The ISO 14001 draft update released: What to expect in the new version
Høvik, February 3, 2025: - The much anticipated draft update for ISO 14001 has been released for a 12-weeks comments and ballot period. It is set to bring updates to the most applied environmental management systems standard worldwide.
“ISO 14001 is a useful and important management tool used by more than 300000 organizations worldwide. It is key that the standard is regularly updated to make sure it stays fit to address evolving environmental challenges and global sustainability trends,” Tor Gunnar Tollefsen, Global Service Manager for Management Systems in DNV.
Key changes in the draft version
The new version is expected to be published next year in January 2026. The draft update is now out on hearing gives good idea of what can be expected. One main frame condition decided for the update has been to limit the changes to provide better understanding of existing requirements, but to avoid introducing new requirements.
The main changes as outlined in the draft updates of ISO 14001 are:
- Adaptation to text and requirements in latest version of ISO’s Harmonized Structure (HS) for Management System Standards.
- Amended text to provide for better understanding of existing requirements by rephrasing current requirements or inclusion of notes.
- Clarifications of requirements by enhancing the guidance in Annex A for some identified key topics.
As always, there may be changes following the stakeholder hearing of the draft update version. But in short, what is revealed means quite moderate changes for companies. The changes are far from the extent of changes that was experienced for users for the 2015-edition.
Transition timeline
The development of the new ISO 14001 standard began in the fall of 2023. With the final version anticipated to be published in January 2026, organizations have ample time to prepare.
The transition period for the ISO management system standards is typically a maximum of three years but it may be shorter if changes are limited. It is anticipated that more visibility on the conclusion of this will be available toward spring.
