Se préparer au changement – Transition vers ISO 9001:2026

Comme le savent tous les acteurs du milieu de la qualité, il existe désormais une nouvelle version de la norme ISO 9001. Les normes ISO touchent presque tout ce que nous faisons et contribuent à rendre le monde plus sûr et plus efficace. C’est pourquoi il est nécessaire d’évaluer l’efficacité de la norme et d’y apporter des changements afin de favoriser l’amélioration continue, tant au sein de nos propres organisations qu’à l’échelle de l’industrie.

Comprendre l’incidence de la norme révisée sur votre organisation peut sembler une tâche colossale. Chez PJR, nous voulons faciliter l’adoption de cette nouvelle norme par nos clients actuels et potentiels. Nous avons donc rédigé cette FAQ simplifiée, qui répond aux questions les plus pressantes et présente les mesures qui peuvent être prises dès maintenant pour se préparer au changement à venir. En plus de cette FAQ, PJR propose un aperçu des changements dans le cadre de son webinaire sur ISO 9001:2026, auquel il est facile de s’inscrire à l’adresse https://www.pjr.com/upcoming-webinars (offert en anglais seulement).

FAQ sur ISO 9001:2026

Pourquoi la norme ISO 9001 change-t-elle encore?

La principale raison de cette révision est la mise à jour, effectuée précédemment par l’ISO, de la structure de haut niveau (Annexe SL). Le changement le plus important apporté à ce niveau a été l’introduction du concept de « culture ». Dans ISO 9001, ce concept se traduit par la « culture qualité ». Cette exigence est répartie dans l’ensemble de la norme (elle apparaît 13 fois au total, dont 4 mentions dans la partie auditable). L’idée de base peut se résumer ainsi : un organisme certifié ISO 9001 devrait chercher à faire de ses activités de management de la qualité une « culture », c’est-à-dire une partie intégrante de la vie de l’entreprise. L’autre mise à jour importante de cette révision est l’ajout de libellés sur les changements climatiques dans la structure de haut niveau. Nous y consacrons une question distincte plus bas.

Quel est le calendrier prévu?

La nouvelle norme a été publiée le 16 septembre 2026. Le GAC (l’organisation qui gère les certifications ISO 9001 à l’échelle globale) a indiqué qu’il accordera une période de transition de trois ans et qu’il utilisera les fins de mois comme jalons pour les échéances importantes. Cela signifie que la norme ISO 9001:2015 deviendra obsolète le 30 septembre 2029. Par conséquent, tous les certificats ISO 9001:2015 délivrés à partir de la fin de 2026 devront porter une date d’expiration fixée au 30 septembre 2029.

Les entreprises pourront obtenir une nouvelle certification (au moyen d’un audit de l’étape 2 ou d’un audit de recertification) selon ISO 9001:2015 jusqu’au 30 mars 2028 (ce qui correspond à la mi-parcours de la période de transition). Sur le plan technique, les entreprises pourront effectuer des audits de surveillance selon ISO 9001:2015 jusqu’au 30 septembre 2029, mais PJR cessera d’offrir tout type d’audit selon ISO 9001:2015 le 30 juin 2029.

Mes audits ont normalement lieu à la fin de juillet et la période de transition se termine en septembre. Pourquoi mon entreprise ne peut-elle pas faire son audit de transition à la fin de juillet 2029?

Il est vrai que la période de transition ne prend fin que le 30 septembre 2029, mais il ne suffit pas que votre audit soit réalisé avant cette date. Si des non-conformités sont relevées pendant l’audit, elles doivent faire l’objet d’actions correctives, et le comité exécutif de PJR (l’instance décisionnelle) doit examiner et approuver le dossier d’audit avant l’échéance de la transition. Un audit à la fin de juillet 2029 ne laisse probablement pas assez de temps pour y arriver. Votre organisation pourrait donc faire sa transition en juillet 2027 ou en juillet 2028, ou encore choisir de tenir un audit plus tôt en 2029, en mai ou en juin par exemple, afin de disposer du temps nécessaire pour mener à terme le processus postaudit.

Tous les audits de transition doivent être terminés dans les 90 jours précédant la date de fin de la transition, soit le 30 septembre 2029. Ils doivent donc tous être terminés au plus tard le 30 juin 2029.

Mon organisation n’est pas encore certifiée. Nous travaillons depuis un certain temps à la mise en œuvre d’ISO 9001:2015. Pouvons-nous tout de même viser la certification selon la version 2015 de la norme, puis faire la transition plus tard?

