ISO 9001:2026 – what SMEs need to know

Is ISO 9001:2026 published yet? 

No. At the time of writing, ISO 9001:2026 hasn’t yet been published. 

The updated version is expected to replace ISO 9001:2015, with publication expected around September 2026. That’s important. Although the 2026 version is in the FDIS (Final Draft) stage, as an SME, you should be careful about making any unnecessary or large changes too early. 

You can certainly start preparing now. However, there’s no need to rewrite your whole QMS based only on draft information or online rumours. For now, ISO 9001:2015 is still the current standard. 

Will ISO 9001:2026 affect SMEs? 

ISO 9001:2026 will affect your SME if it’s ISO 9001 certified, planning to become certified, or if you operate or develop a tailored QMS. 

Just because ISO 9001:2026 affects you, however, doesn’t mean the change has to be challenging. ISO 9001 is used by organisations of many different sizes. As long as your system fits your specific business, that’s all that matters. It doesn’t need to be as large or complex as the system used by a large company with multiple sites and full-time compliance staff. 

So, don’t worry about how much paperwork you need. What matters is more specific. Does your quality management system help you analyse, control and improve your organisation’s quality? 

That means your processes should be clear, your records should be useful and your team should understand what they need to do. That’s far more important than the size of your QMS. 

What does this mean for your current certificate? 

Again, don’t worry. Your ISO 9001:2015 certificate won’t suddenly become redundant when ISO 9001:2026 is published. 

Once the 2026 version comes out, there’ll be a transition period. We expect this to be up to three years. During that time, certified businesses will be expected to gradually transition from ISO 9001:2015 to ISO 9001:2026. 

The final transition rules should be confirmed after the new standard is published. Until then, your SME should keep its current ISO 9001 QMS maintained and wait for confirmed guidance before making formal changes. Basically, keep using your current system, but be ready to review it. 

What should SMEs do now? 

In the meantime, you can start with a simple review of your current ISO 9001 QMS. Ask yourself the following questions: 

• Are our main processes still accurate? 

• Do people follow them? 

• Are responsibilities clear? 

• Are customer complaints recorded and reviewed? 

• Are audit findings being fixed? 

• Are suppliers being checked in line with your processes and policies? 

• Are staff training and competence records up to date? 

• Are risks, opportunities, and improvements being reviewed? 

• Are quality objectives still useful? 

These are sensible checks for any SME, even before ISO 9001:2026 is published. If something is unclear, out of date or not being used properly, it’s worth fixing it now, no matter what happens with ISO 9001. 

Should SMEs wait for the 2026 edition before getting ISO 9001 certified? 

Usually, no. If ISO 9001 certification would help you win work, meet customer requirements, improve tender opportunities or run your business better, it may still be worth starting now and certifying your organisation to ISO 9001:2015. 

A well-built ISO 9001:2015 system should give your business a strong starting point for the transition. The important thing is to build a system that works properly, not one only designed to pass an audit. 

All that waiting for ISO 9001:2026 will achieve is delaying the benefits of certification. 

What should SMEs avoid? 

If you’re anything like most SMEs, you don’t have a large quality assurance or technical team to manage ISO 9001. It can be handled by an operations manager, an office manager, or someone who already has several other jobs to do. Or maybe you, as the owner, take responsibility yourself. 

Whoever manages your QMS and ISO 9001 compliance, the important point is, once again, to not overreact. A managed approach is the most sensible, practical, and likely to be effective. At this stage, therefore, you should not: 

• Wait until your next audit to think about the transition 

• Rewrite every procedure before the final standard is published 

• Buy generic ‘ISO 9001:2026 ready’ templates too early 

• Assume every draft change will appear in the final version 

• Make your QMS bigger than it needs to be 

• Treat the change as a document editing job only 

Will ISO 9001:2026 increase costs for SMEs? 

There will be some transition work involved, but this shouldn’t automatically mean a major cost. 

The cost really depends on your current system. If your QMS is well maintained, the transition should be easier. If your documents are out of date, records are missing, or processes aren’t being followed, more work, and investment, may be needed. Carrying out a review now, either in-house or with external ISO consultants, can help reduce financial pressure as you approach the transition deadline. 

Importantly, don’t spend money on unnecessary changes before the final version of ISO 9001:2026 is published. But, with that said, it’s equally crucial to make sure your current QMS isn’t being ignored. 

What is the best approach for SMEs? 

To boil everything down, here’s a practical, and calm, approach for your SME:  

1. Review your current ISO 9001:2015 system. 

1. Implement corrective actions in problem areas (using the 2015 version as your guide). 

1. Make sure your records are up to date. 

1. Keep an eye on official guidance. 

1. Once ISO 9001:2026 is published, conduct a full gap analysis and make focused changes. 

How ISO QSL can help 

If your organisation could use some help in preparing for the ISO 9001:2026 transition, contact ISO QSL. Our team of expert ISO consultants are staying up to date with the proposed changes and can help you prepare now and once the final standard is released. We offer cost-effective services tailored to your operations and your needs. Contact us today for your free, no-obligati