Forthcoming ISO 9001:2026 – 02 – Why the Revision of ISO 9001 is Needed

Forthcoming ISO 9001:2026 – 02 – Why the Revision of ISO 9001 is Needed

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Background of ISO 9001 Revisions

 

ISO 9001, the international standard for quality management systems, has undergone several revisions since its inception to ensure it remains relevant and effective. The standard was first published in 1987, establishing a framework for quality management. Subsequent revisions occurred in 1994, 2000, 2008, and 2015. Each revision addressed evolving organizational needs and global trends:

 

·       1987 – The first edition of ISO 9001 was published, focusing on quality assurance in design, production, and service through documented procedures. It was more prescriptive, emphasizing conformance.

 

·       1994 – Revision introduced preventive action requirements, with more emphasis on process control, compliance and consistent documentation. It refined the original framework.

 

·       2000 – A major revision aligned the standard with process-based thinking, customer satisfaction, and continual improvement. It replaced the earlier 20-clause structure with the process approach. It enhanced flexibility and customer focus.

 

 

·       2008 – A clarifying revision; no new requirements, but improvements in consistency and interpretation.

 

·       2015 – Significant changes: Adopted the High-Level Structure (HLS), integrating risk-based thinking, leadership engagement, and adaptability to diverse organizations and less prescriptive documentation.

 

This evolution shows ISO 9001 QMS has always adapted to the needs of organizations and global business challenges.

 

Review Cycle of ISO Standards

 

ISO standards, including ISO 9001QMS standard, are subject to a systematic review every 5–7 years to assess their relevance and effectiveness. Each systematic review ensures standards evolve in response to technological advancements, market dynamics, and stakeholder needs. Purpose of the review is to determine whether the standard should be confirmed, revised, or withdrawn. The review ensures standards remain relevant, aligned with current practices, and continue to serve users effectively. The review process involves global consultations with users, certification bodies, and industry experts to identify gaps and incorporate improvements. Regular updates maintain ISO 9001’s credibility as a globally recognized benchmark for quality management.

 

Changing Business Environment

 

The global business landscape has transformed significantly, necessitating updates to ISO 9001 QMS to address emerging challenges and opportunities:

 

·       Digitalization and Industry 4.0: The rise of Industry 4.0, automation, integration of artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics requires quality management systems to integrate digital tools for efficiency, traceability, and decision-making. ISO 9001 must adapt to support organizations leveraging these technologies.

 

·       ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) and Sustainability: Growing emphasis on environmental and social responsibility demands that quality management aligns with sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, optimizing resources, and meeting regulatory requirements. Organizations are now expected to align with sustainability goals, circular economy, and social responsibility.

 

·       Resilience and Risk Preparedness: Recent global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, highlight the need for robust risk management and business continuity strategies within quality frameworks.

 

·       Supply Chain Challenges: Global supply chains face disruptions, requiring stronger quality control, transparency, and traceability. Increasingly complex and globalized supply chains require enhanced coordination, transparency, and risk mitigation to ensure consistent quality across suppliers and partners.

 

·       Stakeholder Expectations: Beyond customers, there are growing demands from regulators, investors, employees, and society for responsible, ethical, and value-driven quality practices and accountability, pushing organizations to align quality management with broader stakeholder values.

 

Ensuring ISO 9001 Remains the Most Widely Used Management System Standard

 

ISO 9001 QMS standard is the world’s most widely adopted management system standard, implemented by over one million organizations across 170 countries. To maintain this position, revisions are critical to ensure the standard remains practical, adaptable, and relevant. By addressing digital transformation, sustainability, and resilience, ISO 9001 QMS standard can support organizations in diverse sectors, from manufacturing to services. Regular updates also enhance its compatibility with other ISO standards (e.g., ISO 14001, ISO 45001) through the HLS, facilitating integrated management systems. A revised ISO 9001 QMS standard ensures organizations can meet modern challenges while delivering consistent quality, reinforcing its global relevance and value.

