Predictions for the update of ISO 9001
The close of 2008 is expected to see the publication of ISO 9001:2008. However, changes to the existing ISO 9001:2000 are thought to be minor and, in principle, there will be no new requirements introduced. What is expected in the updated standard are clarifications to the existing requirements of ISO 9001:2000 and changes that intend to improve consistency with ISO 14001:2004.
There will be a 36-month transition period following the publication of the revised standard, so certification bodies can follow their normal cycle and won’t issue ISO 9001:2008 until the time of re-certification. This prevents additional costs being incurred, either to the certification body or to the client. After this period, certification to ISO 9001:2000 will no longer be valid, but prior to this, certification to both ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 9001:2008 will carry the same weight.