Revision of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) Standard

Revision of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) Standard

 

In February 2024, the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) standard was amended to integrate climate change considerations, reflecting global sustainability demands.

 

Key Amendments:

 

·       Clause 4.1 – New requirement: Organizations must assess whether climate change poses a relevant issue within their operational context.

 

·       Clause 4.2 – Added note: Relevant interested parties may have needs and expectations related to climate change.

 

Potential ISO 9001 Revision Timeline

 

The ISO 9001:2015 standard is currently under review for a potential revision. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) typically revises standards every five years, but updates to ISO 9001 have historically ranged between 6 and 10 years. Initial discussions targeted a 2025 publication, but the revised standard is now expected in 2026.

 

As with previous updates, this revision process will incorporate feedback from industry experts and user groups to maintain the standard’s relevance in today’s quality management practices.

 

Focus of the Revision

 

The revision is expected to:

 

·       Align ISO 9001’s structure with other management system standards (e.g., Annex SL).

 

·       Clarify specific requirements in the annex to reduce ambiguity.

 

·       Potentially address new areas, including:

 

o   Ethics, integrity, vision, mission, and values.

 

o   The role of quality culture in fostering organizational resilience.

 

o   Managing risks and opportunities in dynamic environments.

 

While no fundamental changes to the core structure of ISO 9001 are planned, these updates are intended to harmonize ISO 9001 with other standards, clarify existing requirements, and emphasize factors such as ethics, organizational mission, quality culture, and proactive risk management in quality practices.

 

Additionally, ISO 9000, which provides definitions and quality management principles, is also under review to expand its scope with new terms and definitions.

 

Objectives and Participation

 

The ISO/TC 176/SC2/WG29 committee is responsible for leading the ISO 9001 revision process. The update aims to ensure that the standard addresses current and future quality management needs, making it easier for users to interpret and implement.

 

Key objectives of the update include:

 

·       Reviewing the validity and applicability of existing requirements.

 

·       Evaluating the impact of emerging trends and technologies.

 

·       Aligning with the harmonized structure (Annex SL).

 

·       Addressing requests for clearer interpretation of requirements.

 

Those interested in contributing to the revision process can participate by contacting their National Standards Body or a liaison organization.

 

The decision to initiate a revision was made in August 2023, motivated by the complexities of the global economic and political landscape, as well as technological advancements.

 

Regards,
Keshav Ram Singhal