04. Aug 2026

Quality, Environment and Safety

2026 Revision Year: Key Deadlines at a Glance

The international ISO standards for quality, occupational health and safety, and environmental management are being renewed. While ISO 14001:2026 (Environment) has been published since April 2026, ISO 45001:2027 (Occupational Safety) is currently available as an International Standard Draft (DIS). The Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) of ISO 9001:2026 (Quality) has been approved, and publication is just a few weeks from now, on September 16th 2026. We'll keep you informed about important deadlines!

When new international ISO standards are published, a transition process begins in which key deadlines must be observed in order to maintain valid certifications. Three central standards are being revised this year — so important dates need to be kept in mind for many organizations. Here you'll find the key information about the process, to help you keep track.

1. Which deadlines do companies need to keep in mind?

As with previous revisions of these three standards, a three-year transition period applies from the date the new ISO standard is published. This means that certified companies have until a specific deadline in 2029 (2030 for ISO 45001) to renew their certificate.

ISO 14001:2026: The transition period ends at the end of April 2029
ISO 9001:2026: The transition period is expected to end in September 2029
ISO 45001:2027: The transition period is expected to end in April 2030 — however, the final publication is still pending!

Example of the transition phase for ISO 14001:2026:

2. How does this affect audits?

Starting 18 months after the last day of the standard's publication, audits within a company may only be conducted according to the new standard. Depending on the accreditation scope of the certification body, this deadline may occur somewhat earlier. The same applies to initial certifications:

ISO 14001:2026: Currently, audits (initial certifications) will only be conducted according to the new revision starting from November 2027 at the latest
ISO 9001:2026: Currently, audits are expected to be conducted only according to the new revision starting from April 2028
ISO 45001:2027: Currently, audits (initial certifications) according to the new standard are expected to be conducted starting from November 1, 2028 — however, the final publication is still pending!

Important note for certified companies: The transition to the new standard can be carried out as part of a recertification, spot, or surveillance audit! Stay continuously informed through our channels and find out, up to the minute, from when audits can take place under the new standard!

3. What happens if deadlines are missed?

This point is the same for all standards: certificates that are not converted in time will lose their validity and recognition. This applies without exception, starting in spring 2029, to all existing certificates — both for ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 9001:2015, as well as for ISO 45001:2018 starting in 2030 (depending on the publication date). Quality Austria will regularly provide advance information on all channels about important dates, so that certified companies are always up to date!

Here you can find out everything about the current revisions:

Conclusion

Change means improvement — all three standards address central new topics and establish a holistic understanding of a quality, environmental, and safety culture in order to meet current and future challenges. Those who engage with the new requirements early on not only tick off obligations, but also use the revisions as an opportunity to position themselves for the future.

The transition is far more than a formal certificate changeover. It offers companies the opportunity to adapt existing management systems to current developments. Do you need support in transitioning to the new standard, or do you have questions? Our experts at Quality Austria Certification will be happy to help.

With regular updates on our website, newsletter, and social media, you'll always be well informed, wherever you are! Follow us for daily news on LinkedIn!

Would you like to learn more about the revisions? Sign up for our Quality Austria Academy trainings and save 10% with our summer bonus when booking between June 29 and August 31, 2026!