Continual improvement — folded into 10.1 in 2026 — what changed from 2015 to 2026
ISO 9001:2026 published 16 September 2026 · checked against the published text on 27 September 2026
There is no clause 10.3 in ISO 9001:2026. Its content — continually improving the QMS's suitability, adequacy and effectiveness, using the results of analysis and evaluation and of management review to find needs and opportunities — now lives in 10.1 'Continual improvement', together with the former 10.1 general improvement requirements. Nothing you did under 10.3 stops; it simply answers to a different number. If you stay certified to 2015 until your transition audit, keep citing 10.3 until then.
ISO 9001:2015 said
10.3 Continual improvement — a separate sub-clause of the 2015 edition.
ISO 9001:2026 says
Removed as a number; the requirement continues inside 10.1 Continual improvement.
What to actually do
Re-point every '10.3' reference to 10.1 at transition; keep the continual-improvement evidence exactly as it is.
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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.