 

The revision in ISO 9001 QMS standard will keep ISO 9001 QMS aligned with emerging global challenges, ensure continued business confidence and trust in certified organizations and strengthen ISO 9001’s role as a foundation standard that connects with other ISO management standards.

The revision of ISO 9001 QMS standard is not merely a routine update but a necessary step to align quality management principles and requirements with the realities of today’s fast-changing business landscape. By addressing digitalization, sustainability, resilience, and stakeholder’s needs, ISO 9001 QMS standard will continue to provide organizations with a robust framework for achieving quality excellence and business success.

 

Regards, 

Keshav Ram Singhal 

Thanks to Visitors

Thanks to Visitors

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My blogs on Quality Awareness have now crossed 775,000+ visitors in total. This is indeed a matter of joy and inspiration for me.

 

Current Statistics:

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Your continuous support and readership encourage me to write and share more.

Heartfelt thanks to all the visitors.

 

With regards,
Keshav Ram Singhal

 

Forthcoming ISO 9001:2026 - 01 - ISO Technical Committees Involved in Revising ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 9000:2015 Standards

Forthcoming ISO 9001:2026 - 01 - ISO Technical Committees Involved in Revising ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 9000:2015 Standards

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The revision of ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management Systems – Requirements) and ISO 9000:2015 (Quality Management Systems – Fundamentals and Vocabulary) standards is currently in progress, managed by ISO/TC 176, the technical committee responsible for the ISO 9000 family of standards. ISO/TC 176 oversees the development, revision, and maintenance of quality management standards to ensure they remain relevant to evolving business, organizational and societal needs. The committee addresses key concepts such as the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, process approach, risk-based thinking, digital transformation, sustainability and other emerging aspects of quality management.

 

ISO/TC 176 delegates specific tasks to its subcommittees to leverage specialized expertise in revising ISO 9000 and ISO 9001 QMS standards. The key subcommittees involved are:

 

1. ISO/TC 176/SC 1 – Concepts and Terminology: This subcommittee focuses on revising ISO 9000, which defines the fundamentals and vocabulary for quality management systems. SC 1 ensures that definitions, principles, and concepts align with contemporary practices and support the application of standards like ISO 9001:2026.

 

2. ISO/TC 176/SC 2 – Quality Systems: This subcommittee (responsible for revising ISO 9001 QMS standard) outlines the requirements for quality management systems. SC 2 ensures that the standard remains practical and adaptable to diverse industries while incorporating emerging trends and stakeholder needs.

 

Close collaboration between ISO/TC 176/SC 1 and SC 2 ensures consistency between the terminology in ISO 9000 QMS standard and the requirements in ISO 9001 QMS standard. Other subcommittees, such as ISO/TC 176/SC 3 (Supporting Technologies), may provide supplementary guidance on tools and methodologies, such as ISO 10010:2022 for quality culture, though their role in the revision process is less direct.

 

ISO/TC 176 and its subcommittees comprise representatives from national standards bodies, such as the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and British Standards Institution (BSI), as well as industry experts and stakeholders. Organizations and professionals can participate in the revision process through their national standards body’s mirror committee for ISO/TC 176, often via technical committees or public consultation periods.

 

Note: As of September 2025, forthcoming ISO 9001:2026 standard is still in development, with publication expected in 2026. For the latest updates, refer to official ISO communications or national standards bodies.

 

Acknowledgements: This write-up draws on information from ISO’s official website, national standards bodies’ websites, industry publications, AI tools (such as Grok, ChatGPT). All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy. Errors or omissions, if any, are regretted.

 

Regards, 

Keshav Ram Singhal 

Awareness Write-up - Quality Control Orders (QCO) – A Strong Step Towards Consumer Safety

Awareness Write-up -

Quality Control Orders (QCO) – A Strong Step Towards Consumer Safety

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Quality Control Orders (QCO) are regulatory instruments issued by the Government of India to ensure that products manufactured, imported, or sold in the country conform to the relevant Indian Standards. These orders aim to provide consumers with quality-assured, safe, and reliable products, thereby preventing the circulation of substandard goods in the Indian market. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the authorized body responsible for product certification and enforcement of compliance with QCOs.

