The Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) ballot for ISO 9001:2026 is currently underway, with publication of the revised standard expected in mid to late 2026.
This stage represents the final formal vote before publication. For certified organisations, it provides strong confidence in the direction of the revised standard, as content at this stage is effectively fixed. The FDIS is understood to be consistent with the Draft International Standard (DIS) that preceded it, meaning no substantive new requirements are anticipated.
What the FDIS ballot means
The FDIS ballot allows national standards bodies to cast a final vote on whether the draft should be approved for publication. Unlike earlier stages, the content is no longer open for technical change; the ballot is a vote on whether editorial changes are needed or the standard proceeds as written.
For organisations currently certified to ISO 9001:2015, this is the clearest signal yet of what the revised standard will require, and the right time to begin gap assessment and transition planning in earnest.
What's changing in ISO 9001:2026
The revision introduces a number of targeted updates rather than a wholesale restructuring of the standard. The core process approach, Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle and risk-based thinking that underpin ISO 9001:2015 remain central.
Key changes in the FDIS include:
- Quality culture and ethical behaviour – these are now embedded within the requirements, particularly in relation to leadership, awareness and the environment for the operation of processes
- Separation of risks and opportunities – the standard now more clearly distinguishes between the two, with separate requirements for determining and addressing each
- Strengthened change management – requirements related to changes to the quality management system (QMS) have been reinforced, with greater emphasis on planning, communication, monitoring and review of changes
- Terms and definitions – a limited set of core QMS terms and definitions has been introduced directly within the standard (clause 3), drawing from ISO 9000
- Enhanced Annex A – the informative annex has been expanded to provide greater clarity on the structure, terminology and intent of the requirements, without adding new obligations
The inclusion of quality culture reflects a broader shift in expectations: that leadership is not simply about setting policy, but about actively shaping the environment in which people work. Ethical behaviour, similarly, is now acknowledged as a factor that touches all aspects of quality management.
Timeline for publication and transition
Publication of ISO 9001:2026 is expected in or around September 2026. A three-year transition period is anticipated, in line with the approach taken for other recent ISO management system revisions. This would give organisations certified to ISO 9001:2015 until approximately 2029 to achieve conformity with the new standard, though this will be confirmed once the standard is formally published and accreditation bodies provide further guidance.
Preparing for the next stage
With the FDIS ballot underway and content now settled, organisations should not wait for formal publication before beginning their transition work. Reviewing current systems against the key changes, particularly around quality culture, ethical behaviour and change management, will support a more structured and less pressured transition.
LRQA will shortly be issuing an FDIS gap analysis checklist to support organisations in assessing their readiness against the revised standard. In the meantime, the DIS gap analysis checklist remains a relevant and useful starting point, given that no substantive changes are expected between the two stages.
LRQA will continue to provide updates and guidance as publication approaches. To stay informed, join the Transition Club for priority access to expert guidance, gap analysis tools, webinar invitations and the latest resources as they become available.