PJR comprend que vous avez pu investir beaucoup d’efforts dans la préparation de la certification selon ISO 9001:2015. Conformément aux exigences du GAC, nous accepterons les audits initiaux selon la version 2015 de la norme jusqu’à dix-huit mois après le début de la période de transition, soit le 30 mars 2028.

Gardez toutefois à l’esprit que la norme ISO 9001:2015 deviendra obsolète le 30 septembre 2029. Par conséquent, la date d’expiration de tout certificat 2015 délivré après la publication d’ISO 9001:2026 sera le 30 septembre 2029. Il peut donc sembler que votre organisation ne reçoit pas un certificat d’une durée complète de trois ans. Cependant, après une transition réussie vers ISO 9001:2026, la date d’expiration de votre certificat sera modifiée afin de refléter une certification de trois ans complets.

Si nous avons un audit de recertification au début de 2027, devrions-nous simplement prévoir de le réaliser selon ISO 9001:2026?

Il s’agit d’une décision stratégique que chaque entreprise prend pour elle-même, mais quelques points clés méritent d’être pris en compte.

• Si vous avez eu l’occasion d’examiner votre système de management de la qualité au regard des exigences révisées et que vous vous sentez prêt, vous pouvez tout à fait demander que votre prochain audit de recertification soit réalisé selon ISO 9001:2026.
• Faire coïncider la transition avec votre audit de recertification habituel est l’idéal, mais ce n’est aucunement obligatoire.
• Vous pourriez aussi réaliser votre audit de recertification de 2027 selon ISO 9001:2015, puis effectuer un audit de transition vers ISO 9001:2026 en 2028 ou en 2029.

Vaut-il mieux faire la transition plus tôt?

Comme l’explique la question précédente, il est important d’éviter d’attendre à la dernière minute. Cependant, il n’y a aucune différence si vous faites la transition en avril 2027, en avril 2028 ou en avril 2029, par exemple. Un certificat ISO 9001:2015 demeure valide jusqu’à la fin de la période de transition. Un certificat ISO 9001:2026 ne doit en aucun cas être perçu comme supérieur à un certificat ISO 9001:2015 avant la date d’obsolescence de cette norme.

Que se passe-t-il si mon organisation ne fait pas sa transition à temps?

Si votre organisation ne fait pas son audit de transition avant la fin de la période de transition (date d’obsolescence d’ISO 9001:2015), elle ne sera plus certifiée à compter de cette date. Pour obtenir la certification ISO 9001:2026, vous devrez alors recommencer avec un audit initial (étape 1 et étape 2).

Si votre organisation fait son audit de transition, mais que le dossier d’audit n’est pas clos avant la fin de la période de transition (date d’obsolescence d’ISO 9001:2015), un certificat ISO 9001:2026 sera délivré dès que le dossier pourra être clos. Cela signifie que votre statut de certification connaîtra une interruption. Notre service de planification des audits collaborera avec vous pour planifier en temps utile tout audit de transition prévu plus tard dans la période de transition, afin d’éviter cette situation regrettable.

Quels sont les changements critiques?

PJR a préparé une présentation distincte donnant un aperçu des changements apportés à la norme. On peut en résumer la conclusion ainsi : « rien d’important ». Les mises à jour relatives à la culture qualité et aux changements climatiques sont, franchement, les seules qui aient une incidence, même mineure. Il existe d’autres changements plus nuancés, mais aucun ne devrait avoir d’incidence importante pour une entreprise déjà certifiée ISO 9001:2015.

Qu’est-ce que l’Annexe SL et quel est son lien avec ISO 9001?

L’Annexe SL fait partie du document « Directives ISO/IEC, Partie 1 : Procédures pour les travaux techniques – Supplément ISO consolidé – Procédures spécifiques à l’ISO ». Ce document encadre et régit le processus d’élaboration, de mise à jour et de publication des normes publiées par l’ISO.

Le texte intégral de la Partie 1 des Directives, y compris l’Annexe SL, se trouve ici : https://www.iso.org/sites/directives/current/consolidated/index.html

L’Annexe SL peut être vue comme un plan en dix articles destiné à toutes les normes ISO. Elle favorise notamment l’emploi de termes communs et de définitions de base pour de nombreux termes utilisés dans la famille de normes ISO. C’est grâce à la structure obligatoire de l’Annexe SL que les organismes pourront plus facilement obtenir plusieurs certifications, par exemple ISO 9001, ISO 14001 et ISO 45001, puisque chacune de ces normes comporte les mêmes 10 articles ainsi que les mêmes termes et définitions de base.