 

Key Aspects of Quality Control Orders

 

1. Objective

·       To ensure the availability of high-quality, safe, and reliable products in the market.

·       To prevent the manufacturing and import of substandard or unreliable products.

·       To protect consumer interests by promoting compliance with Indian Standards.

 

2. Implementation

·       Quality Control Orders are issued by the concerned Regulatory Ministries under the Central Government.

·       Once a QCO is notified, compliance with the specified Indian Standards becomes mandatory for the relevant product(s).

 

3. Role of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

·       BIS acts as both the certification authority and the enforcement agency for products covered under QCOs.

·       Certified products bear the ISI mark, indicating conformity with the relevant Indian Standard.

 

4. Mandatory Compliance

·       Products falling under QCOs must carry the ISI mark to be legally manufactured, imported, or sold in India.

·       The sale or import of uncertified products is prohibited.

·       Regulatory Ministries periodically update the scope of QCOs to include new product categories.

 

5. Consequences of Non-Compliance

·       Non-compliance may result in financial penalties.

·       Prohibition of sale or import of uncertified products.

·       Possible legal action under applicable laws and regulations.

 

6. Products Covered under QCOs

The range of products under QCOs is expanding regularly. Some common categories include:

·       Electrical equipment (e.g., switches, wires, chargers)

·       Steel and steel products (e.g., TMT bars, pipes)

·       Chemicals (e.g., solvents, acids)

·       Textile items (e.g., protective clothing, helmet liners)

·       Plastic products (e.g., kitchenware, toys)

·       Construction materials and many more.

 

7. Certification Requirement

Manufacturers and importers must obtain BIS certification before offering QCO-covered products for sale in India. Certification ensures adherence to safety, performance, and quality benchmarks.

 

8. Standardization and Consumer Protection

·       QCOs help establish uniformity, reliability, and product quality.

·       Consumers benefit from the absence of inferior products in the market and gain access to safe and dependable goods.

 

9. Trade Regulation

QCOs serve as an effective trade regulatory mechanism, helping to:

·       Block the entry of substandard imports

·       Safeguard the domestic market and industry reputation

·       Promote fair competition and quality assurance

 

Conclusion

 

Quality Control Orders (QCOs) are not merely legal obligations—they play a vital role in consumer protection, market discipline, and national quality infrastructure. Their effective implementation boosts public confidence and strengthens India’s commitment to delivering globally competitive, high-standard products.

 

For more information on specific QCOs, visit the official website of the Bureau of IndianStandards (BIS).

 

Regards,
Keshav Ram Singhal

QMS Awareness Blog featured in FeedSpot - Top 20 Quality Management Blogs

I am glad to inform you that this blog was selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 20 Quality Management Blogs on the web. Please CLICK HERE to visit FeedSpot link.

FeedSpot has  also created a badge (shown below) for this blog to highlight this recognition.  

I thank FeedSpot as well as our followers and visitors, who have shown continued support to this blog.

Kind regards,

Keshav Ram Singhal 

Why ISO 9001 QMS Remains the Most Implemented Globally

Why ISO 9001 QMS Remains the Most Implemented Globally 

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Key Points 

1. Global Adoption of ISO 9001 

   - ISO 9001 is the most widely implemented standard among the over 25,795  international standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

   - As of September 2024, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) reported that there were 827,048 valid ISO 9001 certifications worldwide.  Although the number of certifications has declined globally, still ISO 9001 remains the most widely implemented quality management system standard globally, underscoring its continued relevance and applicability across various industries and regions.

2. Insights 

     - Customer Focus -  Organizations implement ISO 9001 QMS to meet customer demands for quality and competitive pricing.

     - Ease of Understanding -  The standard's approach is straightforward, facilitating easier implementation.

