June 2, 2026
ISO 14001:2026 revision timeline: key dates you need to know
If your organisation has an environmental management system (EMS) under ISO 14001, you likely already know what’s coming next.
The ISO 14001 update has now been published. ISO 14001:2026 replaced ISO 14001:2015 and introduced updated expectations in several key areas.
The process of updating your internal EMS could take years and involve multiple formal stages and transitions. That’s why there are several key dates you need to know in the ISO 14001:2026 revision timeline.
Below, we walk you through these milestones, what each stage means, and how they affect your organisation’s preparation for the updated standard.
Are you prepared for ISO 14001:2026?
We here to help you review your current environmental management system, identify likely transition priorities and prepare for ISO 14001:2026.
About the author
Jodie Turner – Marketing Team Leader
During my time as ISO QSL, I’ve developed extensive knowledge of digital marketing alongside a strong understanding of the ISO standards that help organisations improve.
June 2025
Draft International Standard (DIS) released
In mid-2025, the Draft International Standard (or DIS) for the upcoming ISO 14001 revision was circulated. ISO member bodies had a period in which to review the documentation and comment on it.
This was a critical stage. It allowed specialists like environmental experts, national standards organisations, and other industry groups to suggest adjustments before the standard was finalised.
By the end of the DIS phase, the ISO technical committee responsible for environmental management systems had collected all the feedback it needed. They used this to help shape the final draft (FDIS), released in January 2026.
5 January to 2 March 2026
Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) ballot
After the ISO committee updated the draft, it entered the Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) stage. This represented the almost complete version of ISO 14001:2026. By this point, the only changes were minor editorial adjustments; the overall structure and requirements remained the same.
At this point, ISO member bodies voted on whether the standard should proceed to publication. After the ballot closed, the draft moved into the final production stage.
April 2026
Publication of ISO 14001:2026
ISO 14001:2026 was released in April 2026. It replaced the current ISO 14001:2015 version. Now it’s been published, your organisation can begin transitioning its EMS to the updated standard. You could even get ahead now by purchasing a copy of ISO 14001:2026 or reading summaries , such as those on ISO QSL’s website, to prepare for the updates.
The new version, ISO 14001:2026, incorporates updates reflecting broader and evolving environmental priorities and management practices. The changes should strengthen your requirements around environmental performance, risk management and climate considerations, both within and without your immediate organisational context. The revision also integrates the 2024 climate change amendment.
Transition period begins
As mentioned, ISO 14001:2026’s formal publication came in April 2026, and the transition period started.
While ISO 14001:2026 is now published, it doesn’t make ISO 14001:2015 immediately obsolete. There’s a transition window, which gives you time to get familiar with the new standards, plan your updates, and implement them. This transition window is typically up to three years.
During this time, certification bodies will start offering audits against ISO 14001:2026. This may not be immediate, as these bodies also need to get familiar with the updated standard and train their auditors.
Late 2028 to early 2029
End of transition period for ISO 14001:2015
ISO standards usually allow a three-year transition period after a revised management system standard is published. As ISO 14001:2026 was published in April 2026, that takes us to April 2029.
By this deadline, your organisation must have ISO 14001:2026-compliant EMS in place and audited to remain officially certified to ISO 14001. After the transition date, your previous ISO 14001:2015 certificate will no longer be valid. You may lose your certification until you successfully complete an ISO 14001:2026 audit.
Although early 2029 may seem a long way off, don’t let that catch you out. It will take time to understand the required changes from the updated standard. It will take yet more time to plan the updates, and even more to implement them. You’ll also need to run internal audits and make improvements along the way. Plan to begin transitioning your EMS to ISO 14001:2026 as soon as possible.
Prepare for ISO 14001:2026 with ISO QSL
Preparing for ISO 14001:2026 doesn’t have to be complicated, especially if you start early and have the right guidance. That’s where ISO QSL can help. Our consultants work with organisations to review existing environmental management systems, identify the gaps between ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 14001:2026, and develop a clear transition plan. We can support you through every stage of the process, from understanding the new requirements to updating documentation, training your team and preparing for certification audits.
Whether you’re already certified or planning to implement ISO 14001 for the first time, ISO QSL can help you confidently transition to ISO 14001:2026 while strengthening the effectiveness of your environmental management system. Contact our team of experts today to learn more.