Nous sommes certifiés depuis longtemps et nos procédures sont bien implantées. Devons-nous les modifier?

L’analyse de PJR conclut que, pour l’entreprise moyenne certifiée ISO 9001:2015, l’incidence de la norme révisée sera minime et tout à fait gérable. Il importe de garder à l’esprit que l’ISO cherche à rendre la norme ISO 9001 plus inclusive. Elle souhaite qu’elle continue de s’étendre à de nouveaux secteurs et qu’elle soit encore plus conviviale qu’elle ne l’est actuellement. Exiger d’une entreprise qu’elle remanie en profondeur son système ISO 9001:2015 actuel ne serait pas conforme à cet objectif.

Parlez-moi davantage de la nouvelle exigence sur les « changements climatiques »

Cette exigence n’est en fait pas nouvelle. Elle a d’abord été publiée en 2024 sous forme d’amendement officiel et contraignant à la norme ISO 9001:2015. Contrairement à ce que prétendent certaines sources, les exigences relatives aux « changements climatiques » sont très minimales dans ISO 9001:2026. Elles peuvent se résumer ainsi :

Tous les organismes certifiés ISO 9001 doivent considérer les changements climatiques comme un enjeu potentiellement pertinent pour leur système de management de la qualité et agir en conséquence.

Notez qu’un organisme peut tout à fait conclure que les changements climatiques n’ont aucune incidence sur lui ou sur ses parties intéressées; il suffit que PJR puisse constater, preuves à l’appui, comment cette conclusion a été tirée.

Notre personnel devra-t-il suivre une formation de transition?

Cela dépendra de l’ampleur des changements que vous apporterez à votre système de management de la qualité, mais, en règle générale, oui : on s’attendra à ce que vous offriez une forme de formation de transition à votre personnel.

À tout le moins, PJR s’attend à ce qu’une formation de sensibilisation à la nouvelle norme soit offerte, de même qu’une évaluation de l’incidence de la nouvelle norme sur les différents processus et sur le personnel. Il est toutefois tout à fait envisageable que la majorité de votre personnel ne ressente aucun effet de la transition de votre entreprise vers ISO 9001:2026.

Et nos auditeurs internes, devront-ils suivre une formation de transition?

L’audit interne est considéré de la même façon que toute autre compétence requise au sein d’un système de management de la qualité. Autrement dit, il incombe à l’organisme de déterminer les compétences requises pour ses auditeurs internes, ainsi que les méthodes à employer pour acquérir ces compétences.

Plus simplement, chaque organisme devra décider lui-même de l’ampleur de la formation de transition nécessaire. Il est envisageable qu’une équipe chevronnée d’auditeurs internes puisse suivre une période d’autoformation et réussir la transition vers l’audit selon ISO 9001:2026. Comme cela a toujours été le cas, la compétence de vos auditeurs internes sera jugée d’après l’efficacité globale de votre processus d’audit interne.

Les autres normes (AS9100, IATF 16949, etc.) seront-elles aussi mises à jour?

Toutes les grandes normes sectorielles, y compris IATF 16949, AS9100 et TL9000, ont fait part de leur intention de faire la transition et de poursuivre leur harmonisation avec ISO 9001. Les calendriers de mise à jour de ces autres normes ne sont pas encore connus avec précision, mais une publication en 2026 ou en 2027 semble probable pour les trois. À l’heure actuelle, la seule grande norme qui ne prévoit pas de mise à jour est ISO 13485:2016.

Quelles mesures pouvons-nous prendre dès maintenant?

PJR recommande de prendre les mesures suivantes pour la transition vers ISO 9001:2026 :

1. La direction devrait effectuer un examen complet de la norme ISO 9001:2026 afin de cerner les écarts à combler.
2. Un plan de mise en œuvre devrait être élaboré, avec des responsabilités attribuées.
3. Tous les documents du système de management de la qualité (y compris le manuel qualité et le manuel de procédures, s’il y a lieu) devraient être mis à jour afin de refléter les processus nouveaux ou révisés.
4. Toute la formation de sensibilisation et de transition nécessaire devrait être terminée.
5. Un audit interne complet du système, suivi d’une revue de direction, devrait être achevé.
6. Les actions correctives associées à toutes les constatations d’audit interne devraient être en cours ou terminées.
7. Communiquez avec PJR pour planifier les modalités de la transition.

Du temps d’audit supplémentaire sera-t-il nécessaire pour mon audit de transition?