     - Systematic Approach -  ISO 9001 utilizes time-tested best practices tailored to customer requirements.

     - Customer Satisfaction:  The customer-centric nature of ISO 9001 QMS leads to increased satisfaction, sales, and operational efficiency.

     - Simplicity -  The standard's simplicity and clarity as key factors in its widespread adoption.

3. Conclusion 

   - The ISO 9001's global recognition, customer-focused approach, simplicity, and systematic methodology contribute to its status as the most implemented ISO standard worldwide.

Regards,

Keshav Ram Singhal

Understanding Continual, Constant, and Continuous Improvement

Understanding Continual, Constant, and Continuous Improvement  

 

While leading a training session on ‘ISO 9001 QMS Awareness,’ I was explaining the standard’s requirements for continual improvement when a participant raised a question: “What’s the deal with ‘continual improvement’ in ISO 9001? How does it differ from ‘continuous’ or ‘constant’ improvement?” It’s a great question—and one that comes up often. These terms are frequently used interchangeably, but they carry distinct meanings that can shape how we approach progress in quality management and beyond. Let’s break it down with clarity and a fresh perspective for 2025.

 

What Do These Terms Really Mean?

 

Though ‘continual,’ ‘constant,’ and ‘continuous’ improvement all suggest progress over time, they differ in how that progress unfolds:

 

Continual Improvement - Think of this as climbing a staircase. It’s progress made through a series of steps—each one building on the last—with pauses to assess and adjust. In practice, it’s the heartbeat of quality management systems like ISO 9001, where regular audits or reviews spark incremental gains. 

 

Example - A company revises its processes quarterly based on performance data.

 

Constant Improvement - Picture a conveyor belt humming along at a fixed speed. This is steady, unchanging progress without breaks—reliable but rare in dynamic environments where adaptability matters. 

 

Example - A machine consistently churning out parts at the same quality level.

 

Continuous Improvement - Imagine water flowing downhill without stopping. This is seamless, uninterrupted enhancement—an ideal often chased in lean methodologies or tech-driven fields. 

 

Example - Real-time software updates rolled out to users without downtime.

 

Why ISO 9001 QMS Standard Picks ‘Continual’

 

The ISO 9001 standard—updated to its 2015 version as of 2025—sticks with ‘continual improvement’ for a reason. Clause 10.3 calls for organizations to identify opportunities and act on them over time, reflecting the reality of quality management: progress isn’t a constant stream but a cycle of planning, doing, checking, and acting (PDCA). W. Edwards Deming, a pioneer in quality, favored ‘continual’ to capture this broader, step-wise approach, while ‘continuous’ often implies a narrower, unbroken flow within a specific process.

 

Summing It Up: A Quick Comparison

 

Here’s a snapshot of the differences:

 

| Term                 | Definition                            | Key Trait                     | Example                  |

|-----------------------|--------------------------------------|-----------------------|------------------------------|

| Continual Improvement | Step-by-step progress with pauses   | Reflective breaks     | Regular process audits       |

| Constant Improvement  | Steady progress at a fixed pace      | Unchanging rhythm     | Consistent machine output    |

| Continuous Improvement| Uninterrupted, flowing enhancements | Seamless flow         | Real-time software updates   |

 

Applying These Concepts Now

 

These distinctions aren’t just academic—they play out in real-world scenarios:

 

Continual Improvement - Dominant in management systems like ISO 9001 or ISO 14001, where organizations review metrics at set intervals (e.g., monthly or annually) and tweak processes accordingly.

 

Constant Improvement - Fits controlled settings, like a production line with fixed output goals, though it struggles to adapt to sudden shifts.

 

Continuous Improvement - Shines in tech, where DevOps teams push live updates to enhance systems without interrupting service.

 

So, Does the Debate Matter?

