12/15/2008
ISO 9001:2008 – Frequently Asked Questions about the Revision
ISO 9001:2008 was published on November 15, 2008. Most modifications serve to clarify requirements, provide additional guidance notes, and align the standard more closely with other management systems standards such as ISO 14001.
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ISO 9001:2008 was published on November 15, 2008. Most modifications serve to clarify requirements, provide additional guidance notes, and align the standard more closely with other management systems standards such as ISO 14001.
It is recommended that any organization upgrading to the new standard should purchase a copy of the standard and analyze how the changes affect their organization. Spend time reviewing the changes, since many place new emphasis or explanatory notes on making current processes more robust, effective or efficient.
This FAQ document is designed to answer common questions regarding the processes that QMI-SAI Global will use to transition to ISO 9001:2008. For answers to more specific questions, please contact your QMI-SAI Global auditor.
| I remember how big the changes were to the last version – are the changes as significant this time? | The 2008 version is an "Amendment" to the 9001 standard, rather than a full revision as experienced with the 2000 release. As such, the changes are minor, and relate more to clarifications of terminology, and alignment with other management standards. |
| Will there be any additional requirements that we will need to comply with? | Though there are some interpretive changes, there are no additional clauses. However, some of the clarifications may provide direction on existing requirements where actions to improve existing processes would be warranted. |
| Will extra audit time be required? | Since there are no additional requirements, the currently scheduled audit duration will be maintained. |
| Are there any changes to my fees? | No, our standard rates remain unchanged, and current quotations remain valid. |
| How long will my current ISO 9001:2000 version be valid? | Your ISO 9001:2000 version certificate is not suddenly out of date when the 2008 version of the standard is published. In fact ISO has stated that both standards will remain current for two years from the date of publishing, so both ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 9001:2008 certificates will be valid during this time. |
| How will this affect my current registration schedule and expiration date? | These items will remain the same. The expiration date on your ISO 9001:2000 certificate will transfer to your new 2008 certificate, and all audits will remain on the same schedule. |
| When will I get a certificate to the new ISO 9001:2008 version? | QMI - SAI Global will prepare a new certificate for each client at the successful completion of the first audit activity after the standard has been released, including the clearance of any non-conformances, if applicable. This will ensure that all clients are moved to the new certificate before the expiry of the ISO 9001:2000 version in two years. |
| I have multiple sites – do I get a free updated certificate for all my sites? | Yes, you will receive an updated certificate for every current certificate after the successful completion of the first audit activity after the release of the new standard. |
| What if I have another management system based on ISO 9001? | For standards such as AS9100 and TS 16949 that are based on ISO 9001, they will be updated in due course, and we will provide further clarification as these schemes are updated. |
| Will it make getting other management systems certifications such as ISO 14001 any easier? | ISO 9001:2008 has been written to align with the requirements of ISO 14001, so understanding where there are similarities in the requirements is now easier. Compliance to any standard would still need to be established and demonstrated in the normal manner. |
| What about where I have promoted my ISO 9001:2000 certification on my web page and promotional material? | When your new ISO 9001:2008 certificate arrives, you will need to review your advertising materials to be sure you no longer refer to ISO 9001:2000. This may be a good chance to also update your use of the new QMI-SAI Global StandardsMark®. |
| How long do I have to upgrade my marketing materials to reflect 2008 instead of 2000? | ISO 9001:2000 registrations are no longer valid after November 15, 2010; therefore it is recommended that references to the 2000 version be eliminated by this time. Concerns about meeting this deadline should be directed to your QMI-SAI Global auditor. |
| I frequently see companies offering training courses or documents that discuss the 2008 standard, is it necessary to pay for these things? | No. QMI-SAI Global has provided our customers with free materials that very thoroughly outline the changes to the standard. It is not necessary to purchase further information. For example, you can view our ISO 9001:2008 Webinar. |
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