Peut-être, et seulement si vous prévoyez faire la transition lors d’un audit de surveillance. Cette réponse s’appuie sur les directives du GAC, qui précisent ce qui suit : « Pour déterminer si du temps d’audit supplémentaire est nécessaire, l’organisme de certification doit tenir compte, au minimum, du degré de changement apporté au système de management du client. »

Si vous prévoyez faire la transition lors d’un audit de surveillance, vous recevrez probablement de PJR un court questionnaire préalable à l’audit, qui nous permettra de déterminer l’incidence d’ISO 9001:2026 sur votre système de management de la qualité. Comme les audits de surveillance sont habituellement plus courts que les audits de recertification, et selon ce que nous apprendrons grâce au questionnaire, nous pourrions conclure qu’un peu de temps supplémentaire est nécessaire.

Si vous prévoyez faire la transition lors d’un audit de recertification, PJR a conclu qu’aucun temps supplémentaire ne sera nécessaire.

Notre organisme envisage de transférer sa certification ISO 9001:2015 accréditée à PJR. Quelle est l’incidence du calendrier de transition sur notre projet de transfert?

Les exigences seront les mêmes, que vous soyez un client actuel de PJR ou un candidat au transfert. PJR acceptera de transférer un certificat ISO 9001:2015 jusqu’au 30 mars 2028. Après cette date, nous ne pouvons pas garantir que toutes les activités de transition seront terminées avant l’échéance de la transition.

Ces FAQ utiles sur la transition vers ISO 9001 sont également offertes en téléchargement (offert en anglais seulement).

Si vous avez d’autres questions ou avez besoin d’aide, communiquez avec PJR pour obtenir les services d’un gestionnaire de projet.

Preparing for the Change – Transition to ISO 9001:2026

As everyone in the quality game is aware, the world now has a new version of ISO 9001. ISO standards touch almost everything we do, and they help to make the world a safer and more efficient place. This drives the need to evaluate the effectiveness of the standard and make changes to drive continual improvement within our own organizations and industry-wide.

The task of understanding the revised standard’s effect on your organization can be overwhelming. We at PJR want to ease our clients and potential clients into this new standard and have composed this simplified FAQ to address some of the most pressing questions and address what steps can be taken now to prepare for the coming change. In addition to this FAQ, PJR also offers an overview of changes via our ISO 9001:2026 webinar, with easy registration available at https://www.pjr.com/upcoming-webinars.

ISO 9001:2026 FAQs

Why is the ISO 9001 standard changing again?

The primary reason for the revision to ISO 9001 on this occasion is the update that took place earlier to the High-Level Outline (Annex SL) by the ISO. The most important change that took place at that level was the introduction of the concept of “culture.” In ISO 9001, this concept manifests as “Quality Culture.” This requirement has been

What is the expected timeline?

The new standard was published on September 16, 2026. The GAC (the organization that manages ISO 9001 certifications from a high-level perspective) has indicated that it will allow a three-year transition period and will use “end of the month” markers for the important deadlines. This means that the ISO 9001:2015 standard will become obsolete on September 30, 2029. As a result, all ISO 9001:2015 certifications issued in late 2026 and beyond will have to bear an expiry date of September 30, 2029.

Companies will be permitted to gain a new certification (either through a Stage 2 or Recertification audit) to ISO 9001:2015 through March 30, 2028 (this represents the halfway point of the transition timeline). Companies will technically be permitted to perform surveillance audits to ISO 9001:2015 through September 30, 2029 – but PJR will cease offering audits of any kind to ISO 9001:2015 on June 30, 2029.

My audits are normally due in late July, and the transition period ends in September. Why can’t my company have its transition audit in late July 2029?

While it is true that the transition period does not end until September 30, 2029, it is not just required that your audit is conducted by this date. If any nonconformities are discovered during the audit, they must be addressed with corrective action, and PJR’s Executive Committee (decision-making body) must review and approve the audit package by the transition deadline. A late July 2029 audit likely does not provide enough time for this to happen. Thus, your organization could transition in July 2027, July 2028 or choose to have an earlier audit in 2029, perhaps May or June, to allow adequate time for completion of the post-audit process.

All transition audits must be completed within 90 days of the transition end date of September 30, 2029. Thus, all transition audits must be completed by June 30, 2029.

My organization is not yet certified. We have been working at implementing ISO 9001:2015 for a while. Can we still seek certification to the 2015 version of the standard and then transition later?

PJR appreciates that a lot of work may have gone into preparing for certification to ISO 9001:2015. Per the GAC requirements, we will allow initial audits to the 2015 version of the standard until eighteen months into the transition period, or March 30, 2028.

