Main Themes Emerging from the Draft

Now, let’s talk about what’s actually inside this draft. ISO isn’t just tweaking a few words here and there. They’re bringing in themes that expand the scope of quality management in ways we haven’t seen before.

Here are the four biggest shifts:

1. Data Quality & Digitalization

   • It’s no longer enough to control documents—you need to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and usability of data itself.

   • Why it matters: organizations relying on AI, automation, or big data can’t afford weak data governance in their QMS.

2. Climate Change & Sustainability

   • Climate-related issues are explicitly listed as part of the “context of the organization.”

   • Why it matters: QMS managers will need to show how environmental risks affect business continuity and product/service quality.

3. Quality of Work Life

   • The draft highlights employee well-being and safe, supportive work environments.

   • Why it matters: this shifts QMS from being product-focused to people-focused, linking quality to organizational culture and employee performance.

4. Quality Culture & Ethics

   • New language pushes for integrity, transparency, and “quality culture” within organizations.

   • Why it matters: it’s about embedding ethical practices and long-term trust into the QMS, not just passing audits.

Summary Table – New Themes in ISO/DIS 9001

These themes are more than “nice to have.” They hint at the direction ISO wants to take quality management—making it not just about delivering conforming products but about ensuring organizations are sustainable, resilient, and people-oriented.

Why Stakeholder Participation Matters

Let’s be real—most people sit out the consultation stage and just wait for the final ISO 9001 to land. But if you care about how workable the new requirements will be, this is the only time your voice counts.

Here’s why:

• National votes are shaped by comments. Each country doesn’t just tick “yes” or “no.” They submit a consolidated package of comments, and those comments guide the revisions before the Final Draft International Standard (FDIS).

• After DIS, the door closes. Once the draft moves to FDIS (early 2026), only minor changes are possible. If you want something clarified, simplified, or strengthened, now’s the time.

• Direct impact on your future audits. The clauses being discussed—climate, ethics, data quality—will show up in certification audits within a few years. If something feels unrealistic, flag it now rather than complain later.

• A chance to bring real-world experience into the standard. Consultants, manufacturers, service providers, even SMEs have practical insights that committee experts may miss. Your input balances theory with practice.

Table – From Feedback to Final Standard

Bottom line: if you want ISO 9001 to stay practical, realistic, and valuable for your clients or company, this is the moment to get involved.

Implications for QMS Professionals

So what does all this mean for you if you’re managing or advising on ISO 9001 today? Let’s break it down.

First, the obvious: the 2026 version will land, and audits will shift. That means if you’re responsible for quality systems, you need to be tracking these themes—climate, ethics, data, culture—now, not two years from now.

Second, involvement at this stage is more than just “being informed.” If you contribute feedback today, you’ll be better positioned tomorrow. You’ll know which clauses are changing and why, giving you a head start when clients or auditors start asking tough questions.

Third, remember the transition period. Historically, ISO gives organizations around three years to move from the old version to the new one. That sounds like a lot, but anyone who lived through the ISO 9001:2015 transition knows the work piles up fast—policies, training, risk registers, and audit prep.

Action Plan – What to Do Now vs. After Publication

In short: the companies and consultants who get proactive now will be the ones leading conversations in 2026, not scrambling to catch up.

Conclusion

The revision of ISO 9001 has officially moved from “committee talk” to the public stage, and that’s a big deal. For the first time in ten years, QMS professionals worldwide have a real chance to shape the requirements they’ll be living with for the next decade.

The clock is ticking: national consultations close between 14 October and 24 October 2025, depending on your country, with the global ISO ballot ending 19 November 2025. Miss that window, and the next stop is the Final Draft in early 2026—where changes will be minimal.

Here’s the takeaway:

• Don’t wait until 2026 to figure out what’s coming. Read the DIS now.

• Get involved by submitting comments through your national body’s portal.

• Stay ahead by preparing your organization for the new themes—climate, data, workplace culture, and ethics.

ISO 9001 has always been about more than certificates on the wall; it’s about building resilient, trusted, and future-ready organizations. This round of revisions makes that clearer than ever.

If you want to influence how far the standard goes—and make sure it’s realistic for the organizations you serve—this consultation stage is your shot. After November, the text will be largely locked.

So here’s the call to action: check your national deadlines, review the draft, and speak up. Your input today will shape how quality management is practiced worldwide tomorrow.

Hafsa J.

👋 Hi, I’m HAFSA, and for the past 12 years, I’ve been on a journey to
make ISO standards less intimidating and more approachable for everyone.

Whether it’s ISO 9001, ISO 22000, or the cosmetics-focused ISO 22716, I’ve spent my career
turning complex jargon into clear, actionable steps that businesses can actually use.

I’m not here to call myself an expert—I prefer “enthusiast” because I truly love what I do.
There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping people navigate food safety and quality management systems
in a way that feels simple, practical, and even enjoyable.

When I’m not writing about standards, you’ll probably find me playing Piano 🎹, connecting with people, or diving into my next big project💫.

I’m an engineer specialized in the food and agricultural industry
I have a Master’s in QHSE management and over 12 years of experience as a Quality Manager
I’ve helped more than 15 companies implement ISO 9001, ISO 22000, ISO 22716, GMP, and other standards
My clients include food producers, cosmetics manufacturers, laboratories, and service companies
I believe quality systems should be simple, useful, and efficient.