The technical committee ISO/TC 176/SC 2 is tasked with the regular assessment and updating of ISO 9001. This committee aims to ensure that the standard remains effective and pertinent amid technological advancements, shifts in the global business landscape, and societal trends. Since its first release in 1987, the standard has undergone four revisions, with the latest version, ISO 9001:2015, being issued in 2015.
ISO 9001:1987 marked the inaugural edition of the ISO 9001 standard, which originated from a military quality standard and primarily concentrated on manufacturing processes. This edition included three distinct variations tailored to different business activities: ISO 9001 for organizations involved in design, production, and servicing; ISO 9002 for those focused solely on production and servicing; and ISO 9003 for entities conducting final inspections only. Collectively, these variations were often referred to as “ISO 9000.”
ISO 9001:1994 represented the first revision, which introduced the principle of preventive action, moving beyond mere verification of the final product’s conformity. Similar to its predecessor, the 1994 revision mandated evidence of adherence to documented procedures, frequently leading to excessive documentation and bureaucratic processes.
ISO 9001:2000 unified ISO 9001, ISO 9002, and ISO 9003 into a single, universally applicable standard, permitting organizations to exclude non-relevant requirements. This edition brought about significant changes, including a new structural framework, the introduction of process and system concepts, and the management of integrated processes. Additionally, it emphasized the involvement of senior management in the quality management system, the utilization of metrics for performance tracking, and the principle of continual improvement.
ISO 9001:2008 involved minor revisions, primarily consisting of updated language and clarifications without introducing new requirements. Organizations that had accurately interpreted and implemented the previous version were not impacted.
ISO 9001:2015, the most recent iteration of the standard, introduced a new high-level structure (Annex SL) and included several new and revised requirements, with a particular emphasis on the concept of risk-based thinking.
Considering the history of past revisions and recent advancements, it is anticipated that the forthcoming update will be released in either 2026 or 2027. This will be succeeded by a three-year transition phase during which both versions will coexist.