What is the ISO 9001 standard?

Before beginning the process, many entrepreneurs and managers wonder what ISO 9001 means and what quality management according to this standard entails.

ISO 9001 is the international standard that establishes the requirements for a quality management system applicable to any organization, regardless of size, field of activity, or region. In Romania, the standard is adopted as SR EN ISO 9001, the reference against which certification is conducted.

Quality management according to ISO 9001 is based on several fundamental principles: customer focus, committed leadership, a process-based approach, risk-based thinking, and continuous improvement. In practice, an ISO 9001 quality management system helps an organization consistently deliver products and services that meet customer requirements and applicable legal requirements.

ISO 9001:2015 – current edition

Currently, certification is conducted in accordance with the ISO 9001:2015 standard (SR EN ISO 9001:2015). This version introduced the high-level structure (Annex SL), which is common to several management standards, and emphasized risk-based thinking and greater involvement of top management in the quality management system.

ISO 9001:2026 – The New Edition and the Transition Period

The standard is currently under review, and the new edition, ISO 9001:2026, is expected to be officially published in September 2026. The changes are evolutionary, not radical: the basic structure (clauses 4–10) remains the same, but there is an increased emphasis on quality culture and ethical behavior within the organization, data analysis, automation, and artificial intelligence integrated into the annex, expanded requirements regarding the supply chain and stakeholder expectations, as well as the resilience of the supply chain to climate risks. Following the publication of the new edition, organizations will have a 3-year transition period to transition from ISO 9001:2015 to ISO 9001:2026. 

The recommendation for organizations seeking certification now is simple: there is no need to wait for the new edition. An ISO 9001:2015 certification obtained at this time is valid and provides a solid foundation for the subsequent transition to ISO 9001:2026.

The Requirements of the ISO 9001 Standard

The ISO 9001 requirements are set forth in clauses 4–10 of the standard and cover all the elements necessary for a functional quality management system:

• the organization’s context and an understanding of stakeholders’ needs;
• leadership and management commitment, quality policy and objectives;
• planning, including addressing risks and opportunities;
• documented resources, competencies, and information;
• the conduct of operational processes and the control of products and services;
• performance evaluation through monitoring, internal audits, and management analysis;
• continuous improvement, through addressing nonconformities and taking corrective actions.

These requirements are based on the PDCA cycle (Plan – Do – Check – Act), which ensures the consistent operation and continuous improvement of the quality management system.

The Benefits of Implementing and Obtaining ISO 9001 Certification

Implementing and certifying an ISO 9001 quality management system brings tangible benefits to any organization:

• meeting the requirements of customers, business partners, and applicable legal requirements;
• increasing credibility and confidence in the quality of the products and services offered;
• increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty;
• a better understanding of and greater control over internal processes, with clearly defined responsibilities and improved communication;
• more efficient use of resources and a reduction in costs resulting from nonconformities;
• access to public tenders and procurement, where ISO 9001 certification is frequently required;
• strengthening its image and competitive position in the domestic and international markets.

Is ISO 9001:2015 certification mandatory?

From a legal standpoint, ISO 9001:2015 certification is generally not mandatory. In practice, however, it becomes a de facto requirement in many situations: when participating in public tenders and procurement, in relationships with large clients or corporations, in supply chains where suppliers must demonstrate a quality management system, or when an organization wishes to differentiate itself from the competition. Thus, even if it is not required by law, ISO 9001 certification is often a prerequisite for winning contracts and accessing new markets.

How can you obtain ISO 9001:2015 certification through SRAC?

The ISO 9001 certification process with SRAC is clear and predictable. Once the quality management system has been implemented within the organization, SRAC auditors conduct a conformity assessment. SRAC provides ISO 9001 certification for organizations across all economic and social sectors (39 EA fields).

The Stages of ISO 9001 Certification

1. Submitting the request for proposal and finalizing the contract details.
2. The two-stage certification audit: a review of documentation and an assessment of how the quality management system operates.
3. Addressing any nonconformities and implementing corrective actions.
4. Issuance of the ISO 9001 certificate, valid for 3 years, subject to annual surveillance audits being carried out.
5. The recertification audit (certification renewal), to extend the validity of the certificate for a further three-year period.

Why SRAC – RENAR Accreditation and International Recognition IQNET and IAF

SRAC is accredited by RENAR—the national accreditation body (RENAR – Certificate No. SM 004)—to certify quality management systems in 39 fields across all economic and social sectors, in accordance with the reference standard SR EN ISO 9001:2015.

The SRAC certificate is internationally recognized thanks to its accreditation by RENAR—a signatory to the international IAF-MLA agreement—and its partnership with IQNET (The International Certification Network).

Organizations certified by SRAC receive both the SRAC certificate and the IQNET certificate at no additional cost. This assures customers and business partners that the audits were conducted to the highest standards of impartiality and professionalism, and it also facilitates access to foreign markets.

Join the leading companies and institutions in Romania that have chosen the SRAC brand: over 10,000 certified organizations / over 25,000 certificates issued in 30 years. From top brands to major public institutions, leading companies have chosen our services. 

Choose the leader in certification — Get certified with SRAC!