INCERT has published its two transition policies for the new versions of the standards: D 05-13 Transition Policy to ISO 9001:2026 and D 05-14 Transition Policy to ISO 14001:2026. Together with them, we are publishing the updated General Terms and Conditions for Certification Contracts (D 03-01), which replace the former “Certification Rules”.
The policies have been prepared in line with the requirements of Global ACI and EA BAS for the transition. They apply to all our clients with certified quality and environmental management systems, as well as to new clients.
ISO 14001:2026
ISO 9001:2026
INCERT will submit the documents for the transition of its accreditation to EA BAS in November 2026. We will issue accredited certificates to the new versions after the decision of EA BAS. We will publish the date of this decision on www.incert.bg.
The transition is carried out through a transition audit. It can take place during a surveillance audit, at recertification or as a separate special audit. We recommend planning the transition for the first surveillance or recertification audit after the decision of EA BAS, to avoid a build-up of audits at the end of the period.
The changes in both standards have been assessed as minimal. Therefore, the additional audit time is small:
For integrated systems, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 can transition at the same time, with the additional time determined jointly for both standards. The transition does not start a new certification cycle: the certificate is reissued with the same expiry date.
Notify us of your readiness at least one month before the audit. It is sufficient to submit a change request stating the version of the updated documentation and the dates of the internal audit and the management review against the new standard.
Document D 03-01 is now called “General Terms and Conditions for Certification Contracts” and forms part of every certification contract. The new version clearly describes the payment terms and the consequences of late payment (clause 9.7). It also serves as the basis for the transition policies (clause 18.3). The General Terms and Conditions are published in Bulgarian and in English.
Who is affected by the transition to ISO 9001:2026 and ISO 14001:2026
The transition affects all organisations with a quality management system certified by INCERT to ISO 9001:2015 or an environmental management system to ISO 14001:2015. It also affects organisations with integrated systems, as well as new clients who are now planning certification.
What happens if the transition is not completed on time
After the end of the transition period, certificates to the old versions cease to be valid. For ISO 14001:2015 this happens on 30.04.2029, and for ISO 9001:2015 on 30.09.2029. An organisation that has not successfully passed a transition audit by then will have to start certification from the beginning. We therefore recommend not postponing the transition until the last year.
New clients
If you are now planning certification, you can build your system directly against the new version of the standard. Until the deadlines above, certification to the current versions with a subsequent transition is also possible. Our experts will help you choose the more suitable option.
Do I need to take action immediately?
There is no need to rush, but it is a good idea to start with a gap analysis. Your certificate remains valid until the end of the transition.
Will the audit be longer?
As a rule, no. If additional time is needed, we will agree it with you in advance.
Can the transition audit be remote?
Yes, fully or partially, if the audit objectives can be achieved.
INCERT will inform all certified clients about the next steps. If you have any questions, contact us or submit a certification application online.