Keep in mind that ISO 9001:2015 will be obsolete on September 30, 2029. Therefore, the expiry date on any 2015 certificate issued after the publication of ISO 9001:2026 will be September 30, 2029. Thus, it may appear that your organization is not being granted a full, three-year certificate. However, after successful transition to ISO 9001:2026, the expiry date of your certificate will be amended to reflect a full three-year certification.

What if we have a Recertification audit in early 2027, should we just plan on performing that audit to ISO 9001:2026?

This will be a strategic decision that each company makes on its own, but there are a few key points to bear in mind.

• If you have had a chance to examine your quality system against the revised requirements and feel that you are ready, you can certainly request that your upcoming recertification audit be performed to ISO 9001:2026.
• Timing the transition to your regular recertification audit is ideal, but not in any way mandatory.
• You could certainly perform your 2027 Recertification Audit to ISO 9001:2015 and then complete a transition audit to ISO 9001:2026 in 2028 or 2029.

Is it better to transition earlier?

As described in the question above, it is important to avoid waiting until the last minute. However, there is no difference if you transition in April 2027, April 2028 or April 2029, for example. An ISO 9001:2015 certificate is still valid until the end of the transition period. In no way should an ISO 9001:2026 certificate be perceived as better than an ISO 9001:2015 certificate until the obsolescence date of that standard.

What happens if my organization doesn’t transition on time?

If your organization does not have a transition audit prior to the end of the transition period/obsolescence date of ISO 9001:2015, then you will no longer be certified as of the end of the transition period. To become certified to ISO 9001:2026, you will need to start over with an initial audit (Stage 1 and Stage 2).

If your organization does have its transition audit but the audit package is not closed prior to the end of the transition period/obsolescence date of ISO 9001:2015, then an ISO 9001:2026 certificate will be issued as soon as the package can be closed. This means that there will be a lapse in your certification status. Our Scheduling Department will work with you to ensure the timely scheduling of any transition audits that occur later in the transition period to avoid this unfortunate situation.

What are the critical changes?

PJR has prepared a separate presentation showing an overview of the changes to the standard. The summation of that report can be stated as follows: “nothing of significance.” The Quality Culture and Climate Change updates are frankly the only updates of any minor impact. There are other more nuanced changes, but none of these should have any significant impact for a company already certified to ISO 9001:2015.

What is Annex SL, and what does it have to do with ISO 9001?

Annex SL is a portion of the “ISO/IEC Directives Part 1 – Procedures for the technical work – Consolidated ISO Supplement – Procedures specific to ISO” document. This standard regulates and controls the process of developing, updating, and issuing ISO published standards.

The full text of Directives Part 1, including the Annex SL portion, can be found here: https://www.iso.org/sites/directives/current/consolidated/index.html

Annex SL can be thought of as a ten-section blueprint to be used for all ISO standards. It promotes (among other things) common terms and core definitions for many of the terms used in the ISO family of standards. It is through the mandatory structure of Annex SL that organizations will be better enabled to achieve multiple certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, because each of these standards will have the same 10 sections and the same core terms and definitions.

We’ve already been certified for a long time, and our procedures are well implemented. Do we have to change them?

PJR’s analysis has concluded that for the average ISO 9001:2015 certified company, the impact of the revised standard will be minimal and quite manageable. It is important to bear in mind that the ISO is seeking greater inclusion for the ISO 9001 standard. They want to see it continue to grow into new sectors and be even more user-friendly than it is now. Requiring a company to aggressively overhaul its current ISO 9001:2015 system is not consistent with this objective.

Tell me more about the new “Climate Change” requirement

This requirement actually isn’t new. It was originally published as an officially binding addendum to ISO 9001:2015 in 2024. Despite what some sources are claiming, the “climate change” requirements are very minimal in ISO 9001:2026. They can be summarized thusly:

All ISO 9001 certified companies must consider Climate Change as a potentially relevant issue to their quality management system and act accordingly.

Note that it is absolutely possible for an organization to conclude that climate change has no bearing on it or its interested parties – PJR just needs to be able to see evidence of how that decision was reached.

Will our staff have to complete transitional training?

It will depend on the extent of revisions that you make to your quality management system, but generally yes, you will be expected to provide some form of transition training to your staff.

At a minimum, PJR would expect that awareness training of the new standard would be provided, as well as an assessment of the new standard’s impact on the various processes and personnel. However, it is entirely conceivable that the majority of your staff will feel no effect from your company’s transition to ISO 9001:2026.

