The ISO 14001:2015 FDIS (Final Draft) standard was officially announced on July 2, 2015, and the long-awaited ISO 14001:2015 final standard will be released as scheduled in September this year. As the release time approaches, more and more organizations begin to consider the conversion of the new version of the certificate. Before clarifying certificate conversion, the following issues need to be understood:

First of all, although the standard release is imminent, don't be in a hurry! At present, the two important standards ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 are both in the FDIS stage and have not been officially promulgated.

Secondly, we have plenty of time! According to relevant guidelines, there will be a 3-year conversion period from the date of the official standard promulgation. The expected publication date for the official ISO 14001:2015 standard is September 2015. That is to say, the validity period of the current ISO 14001:2004 standard will be extended to the end of the 3-year conversion period, after which all certificates issued in accordance with the current standard will be invalid.

Finally, keep an eye out for changes to standards revisions and don't wait until the last minute in case your certification and your business are at risk.

So, what are the key nodes in the ISO 14001:2015 conversion process? According to the IAF guidelines and the information of the articles published in the new version of the standard, the following key nodes are envisaged:

July 2014 Draft International Standard (DIS)

July 2015 Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) - transition audit can be performed

September 2015 International Standard (IS) - 2015 certificate can be issued

In September 2018, the 2004 version of the certificate is invalid

It is worth noting that:

1. The certified organization can start to prepare according to the existing ISO14001 International Standard Draft (FDIS).

2. The final version of the ISO 14001 International Standard (FDIS) has been officially promulgated, and the certification body can qualify the auditors and start the transition audit.

3. The certification body can issue certification (for accredited certificates) only after the certification body is fully accredited. This accreditation can only be granted after a formal standard has been promulgated.

4. About 3 years after the promulgation of the ISO14001:2015 standard (that is, in 2018), the old version of the standard will no longer be recognized, and all relevant approval certificates will be invalidated.

When does ISO 14001:2004 expire?

Exactly 3 years after the date of promulgation of the revised standard, that is, in September 2018, all ISO 14001:2004 certificates will be void and invalid. In fact, all certificates issued in accordance with ISO 14001:2004 after the publication of the revised standard have the same expiry date: 3 years from the date of issue. Certified organizations must take all necessary steps to convert existing certificates in accordance with the ISO 14001:2015 standard during the above 3-year conversion period.

Tip: The above information is for reference only, please contact us for specific conversion arrangements.