Introduction
This bulletin provides information regarding the transition from ISO 9001:2015 + Amendment 1:2024 to ISO 9001:2026 and outlines the intended UKAS transition arrangements for accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs).
ISO 9001:2026 was published on 16 September 2026 and replaces ISO 9001:2015 + Amendment 1:2024 over a defined transition period. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide CABs with sufficient information to support transition planning and implementation activities. A high-level gap analysis is also provided to support a consistent approach to the required transition activity.
Nature of the changes
The revision introduces targeted updates rather than fundamental change. The majority of changes relate to clarification of existing requirements, restructuring of clauses, harmonisation with Annex SL and current ISO drafting conventions and improved consistency of terminology and expectations.
The most significant changes relate to interested parties, quality culture and ethical behaviour, risks and opportunities, planning of changes and management review.
Global ACI and UKAS transition requirements
The Global ACI approach for the ISO 9001:2026 transition is based on a CAB self-declaration supported by evidence of implementation. UKAS will assess the CABs understanding and implementation of the changes through review of a completed gap analyses for the revised standard that will include the CAB declaration and supporting evidence is appropriate. This will support a formal recommendation and independent accreditation decision in line with ISO/IEC 17011:2017.
The transition assessment is limited to confirming implementation of the revised requirements, with the effectiveness of implementation being followed up through subsequent routine UKAS assessment activity.
UKAS transition approach
In line with Global ACI requirements, the UKAS transition process will be based on a CAB self-declaration supported by objective evidence of implementation. The objective is to obtain sufficient evidence of implementation to support a clear recommendation and independent accreditation decision. CABs shall:
- complete a documented gap analysis
- identify the changes applicable to their systems and certification activities
- implement the necessary changes
- ensure relevant personnel are competent to assess against the revised requirements
- update certification processes and supporting documentation where necessary
- establish suitable arrangements to transition certified clients within the required timescales (as per Global ACI deadlines)
The transition assessment will focus on confirming that the CAB has identified and implemented the changes required by ISO 9001:2026. Given the relatively limited nature of the changes introduced by ISO 9001:2026, the effort required for transition assessment is currently estimated as follows.
Technical Assessor
- 0.25 days office (preparation and reporting)
- Minimum 0.5 days desktop assessment of submitted evidence (this may be increased depending on CAB size, complexity and volume of documentation submitted)
Assessment Manager
- Minimum 0.5 days office effort for planning, report reviews, updating assessment schedules and programmes and completing actions associated with the independent decision-making process
Total effort proposed (minimum)
- 1.25 days
N.B. Any issues identified by UKAS may be addressed through Mandatory Improvement Actions (MIAs) using the Assessment Portal. Where significant concerns are identified, additional assessment activity may be recommended, and the CAB will be notified accordingly.
The normal one-month deadline will apply to MIAs, and all actions must be satisfactorily addressed within the transition period.
Transition timeline
| Date | Milestone / Activity |
|---|---|
| 16 September 2026 | Publication of ISO 9001:2026 and UKAS acceptance of self-declarations and evidence |
| 01 December 2026 | UKAS ready to begin transition assessment activity |
| 01 January 2027 | Transition decisions commence on a first-come, first-served basis |
| 16 March 2028 | CABs to stop accepting new applications against the previous version of the standard |
| 30 September 2027 | All UKAS transition decisions to be completed |
| 30 September 2029 | CABs to transition all certified customers to the revised standard |
UKAS encourages CABs to submit transition information as early as possible to support timely completion of transition decisions.
Certification during transition
Until UKAS has made an accreditation decision to transition, certification issued against ISO 9001:2026 must not be represented as accredited certification. Where CABs choose to issue unaccredited certification against ISO 9001:2026 prior to the grant of transition, the requirements of applicable Global ACI-TECH-3-018 (M) Requirements for Producing Mandatory Documents on Transitions and UKAS TPS 65 relating to accredited and non-accredited certification shall continue to apply.
CABs remain responsible for ensuring certification arrangements are transparent and do not mislead clients or interested parties regarding accreditation status.
Summary
ISO 9001:2026 introduces a limited number of significant changes, with the majority of revisions focused on clarification, consistency and improved understanding of existing requirements.
CABs should ensure that the revised requirements are understood and appropriately reflected within competence arrangements, certification processes, audit methodologies and reporting activities.
UKAS shall apply a proportionate transition assessment process that supports informed and independent accreditation decisions while remaining aligned with the scale of change introduced by the revised standard.
Download a pdf copy of this Technical Bulletin here.