What about our internal auditors? Will they have to complete transitional training?

Internal auditing is viewed in the same light as any other required competency within a quality management system. Namely, the organization is responsible for determining what competencies are required for its internal auditors, as well as the methods to be used to achieve those competencies.

To put it more plainly, each organization will have to decide on its own the extent to which transition training will be needed. It is conceivable that a seasoned team of internal auditors could complete a period of self-study and successfully transition to auditing ISO 9001:2026. As has always been the case, the competency of your internal auditors will be judged by the overall effectiveness of your internal audit process.

Will the other standards (AS9100, IATF 16949, etc.) be updated also?

All of the major sector-specific standards, including IATF 16949, AS9100, and TL9000, have indicated their intentions to transition and continue their alignment with ISO 9001. The timelines for these other standard updates are not fully known at this time, but a 2026 or 2027 publication date seems likely for all three. At present, the only major standard that is not planning to update is ISO 13485:2016.

What steps can we take right now?

PJR recommends the following steps be taken in a transition to ISO 9001:2026:

1. A full review of the ISO 9001:2026 standard should be performed by Top Management to identify the gaps that need to be addressed.
2. A plan of implementation should be developed with assigned responsibilities.
3. All quality management system documents (including the quality and procedures manual, if applicable) should be updated to reflect any new or revised processes.
4. All necessary awareness and transition training should be completed.
5. A full system internal audit followed by a Management Review should be completed.
6. Corrective Actions for all internal audit findings should be in process or complete.
7. Coordinate with PJR for planning of transition arrangements.

Will extra audit time be needed for my transition audit?

Potentially, and only if you plan on transitioning on a surveillance audit. This is based on guidance provided by the GAC, which states the following: “In determining if additional audit time is needed, the certification body shall consider, at a minimum, the degree of change to the client’s management system.”

If you plan to transition as part of a surveillance audit, you can expect to receive a short pre-audit questionnaire from PJR that will enable us to ascertain how much of an impact ISO 9001:2026 has had on your quality management system. Because surveillance audits are typically shorter in duration than recertification audits, and based on what we learn from the questionnaire, we may conclude that a small measure of added time is needed.

If you plan to transition as part of a recertification audit, PJR has concluded that no additional time will be needed.

Our organization is considering transferring our accredited ISO 9001:2015 certification to PJR. How does the transition timeline impact our plans to transfer?

The requirements will be the same whether you are a currently certified PJR client or a transfer candidate. PJR will transfer an ISO 9001:2015 certificate until March 30, 2028. Subsequent to this date, we cannot guarantee that all transition activities will be completed prior to the transition deadline.

These helpful ISO 9001 transition FAQs are also available via download.

Should you have further questions or require assistance, please contact PJR for a Project Manager.

Thinking of Switching ISO Registrars? We Answer Common Transfer Questions

If you’ve been scrolling through quality management forums, you likely notice a pattern. Whether you notice a thread in a forum or you take a deep dive into an industry message board, the conversation about transferring ISO certification is usually a mix of “I’m over the high fees” and “I’m terrified the process will be a nightmare.”

We get it. Changing your registrar feels a bit like switching banks – you know it might save you money and headaches in the long run, but the thought of the paperwork and the “what ifs” keeps you from making the change.

At Perry Johnson Registrars (PJR), we’ve seen it all. We don’t want to be another certificate on your wall; we are a partner in your growth. To help with your decision process, we’ve taken the most common (and sometimes stressful) questions from the forums and answered them through the PJR lens.

Question: Is there a ‘transfer fee’ or a ‘joining fee’?
Answer: One of the biggest gripes online is the “hidden cost” of moving. Some registrars might hit you with a “transfer set up fee” that can cause you a lot of stress.

We believe in transparency at PJR, and we acknowledge that transfers are disruptive. While every situation is unique based on your industry and standard, PJR focuses on a value-driven approach to limit disruption.

• Transfers are nuanced, and we complete scoping with you
• To limit disruption we perform the transfer audit free of charge
• For other costs, we offer free, no-obligation quotes that break down exactly what you’re paying for including certification and maintenance fees

No surprise fees and no hidden costs. We provide straightforward pricing so you will see your ROI from day one.

Keep in mind that if there were any major nonconformities that were not closed out from a previous audit, those will need to be resolved before a transfer can be done or you may need to start over with a fresh audit. Of course, if this is the case we will inform you ahead of time so there are no surprises.

Question: Can I transfer mid-cycle, or do I have to wait?
Answer: There is a common myth that you are “locked in” until your three-year recertification audit. The reality is that you can move whenever you want!

