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ISO 14001:2026 – Key Updates and Transition Guidance

Understand the changes, prepare your environmental management system (EMS) and stay compliant.

The ISO 14001:2026 revision introduces important changes to the world’s leading EMS standard. The updated version reflects growing global priorities, such as climate resilience, biodiversity and sustainable resource use. It also aims to clarify and strengthen existing requirements.

As the Draft International Standard (DIS) for ISO 14001:2026 is currently under development, organizations should begin preparing for the transition. As a key participant in ISO technical committees, we offer expert support and tools to guide you through the change.

Business Colleagues Having a Discussion at the Office

What is ISO 14001:2026?

ISO 14001:2026 is the upcoming version of the ISO 14001 standard, replacing ISO 14001:2015. It maintains the same core structure (Annex SL) but introduces new terminology, refined clauses and a stronger focus on environmental performance.

ISO 14001 transition timeline


Phase Milestone
Current Standard ISO 14001:2015
Draft International Standard (DIS) Published June 2025
Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) Expected October 2025
New Standard Published Expected January 2026
Transition Deadline Expected 3-year period (to early 2029)

Start your ISO 14001:2026 transition planning early to avoid disruption and maintain certification..

ISO 14001:2026 – anticipated changes
The 2026 revision includes moderate but impactful changes. While no entirely new requirements are introduced, many clauses are revised for greater clarity, traceability and accountability.
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  • Environmental conditions (e.g. climate change, pollution, biodiversity) must now be explicitly considered
  • EMS scope must reflect a life cycle approach
  • Key documents must be “available as documented information”

Your action: update context analysis, stakeholder maps and scope definition.

  • Updated terminology: “meet compliance obligations” replaces “fulfil”
  • Greater emphasis on conserving natural resources and ecosystem protection

Your action: revise your environmental policy and ensure executive engagement.

  • Clause 6.3 (New): requires a structured approach to EMS-related change management
  • Emergency situations are now separated from abnormal operations
  • Planning is split into:
    • 6.1.4: identify risks and opportunities
    • 6.1.5: plan actions accordingly

Your action: refresh risk registers, aspect-impact evaluations and planning documentation.

  • Terminology now standardized: all EMS records must be “available as documented information”
  • Communication must empower employees to contribute to continual improvement

Your action: review communication and training processes.

  • “Outsourced processes” now referred to as “externally provided processes, products or services”
  • Operational control must extend to suppliers and partners
  • Emergency preparedness must align with risk planning (Clause 6.1.2)

Your action: strengthen supplier management and emergency planning.

  • Explicit requirement to evaluate environmental performance and EMS effectiveness
  • Internal audits must define objectives, in addition to scope and criteria
  • Management reviews are restructured into three sub-clauses: inputs, process and results

Your action: update internal audit and management review processes.

  • Clause 10.1 removed – its content is now integrated into 10.2 and 10.3
  • More structured approach to nonconformity and corrective action
  • Clear linkage between Clause 9 findings and continual improvement

Your action: strengthen root cause analysis and improvement tracking.

ISO 14001 transition checklist

To ensure you are on track for ISO 14001:2026:

  • Conduct a gap analysis against the DIS
  • Update all EMS documentation to reflect new clause references and language
  • Train staff on new responsibilities and terminology
  • Prepare for structured change management (Clause 6.3)
  • Reinforce supplier and life cycle controls
  • Engage top leadership in the transition process

Why ISO 14001:2026 matters

The revised standard is not just about compliance. It reflects your organization’s commitment to:
  • Sustainable development
  • Climate resilience
  • Environmental accountability
  • Improved stakeholder confidence

Implementing these changes now can position your business as a leader in sustainability and ESG performance.

How SGS supports your ISO 14001 transition

As a global certification body with deep EMS expertise, we will provide:
  • Gap assessments and readiness audits
  • ISO 14001:2026 transition training
  • Guidance on life cycle, biodiversity and climate-related risks
  • Full transition and certification support once ISO 14001:2026 is officially released
  • Integrated system support (IMS) for ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and more

ISO 14001:2026 Resources

To start your ISO 14001:2026 journey, contact us today.


Disclaimer

The information presented on this page is intended to provide general guidance on the ISO 14001:2026 Draft International Standard (DIS) and the anticipated transition requirements. While SGS strives to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, final requirements may change following publication of the Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) or the official ISO 14001:2026 release.

Organizations are encouraged to consult with SGS for the most up-to-date information.

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