News

ISO 9001:2015 transition: two years left to the September 2018 deadline

Quality auditor with a clipboard on site
In short: Certificates to ISO 9001:2008 will no longer be valid after 15 September 2018. With two years remaining, organizations should plan a gap analysis, update their QMS and schedule the transition audit early.

When does the ISO 9001:2008 certificate expire?

The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) set a three-year transition period from the publication of ISO 9001:2015 in September 2015. After 15 September 2018, ISO 9001:2008 certificates are no longer valid.

What are the biggest changes to address?

  • Context of the organization and interested parties
  • Risk-based thinking and planning for risks and opportunities
  • Stronger leadership accountability
  • Documented information replacing documents and records
  • Performance evaluation and the process approach

What is a practical transition plan?

  1. Train top management and the core team.
  2. Carry out a gap analysis against ISO 9001:2015.
  3. Update processes, documented information and objectives.
  4. Train internal auditors and complete an internal audit and management review.
  5. Book the transition audit with your certification body.

Key takeaways

  • The deadline for transition is 15 September 2018.
  • Start with leadership, context and risk-based thinking.
  • Book your transition audit early to avoid the last-minute rush.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still be audited to ISO 9001:2008?

Certification bodies were advised to stop auditing to the 2008 edition well before the deadline; transition audits should be to ISO 9001:2015.

Do I need a quality manual in ISO 9001:2015?

No. ISO 9001:2015 does not require a quality manual, although many organizations keep one.

Is preventive action still required?

Preventive action is replaced by risk-based thinking built into planning.