According to the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (GACI, formerly known as IAF) rules found in IAF MD 2, you are able to transfer during a surveillance year or a recertification year.

If you’re unhappy with your current service or auditor, there’s no reason to wait. We step in, review your existing documentation, and work into your current audit cycle.

Question: Will my current registrar ‘retaliate’ if I leave?
Answer: This is a frequently mentioned statement in forums.  Accredited certification bodies must facilitate seamless transfers.

Professionalism is the backbone of our business. While PJR can’t control other registrars, we ensure your move to PJR is handled with total discretion. Our goal is a seamless hand-off.  You simply need to let your certification body know that you will be transferring. We handle everything from there.

Question: Do I have to start from scratch (Stage 1 & Stage 2)?
Answer: Starting over is the ultimate deal-breaker for most business owners and Quality Managers.

If your current certificate is valid and accredited by a recognized body (like ANAB or UKAS), you do not have to start over. It is a transfer, not a new certification. We perform a “Pre-Transfer Review” (essentially a document check) to make sure everything is in order, and then we simply take over the remaining cycle of your audit program. As mentioned above, if you have any unresolved major nonconformities the process may not be a simple transfer. Of course, we’ll let you know ahead of time.

Question: How much ‘overlap’ is required? I don’t want my cert to lapse.
Answer: The fear of a “gap” in certification will cause a great deal of stress to CEOs and keep Quality Managers up at night. Especially if your customers require proof of ISO status to stay on the bid list.

PJR’s dedicated scheduling team is obsessed with timelines. We recommend starting the conversation at least 60-90 days before your next scheduled audit. This gives us plenty of time to review your files and issue your new PJR certificate . That means no gaps, no lapses, and no panicked emails to your customers.

Question: Are your auditors actually going to add value, or just check boxes?
This is a common complaint in online forums. The statements go something like, “Our auditor has been coming for 10 years and adds zero value.”

Answer: This is where PJR truly shines. We utilize a Process Performance Auditing (PPA) method. We don’t look for “shalls” in a manual; we look at how your processes drive your business. Plus, with our global network of industry-experienced auditors, we match you with someone who understands your specific sector, whether that’s aerospace, medical devices, or cybersecurity.

The PJR Difference: When you call us, you talk to a real person. No automated loops, no “we’ll get back to you in three weeks.” From your first quote to your 20th surveillance audit, you have a dedicated project manager by your side.

Ready to stop “registrar shopping” and start partnering?
Contact PJR today at ‪(519) 783-1620‬ or email pjr@pjr.com to receive a free quote and learn how to transfer your certificate to a new registrar.

Eaglemaster Inc. Company Overview

Delivering Precision Metal Finishing Solutions Since 1988

Eaglemaster Inc., based in Plymouth, Minnesota, is a trusted provider of high-quality metal finishing contract services serving industries that require precision, consistency, and reliability in component finishing. Since 1988, the company has built a powerful reputation for delivering customized solutions supported by advanced technology, experienced personnel, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

From small production runs to large-scale manufacturing, Eaglemaster has the experience, equipment, and engineering capability to develop tailored finishing processes that meet exact customer requirements. Every project is approached with a focus on quality, precision, and long-term performance.

Comprehensive Metal Finishing Capabilities

Eaglemaster offers a full range of mass finishing and surface treatment services, including:

• Centrifugal Barrel Finishing for high-value and precision components requiring controlled part separation and cosmetic finishing.
• Vibratory Finishing & Tumble Deburring for cleaning, smoothing, and burr removal across a wide range of materials.
• Shot Peening for improved fatigue strength and resistance in high-stress applications such as aerospace and automotive.
• Bead and Grit Blasting for surface preparation, cosmetic finishing, and coating adhesion enhancement.
• Shot Blasting for aggressive cleaning, descaling, rust removal, and surface texturing.
• Steel Ball Burnishing for smooth, bright, and cosmetically refined finishes.
• Mechanical Metal Finishing for multi-stage processing that delivers a uniform, polished surface appearance.

Through these capabilities, Eaglemaster delivers consistent, high-performance results tailored to the needs of each customer and application.

Commitment to Quality and Continuous Improvement

Eaglemaster’s long-standing success is rooted in its dedication to quality assurance and continuous improvement. This commitment was further strengthened through its ISO 9001certification, achieved in partnership with Perry Johnson Registrars (PJR).

The certification process helped Eaglemaster enhance its quality management system, identify opportunities for improvement, and reinforce a culture of operational excellence. It also strengthened the company’s ability to maintain consistent quality standards across all processes while meeting increasing customer expectations.

