Clause 7Terminology changeLow impact typical effort 1-2 hours
Terminology standardised across documentation requirements
What changed in the 2026 revision
All EMS records must be 'available as documented information'.
What auditors will look for
Key changes: 'available as documented information' replaces 'maintain documented information'; 'meet' replaces 'fulfil' for compliance obligations. Operational impact is minimal — this is primarily editorial alignment with Annex SL.
How to close the gap
- 1Search and replace 'fulfil compliance obligations' with 'meet compliance obligations'
- 2Update documentation references to use 'available as documented information'
Does your documentation meet this requirement?
Free scan checks this and the other 40 tracked changes against your actual EMS documents.
More changes in Clause 7
7.5 — Documentation requirements clarified — what t…7.4 — Communication must empower employee contribut…7.4 — Two-way feedback and reporting mechanisms7.5 — Documented information terminology alignment7.1 — Resources — determined and provided for EMS o…7.2 — Competence — training, education and experien…
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