ISO 9001:2026 Transition Explained: What Organisations in Malta Need to Know

ISO 9001 is entering its next revision cycle, with the updated standard expected to be published in late 2026. While the final version has not yet been released, early Draft International Standard developments already provide useful insight into the direction of change and what organisations should begin preparing for.

For organisations in Malta currently certified to ISO 9001:2015, the transition is not expected to introduce radical new requirements or a structural overhaul. The Annex SL framework remains in place, ensuring continued alignment with other management system standards such as ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. Instead, the revision focuses on editorial improvements, clearer guidance, and refined emphasis on modern business expectations, including leadership responsibility, quality culture, ethical behaviour, and a more structured approach to risks and opportunities.

ISO 9001:2026 Transition Timeline

Based on current information from international standardisation bodies, the anticipated timeline is as follows:

Organisations are encouraged to begin planning early to avoid last minute changes and audit disruption.

Anticipated Changes in ISO 9001:2026

While the requirements are expected to remain largely familiar, several clauses may be clarified or restructured to improve consistency and application.

Clause 3 Terms and Definitions

More quality management terms may be included directly in the standard, reducing reliance on ISO 9000.

Action to consider: review internal terminology once the Draft International Standard is published.

Clause 4 Context of the Organisation

Minor refinements are expected. Climate change considerations remain part of the standard following previous amendments.

Action to consider: confirm that your context analysis includes environmental and external influences relevant to your organisation.

Clause 5 Leadership and Commitment

Greater emphasis is expected on quality culture, ethical behaviour, and continual improvement. While these concepts may not be formally defined, leadership is expected to actively promote them.

Action to consider: review leadership communication, quality objectives, and how values are embedded into daily operations.

Clause 6 Planning

Risks and opportunities may be separated into clearer sub clauses, with additional guidance provided in Annex A.

Action to consider: reassess how risks and opportunities are identified, evaluated, and addressed within planning processes.

Clause 7 Support

Some restructuring is likely, with possible new awareness expectations related to quality culture and ethics.

Action to consider: prepare to refresh awareness training.

Clause 8 Operation

Only minor updates are expected, mainly editorial or structural.

Action to consider: ensure documentation remains traceable to updated clause references.

Clause 9 Performance Evaluation

This clause is expected to remain largely consistent, with continued focus on performance trends and outcomes.

Action to consider: confirm audit objectives and review criteria to reflect the new clause framing.

Clause 10 Improvement

Additional guidance on continual improvement is expected, particularly in connection with leadership expectations outlined in Clause 5.

Action to consider: document how leadership involvement supports improvement cycles.

What Organisations Should Do To Prepare For ISO 9001:2026

Even before ISO 9001:2026 is officially published, organisations can take practical steps:

• Stay informed on ISO committee updates

• Conduct an internal readiness review against ISO 9001:2015

• Start discussions around quality culture and ethical behaviour

• Prepare leadership teams for increased accountability

• Review risk based thinking and planning approaches

Early preparation reduces pressure during the formal transition period and supports smoother audits.

Why the ISO 9001:2026 Transition Matters

Even with moderate changes, the revision offers organisations an opportunity to strengthen their management system. It allows teams to reconnect quality objectives with strategic direction, improve leadership involvement, and ensure the QMS remains relevant in a changing business environment. Early engagement also helps maintain confidence with customers, regulators, and certification bodies.

How NOUV Academy Supports ISO 9001 Transitions

NOUV Academy supports organisations in Malta by strengthening their existing ISO 9001 knowledge base and audit capability in preparation for the upcoming transition. While ISO 9001:2026 specific transition courses will be introduced once the standard is formally released, organisations can already prepare through our ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor IRCA Accredited, ISO 9001:2015 Internal Auditor IRCA Accredited, and ISO 9001:2015 Foundation courses.

These courses help professionals understand the structure, intent, and application of ISO 9001 requirements, ensuring a solid foundation that will ease future transition efforts. Training can be delivered in classroom settings at NOUV Academy in Zebbug, online, or through bespoke in house sessions tailored to organisational needs.

In addition, through NOUV Academy organisations benefit from local support throughout the learning process, guidance on applicable refund schemes where available, and training designed to reflect real operational and audit contexts.

To explore ISO training and transition support, visit: Courses – Nouv 

For tailored support, you can contact the Academy team directly at: training@nouv.com

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information regarding anticipated ISO 9001:2026 changes. Final requirements may change following publication of the Final Draft International Standard or the official release of ISO 9001:2026.