 

In training rooms and boardrooms, you’ll hear ‘continual’ and ‘continuous’ used as if they’re twins. Some argue ‘continual’ encompasses ‘continuous,’ while others see them as equals. For many quality consultants, the distinction’s a non-issue. I’d argue it’s nice to know the etymology—‘continual’ for recurring with breaks, ‘continuous’ for unbroken flow—but it’s not the hill to die on. What matters most? Results. The real win is fostering an improvement culture—however you label it—and delivering value to the organization.

 

Wrapping Up

 

Whether it’s the deliberate steps of continual improvement, the steady hum of constant progress, or the relentless flow of continuous enhancement, the goal is the same: get better. For quality professionals implementing ISO 9001 QMS or any management system, focus less on debating terms and more on promoting a mindset of progress. Support it, apply it, and move forward—because in the end, it’s the outcomes that count.

 

Best wishes,

Keshav Ram Singhal

 

Upcoming Revision of the ISO 9001 QMS Standard

Upcoming Revision of the ISO 9001 QMS Standard

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The upcoming revision of the ISO 9001 QMS standard is expected to emphasize digital transformation. It aims to integrate technology and data analysis into quality management systems while strengthening sustainability, risk-based thinking, stakeholder engagement, and supply chain management.

 

Key anticipated changes in ISO 9001 QMS may include the following:

 

(1) Digitalization and Industry 4.0:

Increased focus on leveraging digital tools, automation, data analysis, and information security to enhance quality management.

 

(2) Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility:

Integrating environmental considerations into quality management processes, including practices to reduce carbon footprint and promote sustainable business operations.

 

(3) Enhanced Risk Management:

Further development of risk-based thinking, proactively identifying and addressing potential issues across the organization.

 

(4) Stronger Stakeholder Focus:

Greater emphasis on understanding and addressing customer needs, employee engagement, and broader stakeholder expectations.

 

(5) Supply Chain Management:

More rigorous evaluation of suppliers and managing supply chain risks to ensure resilience.

 

(6) Ethics and Integrity:

Integrating ethical considerations and leadership practices within quality management systems.

 

Key Focus Areas: In addition to the anticipated changes as mentioned above, the revision may also address:

 

Quality Culture: Fostering a culture that supports quality objectives and continuous improvement.

 

Customer Experience: Expanding the focus from customer satisfaction to the broader customer experience.

 

Additional key points to note:

 

Timeline: The revised ISO 9001 standard is scheduled for publication in September 2026.

 

Alignment with Other Standards: The revision aims to harmonize ISO 9001 more closely with other management system standards, such as ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), to facilitate integrated management systems.

 

Impact on organizations: Certified organizations will need to update their quality management systems to comply with the revised standard. Based on past practice, organizations currently certified under ISO 9001:2015 will likely have a three-year transition period from the publication date to implement the new requirements.

 

The above information aligns with current expectations for the ISO 9001:2026 revision. The revision process commenced in late 2023. The ISO/TC 176 Working Group 29 (WG 29) initiated the update to review existing requirements, consider emerging trends such as new technologies, and align ISO 9001 with updates to ISO 9000, which covers fundamentals and vocabulary.

 

A Working Draft (WD) was circulated in December 2023 to over 80 experts from 46 countries for review. Subsequent meetings, including one in February 2024, have been held to evaluate inputs and progress the draft. The development process includes multiple stages, with the current focus on finalizing the content of the Second Committee Draft (CD2).

 

As of February 2025, the revision remains in the Committee Draft (CD) stage. The project timeline has been extended to 36 months to accommodate thorough review and consensus-building. The publication of the revised ISO 9001 standard is now planned for September 2026.

 

To ensure a smooth transition, organizations should stay updated through official ISO communications and actively engage with industry experts. The information provided in this write-up has been compiled from various sources. 

 

Regards,

Keshav Ram Singhal

Sources: thecoresolution.com, theauditoronline.com, committee.iso.org, 9001simplified.com 

Clarifications: Added on 21 March 2025

(1) It is clarified that ISO standards are reviewed every five years, but revisions aren’t mandatory unless deemed necessary. For ISO 9001, the timeline has varied: 1987 to 1994 (7 years), 1994 to 2000 (6 years), 2000 to 2008 (8 years), 2008 to 2015 (7 years). The range of 6–10 years fits historically, but the “typically five years” claim applies to reviews, not revisions. 