Experience Working with PJR

Eaglemaster’s experience working with PJR was smooth, structured, and highly efficient from start to finish. The certification process was clearly defined, with well-organized documentation requirements and a logical audit flow that allowed the team to prepare effectively.

PJR’s responsive communication and professional approach helped simplify a complex certification process, ensuring clarity at every stage. The result was a seamless experience that reinforced confidence in both the process and the outcome.

Looking Ahead

Eaglemaster Inc. continues to focus on long-term growth through expanded capabilities, investment in talent, and ongoing operational development. The company remains committed to delivering defect-free, high-quality work on time and at competitive pricing while preparing for future industry demands and opportunities.

GET IN TOUCH WITH EAGLEMASTER INC.
15500 28th Ave. N, Plymouth, MN 55447
Email: info@eaglemasterinc.com
Phone: 763-231-4435 • Fax: 763-231-4436

At JSW Steel USA, large-scale steel manufacturing meets advanced technology and disciplined operational management. As a leading domestic steel producer, the company plays a critical role in supporting U.S. industries that rely on high-quality steel for infrastructure, energy, transportation, and heavy equipment applications.

With major manufacturing operations in Mingo Junction, Ohio and Baytown, Texas, the company produces a wide range of steel products including steel slabs, hot rolled coil, wide plate, and large-diameter LSAW (DSAW) line pipe. The Baytown facility runs one of the widest plate mills in the United States, capable of rolling plate up to 156 inches wide and up to 6 inches thick to support demanding industrial applications.

Strengthening Operations Through Certification

Across its two-site manufacturing footprint, ISO certification has helped strengthen the management systems that govern quality, environmental performance, and operational discipline at JSW Steel USA. Certification supports consistent execution across complex manufacturing processes while reinforcing traceability, compliance, and reliability for customers running in safety-critical and regulated industries.

For large capital-intensive operations like steel manufacturing, certification provides an important framework for continuous improvement and risk reduction. Structured systems for process control, documentation, and corrective action help ensure that performance expectations are met across the entire product lifecycle.

A Collaborative Partnership with Perry Johnson Registrars, Inc.

JSW Steel USA values its partnership with Perry Johnson Registrars, Inc. (PJR), noting that the audit process has been well aligned with the realities of operating in a heavy-industrial environment.

PJR’s audits provide thorough, standards-based evaluations that help validate JSW Steel USA’s systems while offering valuable feedback that supports year-over-year improvement. This collaborative approach reinforces a disciplined management structure that is essential for maintaining high performance in complex manufacturing operations.

Scale, Technology, and Domestic Manufacturing

JSW Steel USA distinguishes itself through its scale, advanced technology, and strong commitment to domestic manufacturing. At the Mingo Junction facility, the steelmaking platform includes the largest and most modern Consteel™ electric arc furnace (EAF) technology in North America, supporting efficient melting and consistent metallurgical control. Planned upgrades will enable slab production in thicknesses up to 12 inches, expanding capabilities for demanding plate and pipe applications.

Meanwhile, the Baytown operation combines wide plate rolling capacity with a large-diameter LSAW pipe mill capable of supporting both high-volume programs and specialized custom orders. Across the company’s footprint, the vast majority of products are melted, cast, and rolled in the United States, helping customers meet “melted and manufactured in the U.S.” and Buy America requirements.

JSW Steel USA operates as a subsidiary of JSW Steel Ltd., the flagship steel business of the JSW Group, and employs more than 800 people across its U.S. operations.

Investing in the Future

Looking ahead, JSW Steel USA continues to invest in modernization and expanded capabilities. The company has announced a $145 million investment at its Mingo Junction facility, including a vacuum tank degasser and slab caster upgrades with dynamic soft reduction technology to support domestically produced steel products.

At the Baytown facility, a $110 million plate mill modernization project is underway. These investments are part of a broader portfolio of improvements expected to be completed and commissioned by FY26, further strengthening domestic steel supply and manufacturing capability.

A Commitment to Safety, Quality, and Continuous Improvement

At its core, JSW Steel USA’s philosophy is rooted in safe operations, disciplined execution, and continuous improvement. The company prioritizes investments in people, systems, and processes to deliver reliable manufacturing outcomes while supporting long-term relationships with customers and the communities where it runs.

Through its continued partnership with PJR and its commitment to strong management systems, JSW Steel USA is well positioned to support the evolving needs of U.S. industry while keeping high standards for quality, environmental performance, and operational excellence.