FSC Introduces Interim Forest Stewardship Standard for South Africa’s Natural Forests

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has introduced an interim standard for South Africa’s natural forests, setting clear rules for responsible forest management and certification from July 1, 2026.

Namibian Standards Institution Testing Centre Retains Accreditation Under ISO 17025

The Namibian Standards Institution (NSI) has confirmed that its Testing Centre has retained accreditation for its laboratory services following a recent assessment, reaffirming compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017.

FSC Launches Interim Forest Stewardship Standard For Côte d’Ivoire

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has introduced a new Interim Forest Stewardship Standard (IFSS) for Côte d’Ivoire to set clear requirements for sustainable forest management and help protect the country’s remaining forest resources.

Quality Austria and ÖVQ Announce Finalists for DACH Quality Awards 2026

Quality Austria and the Austrian Association for Quality Assurance (ÖVQ) have announced the finalists for the 2026 Quality Awards, recognizing leading professionals, young talents, and teams across the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland).

FSSC Terminates KEBS License Agreement Under Sanction Policy

The Foundation FSSC has terminated the FSSC 22000 license agreement of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), effective January 12, 2026, under its sanction rules.

FSC Publishes Interim Forest Stewardship Standards for Mozambique and Türkiye

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has published new Interim Forest Stewardship Standards for Mozambique and Türkiye, with both standards set to take effect on March 15, 2026.

Sierra Leone Gets FSC Interim Standard for Forest Management

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has approved a new Interim Forest Stewardship Standard for Sierra Leone that will take effect in March 2026.

NiNAS Recognized for Key Accreditation Standards by Continental and International Bodies

The Nigerian National Accreditation System (NiNAS) has achieved Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) status with the African Accreditation Cooperation (AFRAC) for six key accreditation standards.

Zimbabwe’s Interim Standard Aims to Halt Deforestation and Advance Sustainable Forestry

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has released a new Interim Forest Stewardship Standard (IFSS) for Zimbabwe,

Five Countries Take Part in ISO 50001 Energy Management Training in South Africa

A new regional Training-of-Trainers (ToT) program focused on ISO 50001, the Energy Management System Standard,

Switzerland Invites Public Comments on ISO 9001 Draft Revision

Switzerland is calling on experts and stakeholders to review and comment on ISO/DIS 9001:2025,

Zambia Adopts FSC Provisional Standard for Responsible Forest Use

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has introduced a new Interim Forest Stewardship Standard (IFSS) for Zambia.

ISO 14001 Fourth Edition Officially Released

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published ISO 14001:2026, marking the release of the fourth edition of the world’s most widely used environmental management systems standard. 

Global ACI Introduced: IAF and ILAC Successor Presents New Identity

A new international accreditation body, Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated, has introduced a new identity as Global ACI, including a logo and communication channels after starting operations on January 1, 2026.

ISO 17067 Revision Expands Conformity Assessment Schemes

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Committee on Conformity Assessment (CASCO) is revising ISO/IEC 17067 to expand its scope from product certification to a broader framework for conformity assessment schemes.

ISO Establishes Working Group on Environmental and Social Impact Data in Agrifood Systems

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has set up a new working group under ISO/TC 347 to develop a standardized way to record and share data on environmental and social impacts across agrifood supply chains.

European AI Standard for Computer Vision prEN 18281 Enters Public Enquiry

A European draft standard, prEN 18281, for evaluating AI systems that analyze images and video has entered public enquiry, setting out how such systems should be assessed as part of the broader framework supporting the EU AI Act.

Work Begins on IEC 60601-1 Medical Electrical Equipment Safety Standard Update

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has begun work on updating IEC 60601-1, the core standard for the safety and essential performance of medical electrical equipment.

ISSB Proposes Updates to Three SASB Standards, Refining Sustainability Reporting in Agriculture, Food and Power

The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has issued a consultation on proposed amendments to three Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Standards to support alignment with IFRS S1 and IFRS S2,

FSC Proposes New Approach To Intact Forest Landscapes Protection

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has launched two public consultations on draft Advice Notes to strengthen how Intact Forest Landscapes (IFLs) are managed and protected.

VDA Releases Automotive SPICE Yellow Volume 3rd Revised Edition for Public Review

The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) Quality Management Center (QMC) has released the Automotive SPICE Yellow Volume 3rd revised edition, opening a public feedback period until May 12, 2026.

Technical Guides Explain 2026 Updates to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001

Global certification body Bureau Veritas has released two technical guides on the revised versions of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001,

VDA 20 Guide on AI in Quality Management Opens for Feedback

The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) has released VDA 20 – AI in Quality Management as a draft document and opened it for public feedback until June 30, 2026,

ISO 14155 on Clinical Investigations of Medical Devices in Humans Updated

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published ISO 14155:2026, updating the global Good Clinical Practice standard for clinical investigations of medical devices in human subjects.