(2) As regards - The revision may focus on "resilience, supply chain management, change management, sustainability, dealing with risks, [and] organizational knowledge." - the facts are: Expected changes align with speculated changes based on industry discussions and ISO committee hints (e.g., from DGQ and TC 176 members). Digital transformation and sustainability are widely expected, especially post-2024 amendment, though specifics remain unconfirmed until drafts are finalized. 

(3) ISO reviews its standards every five years to assess their relevance, but revisions to ISO 9001 have historically occurred every 6 to 10 years, depending on need (e.g., 2000 to 2008: 8 years; 2008 to 2015: 7 years).

(4) Initially slated for December 2025, the revision is now expected in late 2026 due to the need for a second Committee Draft (CD2) after feedback on the first draft (CD1) in 2024 revealed unresolved structural and content issues.

(5) The revision may emphasize resilience (e.g., adapting to disruptions like pandemics), supply chain management (e.g., supplier performance monitoring), digital transformation (e.g., integrating AI and data analytics), sustainability (building on the 2024 climate amendment), and enhanced risk management (e.g., separating risks from opportunities). These reflect stakeholder feedback and global trends, though final changes await draft confirmation.

(6) The ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) standard, last revised in 2015, received a climate change amendment in February 2024 (ISO 9001:2015/Amd 1:2024), adding considerations to Clauses 4.1 and 4.2. In August 2023, ISO/TC 176 approved a full revision—36 votes for, 25 against—driven by technological advancements and global challenges like supply chain disruptions. While ISO reviews standards every five years, revisions to ISO 9001 typically span 6–10 years. Initially targeting December 2025, the release is now delayed to late 2026 due to the need for a second Committee Draft (CD2) after feedback on CD1 in 2024.

Thanks,

KRS

Lean ISO Management System

Lean ISO Management System

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"Lean ISO Management System" is a concept that integrates Lean principles with ISO management system standards to create a more efficient, streamlined, and value-driven approach to quality, safety, environmental, or other management systems. It focuses on reducing waste, improving processes, and maximizing customer value while ensuring compliance with ISO standards. The objective of the Lean philosophy is the elimination of waste in processes. There are many examples of Lean tools (such as 5S, Kanban, or Value Stream Mapping, etc.) in manufacturing that showed an increase in productivity and significant cost reduction.  

 

Key Elements of a ‘Lean ISO Management System’

 

1.   Lean Principles Applied to ISO standards

 

o   Elimination of Waste: Removing non-value-added activities in documentation, audits, reporting, and processes.

 

o   Continual Improvement (Kaizen): Enhancing the processes regularly rather than just during audits.

 

o   Process Efficiency: Simplifying procedures, reducing bureaucracy, and using value stream mapping.

 

o   Standardization: Creating simple, effective, and user-friendly documentation and workflows.

 

2.   Integration with ISO Standards

 

o   Can be applied to ISO 9001:2015 QMS, ISO 14001:2015 EMS, ISO 45001:2018 OHSM, ISO 27001:2022 ISMS, and other management system standards.

 

o   Ensures that compliance requirements do not create unnecessary complexity but add value to the organization.

 

3.   Benefits of a ‘Lean ISO Management System’

 

o   Reduces excessive documentation and bureaucracy.

 

o   Increases employee engagement and efficiency.

 

o   Enhances customer satisfaction by improving value delivery.

 

o   Improves audit readiness and overall system effectiveness.

 

o   Saves time and cost by removing inefficiencies.

 

o   Simplifies implementation and adoption.

 

Lean ISO Management System approach is useful for organizations looking to maintain certification to ISO standards without unnecessary administrative burdens while focusing on continual improvement and customer value.

 

Regards,

Keshav Ram Singhal