Continual improvement (2015's 10.1 and 10.3 merged) — what changed from 2015 to 2026
ISO 9001:2026 published 16 September 2026 · checked against the published text on 27 September 2026
Clause 10 is renumbered in the published edition. The 2015 clause 10.1 (improvement — general) and clause 10.3 (continual improvement) are folded into a single 10.1 titled 'Continual improvement'; 10.2 keeps nonconformity and corrective action, and there is no 10.3. The substance carries over: continually improve the suitability, adequacy and effectiveness of the QMS; use the results of monitoring, measurement, analysis and evaluation and of management review to determine opportunities and act on them; and make sure the actions cover improving processes, products and services, addressing future needs and expectations, and correcting, preventing or reducing undesired effects. What changes is every cross-reference to '10.3' in manuals, procedures, audit checklists and training.
ISO 9001:2015 said
10.1 Improvement — general; 10.2 Nonconformity and corrective action; 10.3 Continual improvement.
ISO 9001:2026 says
10.1 Continual improvement (2015's 10.1 and 10.3 merged, same substance); 10.2 Nonconformity and corrective action; no 10.3.
What to actually do
Search your QMS documents, audit checklists and training material for '10.3' and re-point them to 10.1 when you transition; nothing changes in what you do.
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Checked against the published text of ISO 9001:2026 (SANS 9001:2026 Ed. 6, the identical South African adoption of ISO 9001:2026) on 27 September 2026. Qlause provides interpretive guidance only and is not a substitute for the standard — refer to your licensed copy of ISO 9001:2026 for the authoritative text.