and ethical conduct. Management must promote a quality culture and ethical behaviour within the organisation. The concept of a quality culture is introduced here, without any specific requirements being attached to it. Management of change is also given greater attention, in conjunction with accountability.
These developments are also relevant to IBE-BVI. IBE-BVI is itself ISO 9001-certified and acts as the sectoral operator for standardisation activities relating to packaging at European and international level.
A transition period applies to organisations certified to ISO 9001:2015. They must have transitioned to ISO 9001:2026 by 30 September 2029 at the latest. The transition may take place during a scheduled surveillance or recertification audit, or via a separate transition audit.
The new edition thus builds on ISO 9001:2015, with a clearer distinction between risks and opportunities, greater emphasis on a proactive approach to opportunities, and additional focus on leadership, change and the organisational context. The fundamental principle of a quality management system based on risks, opportunities, continuous improvement and customer focus remains unchanged.
